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Dooley L, Ahmad T, Ozberk V, Pandey M, Good M, Kotiw M. Chimeric hepatitis B surface antigen virus-like particles expressing the strep A epitope p*17 elicit a humoral immune response in mice. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30606. [PMID: 38765111 PMCID: PMC11101775 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
To optimize immunogenicity, bacterial epitopes in putative vaccine constructs can be presented to immune cells as multiple repeated structures on a defined nanoparticle. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are viral capsid proteins that self-assemble to form compact and highly ordered nanoparticles that are within the optimal size range for uptake by dendritic cells. VLPs mimic the live virus in size and form but contain no viral genetic material, are therefore noninfective and are the basis of safe and effective vaccines against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV). Due to their particulate nature, molecular stability, and expression of high density and repetitive antigen displays, recombinant cell culture-derived VLPs are ideal platforms for the delivery of small molecules, including bacterial epitopes. We developed a putative vaccine by expressing a minimal epitope from the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A) on the surface of a recombinant VLP comprising multiple copies of HBV small envelope protein (HBsAg-S). Strep A is responsible for a wide spectrum of human infections and postinfectious diseases that disproportionately affect children and young adults living in resource-poor communities. No vaccine is currently available to offer sufficiently broad protection from the numerous and diverse strains of Strep A endemic in these at-risk populations. The Strep A antigen targeted by our vaccine construct is p*17, a cryptic epitope from a highly conserved region of the Strep A M-protein with demonstrated enhanced immunogenicity and broad protective potential against Strep A. To ensure surface expression and optimal immunogenicity, we expressed p*17 within the immunodominant "a" determinant of HBsAg-S. The recombinant VLPs (VLP-p*17) expressed in HEK293T cells spontaneously formed 22 nm particles and induced the production of high titers of p*17-specific IgG in BALB/c mice immunized with three 0.5 μg doses of VLP-p*17 formulated with adjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Dooley
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tarek Ahmad
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Victoria Ozberk
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Manisha Pandey
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Kotiw
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
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2
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Osasona OG, Oguntoye OO, Arowosaye AO, Abdulkareem LO, Adewumi MO, Happi C, Folarin O. Patterns of hepatitis b virus immune escape and pol/rt mutations across clinical cohorts of patients with genotypes a, e and occult hepatitis b infection in Nigeria: A multi-centre study. Virulence 2023; 14:2218076. [PMID: 37262110 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2218076] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) immune escape and Pol/RT mutations account for HBV immunoprophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic failure globally. Little is known about circulating HBV immune escape and Pol/RT mutants in Nigeria. This study focused on narrowing the knowledge gap of the pattern and prevalence of the HBV mutants across clinical cohorts of infected patients in southwestern Nigeria. Ninety-five enrollees were purposively recruited across clinical cohorts of HBV-infected patients with HBsAg or anti-HBc positive serological outcome and occult HBV infection. Total DNA was extracted from patients' sera. HBV S and Pol gene-specific nested PCR amplification was carried out. The amplicons were further sequenced for serotypic, genotypic, phylogenetic, and mutational analysis. HBV S and Pol genes were amplified in 60 (63.2%) and 19 (20%) of HBV isolates, respectively. All the sixty HBV S gene and 14 of 19 Pol gene sequences were exploitable. The ayw4 serotype was predominant (95%) while ayw1 serotype was identified in 5% of isolates. Genotype E predominates in 95% of sequences, while genotype A, sub-genotype A3 was observed in 5%. Prevalence of HBV IEMs in the "a" determinant region was 29%. Commonest HBV IEM was S113T followed by G145A and D144E. The Pol/RT mutations rtV214A and rtI163V among others were identified in this study. This study provided data on the occurrence of existing and new HBV IEMs and Pol gene mutations in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwadamilola G Osasona
- African Centre of Excellence for the Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemers University, Ede, Nigeria
| | | | - Abiola O Arowosaye
- Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Lukman O Abdulkareem
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Moses O Adewumi
- Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Christian Happi
- African Centre of Excellence for the Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemers University, Ede, Nigeria
| | - Onikepe Folarin
- African Centre of Excellence for the Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemers University, Ede, Nigeria
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3
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Qu W, Sui L, Li Y. Vaccine escape challenges virus prevention: The example of two vaccine-preventable oncogenic viruses. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29184. [PMID: 37943176 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Over the years, the pace of developing vaccines for HBV and HPV has never stopped. After more than 30 years of application, the HBV vaccine has reduced 80% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, vaccine escape variants occur under selective pressure induced by widespread vaccination and antiviral therapy, which results in fulminant infection and horizontal transmission. Several mechanisms have been studied to explain HBV vaccine escape, including vaccine escape mutations (VEMs) in the major hydrophilic region, which leads to a decrease in the binding ability to neutralize antibodies and is the primary escape mechanism, protein conformational and N-linked glycosylation sites changes caused by VEMs, differences in genotype distribution, gene recombination, and some temporarily unknown reasons. However, effective solutions are still being explored. The HPV vaccine has also been proven to prevent 70%-90% of cervical cancer worldwide. Cases of HPV infection after being vaccinated have been observed in clinical practice. However, few researchers have paid attention to the mechanism of HPV vaccine escape. Thus, we reviewed the literature on vaccine escape of both HBV and HPV to discuss the mechanism of the virus escaping from vaccine protection and possible solutions to this problem. We analyzed the gap between studies of HPV and HBV and made prospects for further research in HPV vaccine escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Qu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Long Sui
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyun Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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4
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Yoon KC, Seo S, Lee KW, Oh SC, Park MY, Hong SK, Choi Y, Yi NJ, Suh KS. Hepatitis B immunoglobulin inhibits the secretion of HBV via antigen-antibody precipitation in the multivesicular body. Am J Transl Res 2023; 15:5908-5920. [PMID: 37854220 PMCID: PMC10579012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although the main action of human hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) is to neutralize hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) in serum, HBIG is known to be localized in the cell. However, the effect of intracellularly located HBIG is poorly understood because of the low purity of conventional plasma-derived HBIG (cHBIG). We attempted to elucidate the mechanism of action of internalized HBIG using recombinant HBIG (lenvervimab). METHODS We used HBsAg producing cell lines, non-HBsAg cell lines and human HBsAg-producing hepatocytes. The autophagosome lysis pathway-related proteins Rab5, calnexin, giantin, and Rab7 were used to localize HBsAg and anti-HBs-IgG in the cytoplasm using Western blotting and confocal microscopy. RESULTS Intracellular anti-HBs-IgG (lenvervimab and cHBIG) transported via Fc receptor-mediated endocytosis increased the number of autophagosomes. However, there was no change in autolysis. HBsAg and anti-HBs-IgG co-localized in the multivesicular body and precipitated in the cytoplasm. HBsAg secretion into culture medium decreased after lenvervimab treatment. Simultaneously, the amount of cellular HBsAg increased in the cell lines but decreased in human hepatocytes. Furthermore, intracellular lenvervimab is not easily removed from HBsAg cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Lenvervimab decreases HBsAg secretion, and HBsAg antibody precipitation in the multivesicular body may play an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Chul Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Boramae Medical CenterSeoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooin Seo
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Woong Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Cheol Oh
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Young Park
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Kyun Hong
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoul, Republic of Korea
| | - YoungRok Choi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Joon Yi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Suk Suh
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of MedicineSeoul, Republic of Korea
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Roca TP, Villar LM, Nogueira Lima FS, Vasconcelos MPA, Borzacov LMP, Silva EDCE, do Lago BV, da Silva MTL, Botelho Souza LF, Salcedo JMV, dos Santos ADO, Vieira DS. Genomic Variability of Hepatitis B Virus Circulating in Brazilian Western Amazon. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102100. [PMID: 36298655 PMCID: PMC9611064 DOI: 10.3390/v14102100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of clinically relevant mutations in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome has been a matter of great debate because of the possibility of escape from the host’s immune system, the potential to cause more severe progression of liver diseases and the emergence of treatment-resistant variants. Here we characterized the circulating variants of HBV in Rondônia State, in the north of Brazil. Serum samples of 62 chronic HBV carriers were subjected to PCR assays and clinical data were collected. Mutations and genotypes were characterized through direct sequencing. The findings show the presence of subgenotypes A1 (54.83%, 34/62), D3 (16.13%, 10/62), F2 (16.13%, 10/62), A2 (4.84%, 3/62), D2 (3.23%, 2/62), D1 (1.61%, 1/62), D4 (1.61%, 1/62) and F4 (1.61%, 1/62). Deletions in the pre-S2 region were found in 13.79% (8/58) of the samples, mutations in the S gene in 59.68% (37/62) and RT mutations in 48.39% (30/62). We found a variable genotypic distribution in different locations and important mutations related to immune escape and drug resistance in Western Amazonia, which contributed to genetic surveillance and provided important information to help control the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tárcio Peixoto Roca
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation of Rondônia—FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho 76812-245, Brazil
- Correspondence: (T.P.R.); (L.M.V.)
| | - Livia Melo Villar
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Correspondence: (T.P.R.); (L.M.V.)
| | - Felipe Souza Nogueira Lima
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation of Rondônia—FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho 76812-245, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Bárbara Vieira do Lago
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Mayara Torquato Lima da Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Structural Bioengineering, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | | | - Juan Miguel Villalobos Salcedo
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation of Rondônia—FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho 76812-245, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine Research Center of Rondônia—CEPEM/RO, Porto Velho 76812-329, Brazil
| | | | - Deusilene Souza Vieira
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation of Rondônia—FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho 76812-245, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine Research Center of Rondônia—CEPEM/RO, Porto Velho 76812-329, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Experimental Biology, Federal University of Rondônia—PGBIOEXP/UNIR, Porto Velho 76801-059, Brazil
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Konopleva MV, Borisova VN, Sokolova MV, Semenenko TA, Suslov AP. Recombinant HBsAg of the Wild-Type and the G145R Escape Mutant, included in the New Multivalent Vaccine against Hepatitis B Virus, Dramatically Differ in their Effects on Leukocytes from Healthy Donors In Vitro. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020235. [PMID: 35214692 PMCID: PMC8880183 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune-escape hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants play an important role in HBV spread. Recently, the multivalent vaccine Bubo®-Unigep has been developed to protect against both wild-type HBV and the most significant G145R mutant. Here, we compared the effects of recombinant HBsAg antigens, wild-type and mutated at G145R, both included in the new vaccine, on activation of a human high-density culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro. The antigens were used either alone or in combination with phytohemagglutinin (PHA). None of the antigens alone affected the expression of CD40, HLA-DR or CD279. Wild-type HBsAg enhanced CD86 and CD69 expression, and induced TNF-α, IL-10, and IFN-γ, regardless of the anti-HBsAg status of donor. In the presence of PHA, wild-type HBsAg had no effect on either of the tested surface markers, but increased IFN-γ and IL-10 and inhibited IL-2. In contrast, the G145R mutant alone did not affect CD86 expression, it induced less CD69, and stimulated IL-2 along with lowering levels of TNF-α, IL-10, and IFN-γ. The G145R mutant also suppressed PHA-induced activation of CD69. The dramatic differences in the immune responses elicited by wild-type HBsAg and the G145R mutant HBsAg suggest distinct adaptive capabilities of the G145R mutant HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V. Konopleva
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.S.); (T.A.S.); (A.P.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Maria V. Sokolova
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.S.); (T.A.S.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Tatyana A. Semenenko
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.S.); (T.A.S.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Anatoly P. Suslov
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.S.); (T.A.S.); (A.P.S.)
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7
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Phan NMH, Faddy HM, Flower RL, Dimech WJ, Spann KM, Roulis EV. Low Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis B Virus Surface Gene amongst Australian Blood Donors. Viruses 2021; 13:1275. [PMID: 34208852 PMCID: PMC8310342 DOI: 10.3390/v13071275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Variants in the small surface gene of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which codes for viral surface antigen (HBsAg), can affect the efficacy of HBsAg screening assays and can be associated with occult HBV infection (OBI). This study aimed to characterise the molecular diversity of the HBV small surface gene from HBV-reactive Australian blood donors. HBV isolates from 16 HBsAg-positive Australian blood donors' plasma were sequenced and genotyped by phylogenies of viral coding genes and/or whole genomes. An analysis of the genetic diversity of eight HBV small surface genes from our 16 samples was conducted and compared with HBV sequences from NCBI of 164 international (non-Australian) blood donors. Genotypes A-D were identified in our samples. The region of HBV small surface gene that contained the sequence encoding the 'a' determinant had a greater genetic diversity than the remaining part of the gene. No escape mutants or OBI-related variants were observed in our samples. Variant call analysis revealed two samples with a nucleotide deletion leading to truncation of polymerase and/or large/middle surface amino acid sequences. Overall, we found that HBV small surface gene sequences from Australian donors demonstrated a lower level of genetic diversity than those from non-Australian donor population included in the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Minh Hien Phan
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; (H.M.F.); (R.L.F.); (K.M.S.); (E.V.R.)
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Helen M. Faddy
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; (H.M.F.); (R.L.F.); (K.M.S.); (E.V.R.)
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Sunshine Coast, Petrie, Queensland 4502, Australia
| | - Robert L. Flower
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; (H.M.F.); (R.L.F.); (K.M.S.); (E.V.R.)
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Wayne J. Dimech
- Scientific & Business Relations, National Serology Reference Laboratory, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia;
| | - Kirsten M. Spann
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; (H.M.F.); (R.L.F.); (K.M.S.); (E.V.R.)
| | - Eileen V. Roulis
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; (H.M.F.); (R.L.F.); (K.M.S.); (E.V.R.)
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
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8
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Jiang X, Chang L, Yan Y, Wang L. Paradoxical HBsAg and anti-HBs coexistence among Chronic HBV Infections: Causes and Consequences. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:1125-1137. [PMID: 33867835 PMCID: PMC8040313 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.55724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) were reported simultaneously among Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. HBsAg is a specific indicator of acute or chronic HBV infections, while anti-HBs is a protective antibody reflecting the recovery and immunity of hosts. HBsAg and anti-HBs coexist during seroconversion and then form immune complex, which is rare detected in clinical cases. However, with the promotion of vaccination and the application of various antiviral drugs, along with the rapid development of medical technology, the coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs has become more prevalent. Mutations in the viral genomes, immune status and genetic factors of hosts may contribute to the coexistence. Novel HBsAg assays, with higher sensitivity and ability to detect mutations or immune complexes, can also yield HBsAg/anti-HBs coexistence. The discovery of coexistence has shattered the idea of traditional serological patterns and raised questions about the effectiveness of vaccines. Worth noting is that HBsAg/anti-HBs double positivity is strongly associated with progressive liver diseases, especially hepatocellular carcinoma. In conclusion, viral mutations, host factors, and methodology impacts can all lead to the coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs. This coexistence is not an indicator of improvement, as an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes still exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Jiang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Le Chang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ying Yan
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lunan Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
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9
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Jeong GU, Ahn BY, Jung J, Kim H, Kim TH, Kim W, Lee A, Lee K, Kim JH. A recombinant human immunoglobulin with coherent avidity to hepatitis B virus surface antigens of various viral genotypes and clinical mutants. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236704. [PMID: 32790777 PMCID: PMC7425877 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope is composed of a lipid bilayer and three glycoproteins, referred to as the large (L), middle (M), and small (S) hepatitis B virus surface antigens (HBsAg). S protein constitutes the major portion of the viral envelope and an even greater proportion of subviral particles (SVP) that circulate in the blood. Recombinant S proteins are currently used as a preventive vaccine, while plasma fractions isolated from vaccinated people, referred to as hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG), are used for short-term prophylaxis. Here, we characterized a recombinant human IgG1 type anti-S antibody named Lenvervimab regarding its binding property to a variety of cloned S antigens. Immunochemical data showed an overall consistent avidity of the antibody to S antigens of most viral genotypes distributed worldwide. Further, antibody binding was not affected by the mutations in the antigenic ‘a’ determinant found in many clinical variants, including the immune escape mutant G145R. In addition, mutations in the S gene sequence that confer drug resistance to the viral polymerase did not interfere with the antibody binding. These results support for a preventive use of the antibody against HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gi Uk Jeong
- Department of Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung-Yoon Ahn
- Department of Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail: (BYA); (JHK)
| | - Jaesung Jung
- Mogam Institute for Biomedical Research, Youngin, Korea
| | - Hyunjin Kim
- Mogam Institute for Biomedical Research, Youngin, Korea
| | - Tae-Hee Kim
- Mogam Institute for Biomedical Research, Youngin, Korea
| | - Woohyun Kim
- Mogam Institute for Biomedical Research, Youngin, Korea
| | - Ara Lee
- Mogam Institute for Biomedical Research, Youngin, Korea
| | - Kyuhyun Lee
- Development Division PL Unit, GC Pharma Corp., Youngin, Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kim
- Mogam Institute for Biomedical Research, Youngin, Korea
- * E-mail: (BYA); (JHK)
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10
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Kalhor H, Sadeghi S, Marashiyan M, Enssi M, Kalhor R, Ganji M, Rahimi H. In silico mutagenesis in recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor: Improvement of stability and activity in addition to decrement immunogenicity. J Mol Graph Model 2020; 97:107551. [PMID: 32032931 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2020.107551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor (rhKGF) is clinically applied to decrease the incidence and duration of cancer therapeutic agents. Particularly, it is extensively used for oral mucositis after chemotherapy-induced damage of different human cancers. However, the usage of rhKGF in treatment is limited owing to its short half-life, poor stability, immunogenicity, tendency to aggregate, and side effects. Therefore, there is a need to enhance the stability and to reduce immunogenicity of rhKGF for therapeutic applications. In this study, the stability, activity, and immunogenicity of rhKGF were improved using computational methods. The several mutations were generated based on sequence alignment, amino acids physic-chemical properties, and the structure simulation. The 3D structure of rhKGF and proposed mutants were predicted by Modeller v9.15 program, and then were evaluated using PROSESS, PROCHECK, and ProSA web tools. Afterwards, the effect of these mutants on rhKGF structure, stability, activity, and its interaction with fibroblast growth factor receptor2-IIb (FGFR2-IIb) was analyzed through utilizing GROMACS molecular dynamics simulations and docking tools, respectively. Also, binding free energies were calculated by the Molecular Mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) method. We found that F63Y, R121K, and combine1 (K38R, F63Y, K72E, N105S) mutants lead to reduction of the number of T-cell epitopes. However, all of the selected mutants, except for R121K, could considerably increase stability and affinity of the rhKGF to FGFR2-IIb, in silico. In conclusion, this study, for the first time, offered that the combine1 and F63Y mutants could highly improve the stability and activity of rhKGF and even reduce immunogenicity without having any significant effect on the biological functions of rhKGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hourieh Kalhor
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
| | - Solmaz Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahya Marashiyan
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maryam Enssi
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, IR, Iran.
| | - Reyhaneh Kalhor
- Department of Genetics, Colleague of Sciences, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran.
| | - Maziar Ganji
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamzeh Rahimi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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A chronic hepatitis B patient infected with HBsAg diagnostic-escape strain in the presence of anti-HBs positivity. REV ROMANA MED LAB 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/rrlm-2019-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important pathogen responsible for serious diseases like chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Turkey is located in the intermediate endemic region based on the average HBV surface antigen positivity. The high replication capacity of HBV and the lack of proofreading activity of the reverse transcriptase (RT) enzyme makes the virus prone to mutations. In this study, S gene mutation which is detected in a chronic HBV case without any follow-up and treatment is presented. Although patient was HBsAg negative and anti-HBs positive in the examinations, the mutation analysis was performed upon the high level of HBV DNA load and sG145R (vaccine escape) mutation in S gene region and rtI169F, rtV173L, rtA181G and rtT184R mutations in pol gene region were detected. S gene region mutations may cause false negatives in diagnostic assays that detect HBsAg. At the same time, it is a public health problem because these HBV variants can also be transmitted by vertical and horizontal routes. Therefore, when atypical serological profiles are encountered, it is of utmost importance to remember S gene mutations and perform necessary analyses.
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12
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A Global View to HBV Chronic Infection: Evolving Strategies for Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention in Immunocompetent Individuals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183307. [PMID: 31505743 PMCID: PMC6766235 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a significant public health challenge. Around 250 million people live with chronic HBV infection. With a global approach to this issue, we focus on new perspective in diagnosis, management and prevention of HBV chronic infection. Precise diagnosis of HBV status is crucial to guide patient management. Although available drugs reduce the risk of liver disease progression, they are not able to definitely eradicate HBV, and new therapeutic options are urgently needed. Thus, prevention of HBV infection is still the most effective strategy to achieve the control of the disease. Key aspects of prevention programs include surveillance of viral hepatitis, screening programs and immunization strategies. In spite of the high success rate of licensed HBV vaccines, a need for improved vaccine persists, especially in order to provide coverage of current non-responders.
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13
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Structure-Guided Approach to Identify Potential Inhibitors of Large Envelope Protein to Prevent Hepatitis B Virus Infection. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:1297484. [PMID: 31772697 PMCID: PMC6854180 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1297484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major causes of liver diseases, which can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. The role of HBV envelope proteins is crucial in viral morphogenesis, infection, and propagation. Thus, blocking the pleiotropic functions of these proteins especially the PreS1 and PreS2 domains of the large surface protein (LHBs) is a promising strategy for designing efficient antivirals against HBV infection. Unfortunately, the structure of the LHBs protein has not been elucidated yet, and it seems that any structure-based drug discovery is critically dependent on this. To find effective inhibitors of LHBs, we have modeled and validated its three-dimensional structure and subsequently performed a virtual high-throughput screening against the ZINC database using RASPD and ParDOCK tools. We have identified four compounds, ZINC11882026, ZINC19741044, ZINC00653293, and ZINC15000762, showing appreciable binding affinity with the LHBs protein. The drug likeness was further validated using ADME screening and toxicity analysis. Interestingly, three of the four compounds showed the formation of hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues lying in the capsid binding region of the PreS1 domain of LHBs, suggesting the possibility of inhibiting the viral assembly and maturation process. The identification of potential lead molecules will help to discover more potent inhibitors with significant antiviral activities.
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14
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Lazarevic I, Banko A, Miljanovic D, Cupic M. Immune-Escape Hepatitis B Virus Mutations Associated with Viral Reactivation upon Immunosuppression. Viruses 2019; 11:v11090778. [PMID: 31450544 PMCID: PMC6784188 DOI: 10.3390/v11090778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation occurs as a major complication of immunosuppressive therapy among persons who have recovered from acute hepatitis and those who have controlled chronic infection. Recent literature data emphasize the presence of a high degree of S gene variability in HBV isolates from patients who developed reactivation. In reactivated HBV, the most frequently detected mutations belong to the second loop of “a” determinant in HBsAg. These mutations were identified to be immune escape and responsible for vaccine- and diagnostic-escape phenomena. Their emergence clearly provides survival in the presence of a developed humoral immune response and is often associated with impaired serological diagnosis of HBV reactivation. The knowledge of their existence and roles can elucidate the process of reactivation and strongly highlights the importance of HBV DNA detection in monitoring all patients with a history of HBV infection who are undergoing immunosuppression. This review discusses the possible influence of the most frequently found immune-escape mutations on HBV reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Lazarevic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Ana Banko
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Miljanovic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Cupic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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15
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Horizontal Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus From Mother to Child Due to Immune Escape Despite Immunoprophylaxis. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2019; 68:e81-e84. [PMID: 30889137 PMCID: PMC6510327 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000002318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination starting at birth is approximately 95% effective in preventing mother-to-child transmission to infants born to HBV-infected mothers. A higher risk of transmission is associated with birth to a highly viremic mother, often due to transplacental exposure, while later horizontal transmission is much less common, particularly following complete vaccination. This study reports a case of infection in an older child despite appropriate immunoprophylaxis starting at birth and an apparent protective immune response post-vaccination. Two immune escape mutations within the antigenic determinant of the surface antigen-coding region were observed in the child's dominant HBV sequence, whereas the maternal HBV variant lacked mutations at both sites. Ultra-deep sequencing confirmed the presence of 1 mutation at low levels within the maternal HBV quasispecies population, suggesting early exposure to the child followed by viral evolution resulting in immunoprophylaxis escape and chronic infection.
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16
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Cremer J, Hofstraat SHI, van Heiningen F, Veldhuijzen IK, van Benthem BHB, Benschop KSM. Genetic variation of hepatitis B surface antigen among acute and chronic hepatitis B virus infections in The Netherlands. J Med Virol 2018; 90:1576-1585. [PMID: 29797607 PMCID: PMC6120544 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Genetic variation within hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), in particular within the major hydrophobic region (MHR), is related to immune/vaccine and test failures and can have a significant impact on the vaccination and diagnosis of acute infection. This study shows, for the first time, variation among acute cases and compares the amino acid variation within the HBsAg between acute and chronic infections. We analyzed the virus isolated from 1231 acute and 585 chronic cases reported to an anonymized public health surveillance database between 2004 and 2014 in The Netherlands. HBsAg analysis revealed the circulation of 6 genotypes (Gt); GtA was the dominant genotype followed by GtD among both acute (68.2% and 17.4%, respectively) and chronic (34.9% and 34.2%, respectively) cases. Variation was the highest among chronic strains compared to that among acute strains. Both acute and chronic GtD showed the highest variation compared to that of other genotypes (P < .01). Substitutions within the MHR were found in 8.5% of the acute strains and 18.6% of the chronic strains. Specific MHR substitutions described to have an impact on vaccine/immune escape and/or HBsAg test failure were found among 4.1% of the acute strains and 7.0% of the chronic strains. In conclusion, we show a high variation of HBsAg among acute and chronic hepatitis B virus–infected cases in The Netherlands, in particular among those infected with GtD, and compare, for the first time, variation in frequencies between acute and chronic cases. Additional studies on the impact of these variations on vaccination and test failure need to be conducted, as well as whether HBsAg false–negative variants have been missed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Cremer
- Laboratory for Infectious Diseases and Screening, Center for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne H I Hofstraat
- Laboratory for Infectious Diseases and Screening, Center for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Francoise van Heiningen
- Laboratory for Infectious Diseases and Screening, Center for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Irene K Veldhuijzen
- Laboratory for Infectious Diseases and Screening, Center for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit H B van Benthem
- Laboratory for Infectious Diseases and Screening, Center for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Kimberley S M Benschop
- Laboratory for Infectious Diseases and Screening, Center for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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17
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Analysis of Antigenic and Conformational Changes in Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Identified in Iranian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2017. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.57882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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18
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Konopleva MV, Sokolova MV, Shevlyagina NV, Bazhenov AI, Fel'Dsherova AA, Krymskij MA, Borisova VN, Semenenko TA, Nesterenko VG, Suslov AP. MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS WITH ESCAPE MUTATIONS IN S-gene G145R AND S143L. Vopr Virusol 2017; 62:119-128. [PMID: 36494979 DOI: 10.18821/0507-4088-2017-62-3-119-128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In terms of serological properties and immunization, the wild type of HBsAg HBV and its G145R mutant behave as different antigens. This testifies to serious structural changes, which presumably could have a significant impact on the morphogenesis of virions and subviral particles. Nevertheless, morphological and ultrastructural investigations of HBV with G145R mutation have not been carried yet. OBJECTIVES Research of structural and morphological organization of HBV in the presence of the G145R escape mutation. METHODS Studies of sera, purified viruses and recombinant HBsAg were carried out by transmission electron microscopy by the method of negative staining and indirect reaction of immunelabeling using monoclonal antibodies of different specificity. Specimens of wild type HBV and HBV with S143L mutation obtained in an identical manner were used as the control. RESULTS The presence of typical virus particles of HBV was shown in the specimens of wild strain and HBV with S143L mutation. Specimens of HBV with G145R mutation were characterized by expressed morphological heterogeneity. In the initial serum and in the specimen of purified virus containing G145R mutant, large oval particles 60-70 nm and up to 200 nm in size, respectively, were found. The presence of antigen structures of HBV in all heterogeneous forms was confirmed. It was shown that forming of subviral particles in the process of expression of the recombinant HBsAg with G145R mutation depends on conditions of expression and purification of the protein. They can vary from well-formed circular and oval particles to practically unstructured fine-grained masses. CONCLUSION Direct data on the impact of G145R escape-mutation in S-gene, in contrast to S143L mutation, on the morphogenesis of virions and subviral particles of HBV were obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Konopleva
- Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya
| | - M V Sokolova
- Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya
| | - N V Shevlyagina
- Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya
| | - A I Bazhenov
- N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine of Moscow Healthcare Department
| | - A A Fel'Dsherova
- Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya
| | | | | | - T A Semenenko
- Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya
| | - V G Nesterenko
- Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya
| | - A P Suslov
- Federal Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya
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19
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Sadeghi A, Shirvani-Dastgerdi E, Tacke F, Yagmur E, Poortahmasebi V, Poorebrahim M, Mohraz M, Hajabdolbaghi M, Rasoolinejad M, Abbasian L, Jafari R, Fakhari Z, Norouzi M, Ebrahimian A, Geravand B, Alavian SM, Jazayeri SM. HBsAg mutations related to occult hepatitis B virus infection in HIV-positive patients result in a reduced secretion and conformational changes of HBsAg. J Med Virol 2016; 89:246-256. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmadreza Sadeghi
- Hepatitis B Molecular Laboratory, Department of Virology; School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | | | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Medicine III; RWTH-University Hospital Aachen; Aachen Germany
| | - Eray Yagmur
- Laboratory Diagnostics Center; RWTH-University Hospital Aachen and Medical Care Center, Dr. Stein and Colleagues; Moenchengladbach Germany
| | - Vahdat Poortahmasebi
- Hepatitis B Molecular Laboratory, Department of Virology; School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Mansour Poorebrahim
- Department of Medical Biotechnology; School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Minoo Mohraz
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS; Tehran Iran
| | | | | | | | - Rezvaneh Jafari
- Hepatitis B Molecular Laboratory, Department of Virology; School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Zahra Fakhari
- Hepatitis B Molecular Laboratory, Department of Virology; School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Mehdi Norouzi
- Hepatitis B Molecular Laboratory, Department of Virology; School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Arefeh Ebrahimian
- Hepatitis B Molecular Laboratory, Department of Virology; School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Babak Geravand
- Hepatitis B Molecular Laboratory, Department of Virology; School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | | | - Seyed Mohammad Jazayeri
- Hepatitis B Molecular Laboratory, Department of Virology; School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
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