Amador-Cañizares Y, Martínez-Donato G, Álvarez-Lajonchere L, Vasallo C, Dausá M, Aguilar-Noriega D, Valenzuela C, Raíces I, Dubuisson J, Wychowski C, Cinza-Estévez Z, Castellanos M, Núñez M, Armas A, González Y, Revé I, Guerra I, Pérez Aguiar &A, Dueñas-Carrera S. HCV-specific immune responses induced by CIGB-230 in combination with IFN-α plus ribavirin.
World J Gastroenterol 2014;
20:148-162. [PMID:
24415868 PMCID:
PMC3886004 DOI:
10.3748/wjg.v20.i1.148]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To analyze hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific immune responses in chronically infected patients under triple therapy with interferon-α (IFN-α) plus ribavirin and CIGB-230.
METHODS: CIGB-230 was administered in different schedules with respect to IFN-α plus ribavirin therapy. Paired serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) samples from baseline and end of treatment were analyzed. The HCV-specific humoral response was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, neutralizing antibodies were evaluated by cell culture HCV neutralization assays, PBMC proliferation was assayed by carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester staining and IFN-γ secretion was assessed by enzyme-linked immunospot. Data on virological and histological response and their association with immune variables are also provided.
RESULTS: From week 12 to week 48, all groups of patients showed a significant reduction in mean leukocyte counts. Statistically significant reductions in antibody titers were frequent, but only individuals immunized with CIGB-230 as early add-on treatment sustained the core-IgG response, and the neutralizing antibody response was enhanced only in patients receiving CIGB-230. Cell-mediated immune responses also tended to decline, but significant reductions in IFN-γ secretion and total absence of core-specific lymphoproliferation were exclusive of the control group. Only CIGB-230-immunized individuals showed de novo induced lymphoproliferative responses against the structural antigens. Importantly, it was demonstrated that the quality of the CIGB-230-induced immune response depended on the number of doses and timing of administration in relation to the antiviral therapy. Specifically, the administration of 6 doses of CIGB-230 as late add-on to therapy increased the neutralizing antibody activity and the de novo core-specific IFN-γ secretion, both of which were associated with the sustained virological response.
CONCLUSION: CIGB-230, combined with IFN-α-based therapy, modifies the immune response in chronic patients. The study provides evidence for the design of more effective therapeutic vaccine interventions against HCV.
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