1
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Kim HS, Kim JS, Kim JM, Han JW, Lee SK, Nam H, Sung PS, Kwon JH, Bae SH, Choi JY, Yoon SK, Jang JW. Differential HBV replicative markers and covalently closed circular DNA transcription in immune-active chronic hepatitis B with and without HBeAg. Liver Int 2024; 44:2753-2762. [PMID: 39073214 DOI: 10.1111/liv.16032] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Molecular processes driving immune-active chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with and without hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate expression profiles of serum and intrahepatic HBV markers and replicative activity of HBV in CHB patients with or without HBeAg. METHODS This study recruited 111 untreated immune-active CHB (60 HBeAg-positive and 51 HBeAg-negative) patients and quantified intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA), total HBV DNA (tDNA), and replicative intermediates as well as serum HBV markers (HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core-related antigen). Correlations between HBV markers and clinico-virological factors influencing expression levels of HBV markers were analysed. RESULTS Levels of all serum markers and intrahepatic cccDNA/tDNA as well as cccDNA transcriptional activity and virion productivity were significantly reduced in HBeAg-negative patients compared to those in HBeAg-positive patients. Additionally, correlations between intrahepatic cccDNA/pgRNA and serum markers were impaired in HBeAg-negative individuals. Aminotransferase levels were positively correlated with cccDNA transcriptional activity in HBeAg-positive patients, but not in HBeAg-negative patients. Notably, among HBeAg-positive patients, there was a progressive decline in pgRNA level, transcriptional activity, and serum HBV markers as liver fibrosis advanced, which was not observed in HBeAg-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS HBeAg loss is correlated with diminished intrahepatic HBV reservoirs and cccDNA transcription, leading to decreased serum HBV marker levels. Circulating HBV markers are not reliable indicators of intrahepatic HBV replicative activity for HBeAg-negative patients. Our findings reveal distinct disease phenotypes between immune-active CHB with and without HBeAg, highlighting the need to establish optimal surrogate biomarkers that can accurately mirror intrahepatic viral activity to aid in decision-making for antiviral therapy for immune-active CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Seon Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Collage of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Seoub Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Collage of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Min Kim
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Collage of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Han
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Collage of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Kyu Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Collage of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heechul Nam
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Collage of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Collage of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Kwon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Collage of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Collage of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Collage of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Collage of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, Collage of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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2
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Li W, Wang S, Jin Y, Mu X, Liu Q, Cui X. The role of the hepatitis B virus genome and its integration in the hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1469016. [PMID: 39309526 PMCID: PMC11412822 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1469016] [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: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The integration of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is now known to be closely associated with the occurrence of liver cancer and can impact the functionality of liver cells through multiple dimensions. However, despite the detailed understanding of the characteristics of HBV integration and the mechanisms involved, the subsequent effects on cellular function are still poorly understood in current research. This study first systematically discusses the relationship between HBV integration and the occurrence of liver cancer, and then analyzes the status of the viral genome produced by HBV replication, highlighting the close relationship and structure between double-stranded linear (DSL)-HBV DNA and the occurrence of viral integration. The integration of DSL-HBV DNA leads to a certain preference for HBV integration itself. Additionally, exploration of HBV integration hotspots reveals obvious hotspot areas of HBV integration on the human genome. Virus integration in these hotspot areas is often associated with the occurrence and development of liver cancer, and it has been determined that HBV integration can promote the occurrence of cancer by inducing genome instability and other aspects. Furthermore, a comprehensive study of viral integration explored the mechanisms of viral integration and the internal integration mode, discovering that HBV integration may form extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA), which exists outside the chromosome and can integrate into the chromosome under certain conditions. The prospect of HBV integration as a biomarker was also probed, with the expectation that combining HBV integration research with CRISPR technology will vigorously promote the progress of HBV integration research in the future. In summary, exploring the characteristics and mechanisms in HBV integration holds significant importance for an in-depth comprehension of viral integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyang Li
- Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, China
| | - Suhao Wang
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, China
| | - Yani Jin
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, China
| | - Xiao Mu
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, China
| | - Qingbin Liu
- Jining First People's Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, China
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People's Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xiaofang Cui
- Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- School of Biological Science, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, China
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3
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Gu Z, Jiang Q, Abulaiti A, Chen X, Li M, Gao N, Guan G, Zhang T, Yang D, Xi J, Yu G, Liu S, Zhu Z, Gao Z, Zhao J, Huang H, Chen X, Lu F. Hepatitis B virus enhancer 1 activates preS1 and preS2 promoters of integrated HBV DNA impairing HBsAg secretion. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:101144. [PMID: 39253701 PMCID: PMC11381774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims The expression of HBsAg from integrated HBV DNA limits the achievement of functional cure for chronic hepatitis B. Thus, characterising the unique expression and secretion of HBsAg derived from integrated HBV DNA is of clinical significance. Methods A total of 563 treatment-naive patients and 62 functionally cured patients were enrolled, and HBsAg and HBcAg immunohistochemistry of their liver biopsy tissues was conducted followed by semi-quantitative analysis. Then, based on stratified analysis of HBeAg-positive and -negative patients, long-read RNA sequencing analysis, as well as an in vitro HBV integration model, we explored the HBsAg secretion characteristics of integrated HBV DNA and underlying mechanisms. Results In contrast to the significantly lower serum HBsAg levels, no significant decrease of intrahepatic HBsAg protein was observed in HBeAg-negative patients, as compared with HBeAg-positive patients. The results of long-read RNA sequencing of liver tissues from patients with chronic HBV infection and in vitro studies using integrated HBV DNA mimicking dslDNA plasmid revealed that, the lower HBsAg secretion efficiency seen in HBeAg-negative patients might be attributed to an increased proportion of preS1 mRNA derived from integrated HBV DNA instead of covalently closed circular DNA. The latter resulted in an increased L-HBsAg proportion and impaired HBsAg secretion. Enhancer 1 (EnhI) in integrated HBV DNA could retarget preS1 (SP1) and preS2 (SP2) promoters to disrupt their transcriptional activity balance. Conclusions The secretion of HBsAg originating from integrated HBV DNA was impaired. Mechanistically, functional deficiency of core promoter leads to retargeting of EnhI and thus uneven activation of the SP1 over the SP2 promoter, resulting in an increase in the proportion of L-HBsAg. Impact and implications Integrated hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA can serve as an important reservoir for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) expression, and this limits the achievement of a functional cure. This study revealed that secretion efficiency is lower for HBsAg derived from integrated HBV DNA than HBsAg derived from covalently closed circular DNA, as determined by the unique sequence features of integrated HBV DNA. This study can broaden our understanding of the role of HBV integration and shed new light on antiviral strategies to facilitate a functional cure. We believe our results are of great general interest to a broad audience, including patients and patient organisations, the medical community, academia, the life science industry and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Gu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qianqian Jiang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Abudurexiti Abulaiti
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojie Chen
- Liver Transplantation Center, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingwei Li
- Research Center for Clinical Medical Sciences, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Na Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guiwen Guan
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Danli Yang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyuan Xi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Guangxin Yu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuhong Liu
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhijun Zhu
- Liver Transplantation Center, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Liver Transplantation of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiliang Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingmin Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxin Huang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Biosecurity, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
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Li D, Hamadalnil Y, Tu T. Hepatitis B Viral Protein HBx: Roles in Viral Replication and Hepatocarcinogenesis. Viruses 2024; 16:1361. [PMID: 39339838 PMCID: PMC11437454 DOI: 10.3390/v16091361] [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: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health concern worldwide, with approximately 296 million individuals chronically infected. The HBV-encoded X protein (HBx) is a regulatory protein of 17 kDa, reportedly responsible for a broad range of functions, including viral replication and oncogenic processes. In this review, we summarize the state of knowledge on the mechanisms underlying HBx functions in viral replication, the antiviral effect of therapeutics directed against HBx, and the role of HBx in liver cancer development (including a hypothetical model of hepatocarcinogenesis). We conclude by highlighting major unanswered questions in the field and the implications of their answers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
| | | | - Thomas Tu
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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5
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Hung JH, Teng CF, Hung HC, Chen YL, Chen PJ, Ho CL, Chuang CH, Huang W. Genomic instabilities in hepatocellular carcinoma: biomarkers and application in immunotherapies. Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101546. [PMID: 39147130 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers. For patients with advanced HCC, liver function decompensation often occurs, which leads to poor tolerance to chemotherapies and other aggressive treatments. Therefore, it remains critical to develop effective therapeutic strategies for HCC. Etiological factors for HCC are complex and multifaceted, including hepatitis virus infection, alcohol, drug abuse, chronic metabolic abnormalities, and others. Thus, HCC has been categorized as a "genomically unstable" cancer due to the typical manifestation of chromosome breakage and aneuploidy, and oxidative DNA damage. In recent years, immunotherapy has provided a new option for cancer treatments, and the degree of genomic instability positively correlates with immunotherapy efficacies. This article reviews the endogenous and exogenous causes that affect the genomic stability of liver cells; it also updates the current biomarkers and their detection methods for genomic instabilities and relevant applications in cancer immunotherapies. Including genomic instability biomarkers in consideration of cancer treatment options shall increase the patients' well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Hsiang Hung
- Department of Biotechnology, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy & Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Feng Teng
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Organ Transplantation Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Chin Hung
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lin Chen
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Jun Chen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Liang Ho
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsiang Chuang
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wenya Huang
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan; Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Center of Infectious Diseases and Signal Transduction, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan..
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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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7
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Zhang H, Li M, Liu H, Dong Y, Li W, Zhao P. Juveniles, young adults, and infants with hepatitis B virus infection: A genomic study. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29530. [PMID: 38529528 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29530] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Integration of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA into the human genome is recognized as an oncogenic factor and a barrier to hepatitis B cure. In the study, biopsy liver tissues were collected from adolescents and young adults with acute HBV infection younger than or equal to 35 years of age and from HBV-infected infant patients younger than or equal to 6 months of age. A high-throughput sequencing method was used to detect HBV DNA integration. Totally, 12 adolescents, young adults, and 6 infants were included. Among the 12 patients with acute HBV infection, immunohistochemical staining of intrahepatic hepatitis B surface antigen for all displayed negative results, and no HBV DNA integrants in the hepatocyte DNA were confirmed. All infant patients had elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and high levels of serum HBV DNA. Numerous gene sites of hepatocyte DNA were integrated by HBV DNA for each infant patient, ranging from 120 to 430 integration sites. The fragile histidine triad gene was the high-frequency integrated site in the intragenic region for infant patients. In conclusion, hepatocyte DNA is integrated by HBV DNA in babies with active hepatitis B but seems seldom affected among adolescents and young adults with acute HBV infection. Infantile hepatitis B should be taken seriously considering abundant HBV DNA integration events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwen Zhang
- Chinese PLA Medical School & Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Meina Li
- Faculty of Military Health Service, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Liu
- The Fifth Medical Center (formerly Beijing 302 Hospital), Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Dong
- The Fifth Medical Center (formerly Beijing 302 Hospital), Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weijie Li
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Pan Zhao
- The Fifth Medical Center (formerly Beijing 302 Hospital), Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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8
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Simon F, Thoma-Kress AK. Intercellular Transport of Viral Proteins. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 73:435-474. [PMID: 39242389 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-62036-2_18] [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] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Viruses are vehicles to exchange genetic information and proteins between cells and organisms by infecting their target cells either cell-free, or depending on cell-cell contacts. Several viruses like certain retroviruses or herpesviruses transmit by both mechanisms. However, viruses have also evolved the properties to exchange proteins between cells independent of viral particle formation. This exchange of viral proteins can be directed to target cells prior to infection to interfere with restriction factors and intrinsic immunity, thus, making the target cell prone to infection. However, also bystander cells, e.g. immune cell populations, can be targeted by viral proteins to dampen antiviral responses. Mechanistically, viruses exploit several routes of cell-cell communication to exchange viral proteins like the formation of extracellular vesicles or the formation of long-distance connections like tunneling nanotubes. Although it is known that viral nucleic acids can be transferred between cells as well, this chapter concentrates on viral proteins of human pathogenic viruses covering all Baltimore classes and summarizes our current knowledge on intercellular transport of viral proteins between cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Simon
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Uniklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea K Thoma-Kress
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Uniklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
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9
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Su YP, Lin SY, Su IJ, Kao YL, Shen SC, Earl JP, Ehrlich GD, Chen CY, Huang W, Su YH, Tsai HW. Characterization of integrated hepatitis B virus DNA harboring pre-S mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with ground glass hepatocytes. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29348. [PMID: 38180275 PMCID: PMC10802935 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29348] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Ground glass hepatocytes (GGHs) have been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence and poor prognosis. We previously demonstrated that pre-S expression in some GGHs is resistant to current hepatitis B virus (HBV) antiviral therapies. This study aimed to investigate whether integrated HBV DNA (iDNA) is the primary HBV DNA species responsible for sustained pre-S expression in GGH after effective antiviral therapy. We characterized 10 sets of micro-dissected, formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded, and frozen GGH, HCC, and adjacent hepatitis B surface antigen-negative stained tissues for iDNA, pre-S deletions, and the quantity of covalently closed circular DNA. Eight patients had detectable pre-S deletions, and nine had detectable iDNA. Interestingly, eight patients had integrations within the TERT and CCNE1 genes, which are known recurrent integration sites associated with HCC. Furthermore, we observed a recurrent integration in the ABCC13 gene. Additionally, we identified variations in the type and quantity of pre-S deletions within individual sets of tissues by junction-specific PacBio long-read sequencing. The data from long-read sequencing indicate that some pre-S deletions were acquired following the integration events. Our findings demonstrate that iDNA exists in GGH and can be responsible for sustained pre-S expression in GGH after effective antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yih-Ping Su
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University, College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
| | | | - Ih-Jen Su
- Department of Biotechnology, Southern Taiwan University of Science Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lan Kao
- The Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, U.S.A
| | | | - Joshua P. Earl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University, College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
| | - Garth D. Ehrlich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Drexel University, College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
| | - Cheng-Yi Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wenya Huang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hsiu Su
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University, College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A. and The Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, U.S.A
| | - Hung-Wen Tsai
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Svicher V, Salpini R, D’Anna S, Piermatteo L, Iannetta M, Malagnino V, Sarmati L. New insights into hepatitis B virus lymphotropism: Implications for HBV-related lymphomagenesis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1143258. [PMID: 37007163 PMCID: PMC10050604 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1143258] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
HBV is one of the most widespread hepatitis viruses worldwide, and a correlation between chronic infection and liver cancer has been clearly reported. The carcinogenic capacity of HBV has been reported for other solid tumors, but the largest number of studies focus on its possible lymphomagenic role. To update the correlation between HBV infection and the occurrence of lymphatic or hematologic malignancies, the most recent evidence from epidemiological and in vitro studies has been reported. In the context of hematological malignancies, the strongest epidemiological correlations are with the emergence of lymphomas, in particular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (HR 2.10 [95% CI 1.34-3.31], p=0.001) and, more specifically, all NHL B subtypes (HR 2.14 [95% CI 1.61-2.07], p<0.001). Questionable and unconfirmed associations are reported between HBV and NHL T subtypes (HR 1.11 [95% CI 0.88-1.40], p=0.40) and leukemia. The presence of HBV DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells has been reported by numerous studies, and its integration in the exonic regions of some genes is considered a possible source of carcinogenesis. Some in vitro studies have shown the ability of HBV to infect, albeit not productively, both lymphomonocytes and bone marrow stem cells, whose differentiation is halted by the virus. As demonstrated in animal models, HBV infection of blood cells and the persistence of HBV DNA in peripheral lymphomonocytes and bone marrow stem cells suggests that these cellular compartments may act as HBV reservoirs, allowing replication to resume later in the immunocompromised patients (such as liver transplant recipients) or in subjects discontinuing effective antiviral therapy. The pathogenetic mechanisms at the basis of HBV carcinogenic potential are not known, and more in-depth studies are needed, considering that a clear correlation between chronic HBV infection and hematological malignancies could benefit both antiviral drugs and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Svicher
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano D’Anna
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Piermatteo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Iannetta
- Clinical Infectious Diseases, Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Malagnino
- Clinical Infectious Diseases, Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Clinical Infectious Diseases, Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Durantel D. Therapies against chronic hepatitis B infections: The times they are a-changin', but the changing is slow! Antiviral Res 2023; 210:105515. [PMID: 36603773 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105515] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PREAMBULAR NOTA BENE As a tribute to Dr Mike Bray, the following review of literature willbe mainly based on published data andconcepts, but will also contain my personal views, and in this respect could be more considered as a bioassay. Even though a cost-effective and excellent prophylactic vaccine exists since many years to protect against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, academic-researcher/drug-developers/stakeholders are still busy with the R&D of novel therapies that could eventually have an impact on its worldwide incidence. The Taiwanese experience have univocally demonstrated the effectiveness of constrained national HBV prophylactic vaccination programs to prevent the most dramatic HBV-induced end-stage liver disease, which is hepatocellular carcinoma; but yet the number of individuals chronically infected with the virus, for whom the existing prophylactic vaccine is no longer useful, remains high, with around 300 million individuals around the globe. In this review/bioassay, recent findings and novel concepts on prospective therapies against HBV infections will be discussed; yet it does not have the pretention to be exhaustive, as "pure immunotherapeutic concepts" will be mainly let aside (or referred to other reviews) due to a lack of expertise of this writer, but also due to the lack of, or incremental, positive results in clinical trials as-off today with these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Durantel
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), INSERM U1111, UMR_5308 CNRS-Université de Lyon (UCBL1), ENS de Lyon, Lyon, 69007, France.
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Yeh SH, Li CL, Lin YY, Ho MC, Wang YC, Tseng ST, Chen PJ. Hepatitis B Virus DNA Integration Drives Carcinogenesis and Provides a New Biomarker for HBV-related HCC. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:921-929. [PMID: 36690297 PMCID: PMC9972564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA integration is an incidental event in the virus replication cycle and occurs in less than 1% of infected hepatocytes during viral infection. However, HBV DNA is present in the genome of approximately 90% of HBV-related HCCs and is the most common somatic mutation. Whole genome sequencing of liver tissues from chronic hepatitis B patients showed integration occurring at random positions in human chromosomes; however, in the genomes of HBV-related HCC patients, there are integration hotspots. Both the enrichment of the HBV-integration proportion in HCC and the emergence of integration hotspots suggested a strong positive selection of HBV-integrated hepatocytes to progress to HCC. The activation of HBV integration hotspot genes, such as telomerase (TERT) or histone methyltransferase (MLL4/KMT2B), resembles insertional mutagenesis by oncogenic animal retroviruses. These candidate oncogenic genes might shed new light on HBV-related HCC biology and become targets for new cancer therapies. Finally, the HBV integrations in individual HCC contain unique sequences at the junctions, such as virus-host chimera DNA (vh-DNA) presumably being a signature molecule for individual HCC. HBV integration may thus provide a new cell-free tumor DNA biomarker to monitor residual HCC after curative therapies or to track the development of de novo HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiou-Hwei Yeh
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; National Taiwan University Center for Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Ling Li
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - You-Yu Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University College of Life Science, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Ho
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Pei-Jer Chen
- National Taiwan University Center for Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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