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Chida T, Watanabe S, Ohta K, Noritake H, Ito M, Suzuki T, Suda T, Kawata K. Impact of amino acid substitutions in hepatitis C virus core region on the severe oxidative stress. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 212:199-206. [PMID: 38103659 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease, leading to liver steatosis, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the accumulation of clinical data showing the impact of amino acid substitutions at positions 70 (R70Q/H) and/or 91 (L91M) in the HCV core protein in progressive liver diseases, including HCC, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. We analyzed 72 liver biopsy specimens from patients with chronic HCV genotype 1b (HCV-1b) infection prior to antiviral treatment. Levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in the nucleus were quantified using liver tissue immunohistochemistry. The effects of amino acid substitutions in the HCV core region on hepatocellular oxidative stress were investigated using wild-type or double-mutant (R70Q/H+L91M) HCV-1b core transfection and stable expression in human hepatoma HuH-7 cells. Overall, 24, 19, 11, and 18 patients had the wild-type, R70Q/H, L91M, and R70Q/H+L91M genotypes, respectively, in the HCV core. A significantly higher accumulation of hepatocellular 8-OHdG and a lower NRF2/8-OHdG ratio were observed in patients with R70Q/H+L91M than in those with the wild-type disease. Increased levels of intracellular superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in the cytoplasm and mitochondria, mRNA expression of enzymes generating oxidative stress, and nuclear expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 were augmented in cells treated with R70Q+L91M. HCV core proteins harboring either or both substitutions of R70Q/H or L91M enhanced hepatocellular oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro. These amino acid substitutions may affect HCC development by enhancing hepatic oxidative stress in patients with chronic HCV-1b infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Chida
- Hepatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine II, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan; Department of Regional Medical Care Support, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Shinya Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shimada General Medical Center, 1200-5 Noda, Shimada, Shizuoka, 427-8502, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Ohta
- Hepatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine II, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Hidenao Noritake
- Hepatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine II, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Masahiko Ito
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Takafumi Suda
- Hepatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine II, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Kawata
- Hepatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine II, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan.
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Chen R, Huang S, Lin T, Ma H, Shan W, Duan F, Lv J, Zhang J, Ren L, Nie L. Photoacoustic molecular imaging-escorted adipose photodynamic-browning synergy for fighting obesity with virus-like complexes. Nat Nanotechnol 2021; 16:455-465. [PMID: 33526836 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-020-00844-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy and adipose browning induction are two promising approaches to reverse obesity. The former strategy acts rapidly and locally, whereas the latter has a more gradual and widespread effect. Despite their complementarity, they have rarely been combined and imaged non-invasively in vivo. Here we introduce an adipose-targeting hepatitis B core protein complex that contains a traceable photosensitizer (ZnPcS4 (zinc phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate)) and a browning agent (rosiglitazone) that allows simultaneous photodynamic and browning treatments, with photoacoustic molecular imaging. After intravenous injection in obese mice, the complex binds specifically to white adipose tissues, especially those rich in blood supply, and drives adipose reduction thanks to the synergy of ZnPcS4 photodynamics and rosiglitazone browning. Using photoacoustic molecular imaging, we could monitor the changes induced by the treatment, which included complex activity, lipid catabolism and angiogenesis. Our findings demonstrate the anti-obesity potential of our feedback-based synergic regimen orchestrated by the targeted hepatitis B core complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronghe Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnosis & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shanshan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnosis & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Tongtong Lin
- Department of Biomaterials, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surface, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haosong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnosis & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wenjun Shan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Fei Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnosis & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jing Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnosis & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinde Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnosis & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lei Ren
- Department of Biomaterials, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surface, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Liming Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnosis & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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Rungrojcharoenkit K, Sunintaboon P, Ellison D, Macareo L, Midoeng P, Chaisuwirat P, Fernandez S, Ubol S. Development of an adjuvanted nanoparticle vaccine against influenza virus, an in vitro study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237218. [PMID: 32760143 PMCID: PMC7410248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza is an infectious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Despite yearly updates, the efficacy of influenza vaccines is significantly curtailed by the virus antigenic drift and antigenic shift. These constant changes to the influenza virus make-up also challenge the development of a universal flu vaccine, which requires conserved antigenic regions shared by influenza viruses of different subtypes. We propose that it is possible to bypass these challenges by the development of an influenza vaccine based on conserved proteins delivered in an adjuvanted nanoparticle system. In this study, we generated influenza nanoparticle constructs using trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles (TMC nPs) as the carrier of recombinant influenza hemagglutinin subunit 2 (HA2) and nucleoprotein (NP). The purified HA2 and NP recombinant proteins were encapsulated into TMC nPs to form HA2-TMC nPs and NP-TMC nPs, respectively. Primary human intranasal epithelium cells (HNEpCs) were used as an in vitro model to measure immunity responses. HA2-TMC nPs, NP-TMC nPs, and HA2-NP-TMC nPs (influenza nanoparticle constructs) showed no toxicity in HNEpCs. The loading efficiency of HA2 and NP into the TMC nPs was 97.9% and 98.5%, respectively. HA2-TMC nPs and NP-TMC nPs more efficiently delivered HA2 and NP proteins to HNEpCs than soluble HA2 and NP proteins alone. The induction of various cytokines and chemokines was more evident in influenza nanoparticle construct-treated HNEpCs than in soluble protein-treated HNEpCs. In addition, soluble factors secreted by influenza nanoparticle construct-treated HNEpCs significantly induced MoDCs maturation markers (CD80, CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR), as compared to soluble factors secreted by protein-treated HNEpCs. HNEpCs treated with the influenza nanoparticle constructs significantly reduced influenza virus replication in an in vitro challenge assay. The results indicate that TMC nPs can be used as influenza vaccine adjuvants and carriers capable of delivering HA2 and NP proteins to HNEpCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamonthip Rungrojcharoenkit
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Panya Sunintaboon
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Damon Ellison
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Louis Macareo
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Panuwat Midoeng
- Division of Pathology, Army Institute of Pathology, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Preamrudee Chaisuwirat
- Division of Pathology, Army Institute of Pathology, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stefan Fernandez
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: (SF); (SU)
| | - Sukathida Ubol
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: (SF); (SU)
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Avgousti DC, Herrmann C, Kulej K, Pancholi NJ, Sekulic N, Petrescu J, Molden RC, Blumenthal D, Paris AJ, Reyes ED, Ostapchuk P, Hearing P, Seeholzer SH, Worthen GS, Black BE, Garcia BA, Weitzman MD. A core viral protein binds host nucleosomes to sequester immune danger signals. Nature 2016; 535:173-7. [PMID: 27362237 PMCID: PMC4950998 DOI: 10.1038/nature18317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Viral proteins mimic host protein structure and function to redirect cellular processes and subvert innate defenses. Small basic proteins compact and regulate both viral and cellular DNA genomes. Nucleosomes are the repeating units of cellular chromatin and play an important part in innate immune responses. Viral-encoded core basic proteins compact viral genomes, but their impact on host chromatin structure and function remains unexplored. Adenoviruses encode a highly basic protein called protein VII that resembles cellular histones. Although protein VII binds viral DNA and is incorporated with viral genomes into virus particles, it is unknown whether protein VII affects cellular chromatin. Here we show that protein VII alters cellular chromatin, leading us to hypothesize that this has an impact on antiviral responses during adenovirus infection in human cells. We find that protein VII forms complexes with nucleosomes and limits DNA accessibility. We identified post-translational modifications on protein VII that are responsible for chromatin localization. Furthermore, proteomic analysis demonstrated that protein VII is sufficient to alter the protein composition of host chromatin. We found that protein VII is necessary and sufficient for retention in the chromatin of members of the high-mobility-group protein B family (HMGB1, HMGB2 and HMGB3). HMGB1 is actively released in response to inflammatory stimuli and functions as a danger signal to activate immune responses. We showed that protein VII can directly bind HMGB1 in vitro and further demonstrated that protein VII expression in mouse lungs is sufficient to decrease inflammation-induced HMGB1 content and neutrophil recruitment in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Together, our in vitro and in vivo results show that protein VII sequesters HMGB1 and can prevent its release. This study uncovers a viral strategy in which nucleosome binding is exploited to control extracellular immune signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne C. Avgousti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Christin Herrmann
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Katarzyna Kulej
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Neha J. Pancholi
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Nikolina Sekulic
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Epigenetics Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Currently: Biotechnology Centre of Oslo and Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Joana Petrescu
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Villanova University, Villanova, PA USA
| | - Rosalynn C. Molden
- Epigenetics Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Daniel Blumenthal
- Division of Cell Pathology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Andrew J. Paris
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and the Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Emigdio D. Reyes
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Philomena Ostapchuk
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York USA
| | - Patrick Hearing
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York USA
| | - Steven H. Seeholzer
- Protein and Proteomics Core, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - G. Scott Worthen
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, and Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ben E. Black
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Epigenetics Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Benjamin A. Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Epigenetics Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Matthew D. Weitzman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
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Chiu CC, Shi YF, Yang JJ, Hsiao YC, Tzang BS, Hsu TC. Effects of human Parvovirus B19 and Bocavirus VP1 unique region on tight junction of human airway epithelial A549 cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107970. [PMID: 25268969 PMCID: PMC4182432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
As is widely recognized, human parvovirus B19 (B19) and human bocavirus (HBoV) are important human pathogens. Obviously, both VP1 unique region (VP1u) of B19 and HBoV exhibit the secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2)-like enzymatic activity and are recognized to participate in the pathogenesis of lower respiratory tract illnesses. However, exactly how, both VP1u from B19 and HBoV affect tight junction has seldom been addressed. Therefore, this study investigates how B19-VP1u and HBoV-VP1u may affect the tight junction of the airway epithelial A549 cells by examining phospholipase A2 activity and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) as well as performing immunoblotting analyses. Experimental results indicate that TEER is more significantly decreased in A549 cells by treatment with TNF-α (10 ng), two dosages of B19-VP1u and BoV-VP1u (400 ng and 4000 ng) or bee venom PLA2 (10 ng) than that of the control. Accordingly, more significantly increased claudin-1 and decreased occludin are detected in A549 cells by treatment with TNF-α or both dosages of HBoV-VP1u than that of the control. Additionally, more significantly decreased Na+/K+ ATPase is observed in A549 cells by treatment with TNF-α, high dosage of B19-VP1u or both dosages of BoV-VP1u than that of the control. Above findings suggest that HBoV-VP1u rather than B19 VP1u likely plays more important roles in the disruption of tight junction in the airway tract. Meanwhile, this discrepancy appears not to be associated with the secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2)-like enzymatic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ching Chiu
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology and Department of Medical Intensive Care Unit, Chunghua Christian Hospital, Chunghua, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Fang Shi
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jiann-Jou Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chao Hsiao
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Show Tzang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (BST); (TCH)
| | - Tsai-Ching Hsu
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (BST); (TCH)
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Yao Z, Song X, Cao S, Liang W, Lu W, Yang L, Zhang Z, Wei L. Role of the exogenous HCV core protein in the interaction of human hepatocyte proliferation and macrophage sub-populations. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108278. [PMID: 25265479 PMCID: PMC4180735 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The core protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is found in the cytoplasm and nuclei of infected cells, including hepatocytes and other cells in the liver. The core protein could be secreted as well. Resident liver macrophages are dependent on the tissue micro-environment and external stimuli to differentiate M1 and M2 hypotypes with distinct functions, and increased expression of the nuclear transcription factor STAT3 was seen in M2-polarized macrophages. In contrast to proinflammatory M1 macrophages, M2 macrophages serve beneficial roles in chronic inflammation, immunosuppression, and tumorigenesis. METHODS Monocyte-derived human macrophage line (mTHP-1) was treated with the exogenous HCV core protein. Next, the mTHP-1 culture supernatant or cell pellets were added to culture media of normal human liver cell line (L02). RESULTS Only the culture supernatant stimulated L02 cells proliferation, which was associated with phosphorylated ERK expression. Core protein activated mTHP-1 cells showed enhanced pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines secretion, which was accompanied by high expression of phosphorylated NF-κB105 and NF-κB65. However, phosphorylated STAT1, and STAT3, which are normally associated with M1 and M2 macrophage polarization, and cell surface expression of CD206, CD14, CD16, and CD86, were unaltered. A transwell co-culture system showed that only in mTHP-1 co-cultured with L02 in the presence of exogenous core protein, were higher levels of phosphorylated STAT3 and CD206 seen. CONCLUSIONS We showed L02 cells proliferation was accelerated by the culture supernatant of mTHP-1 cells treated with the exogenous HCV core protein. The exogenous core protein mediated the interaction between macrophages and hepatocytes in co-culture, which enhanced the expression of phosphorylated STAT3 and CD206 in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyan Yao
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaotian Song
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shiru Cao
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wenzhang Liang
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wenran Lu
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lijuan Yang
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhengzheng Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
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Stone AEL, Mitchell A, Brownell J, Miklin DJ, Golden-Mason L, Polyak SJ, Gale MJ, Rosen HR. Hepatitis C virus core protein inhibits interferon production by a human plasmacytoid dendritic cell line and dysregulates interferon regulatory factor-7 and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 protein expression. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95627. [PMID: 24788809 PMCID: PMC4006833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells (pDCs) represent a key immune cell population in the defense against viruses. pDCs detect viral pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) through pattern recognition receptors (PRR). PRR/PAMP interactions trigger signaling events that induce interferon (IFN) production to initiate local and systemic responses. pDCs produce Type I and Type III (IFNL) IFNs in response to HCV RNA. Extracellular HCV core protein (Core) is found in the circulation in chronic infection. This study defined how Core modulates PRR signaling in pDCs. Type I and III IFN expression and production following exposure to recombinant Core or β-galactosiade was assessed in human GEN2.2 cells, a pDC cell line. Core suppressed type I and III IFN production in response to TLR agonists and the HCV PAMP agonist of RIG-I. Core suppression of IFN induction was linked with decreased IRF-7 protein levels and increased non-phosphorylated STAT1 protein. Circulating Core protein interferes with PRR signaling by pDCs to suppress IFN production. Strategies to define and target Core effects on pDCs may serve to enhance IFN production and antiviral actions against HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E. L. Stone
- Integrated Department in Immunology, University of Colorado Denver and National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Hepatitis C Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Angela Mitchell
- Integrated Department in Immunology, University of Colorado Denver and National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Hepatitis C Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Jessica Brownell
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Daniel J. Miklin
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Hepatitis C Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Lucy Golden-Mason
- Integrated Department in Immunology, University of Colorado Denver and National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Hepatitis C Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Stephen J. Polyak
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Gale
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Hugo R. Rosen
- Integrated Department in Immunology, University of Colorado Denver and National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Hepatitis C Center, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Denver Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Baghbani-arani F, Roohvand F, Aghasadeghi MR, Eidi A, Amini S, Motevalli F, Sadat SM, Memarnejadian A, Khalili G. Expression and characterization of Escherichia coli derived hepatitis C virus ARFP/F protein. Mol Biol (Mosk) 2012; 46:251-259. [PMID: 22670521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Genome of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) contains a long open reading frame encoding a polyprotein that is cleaved into 10 proteins. Recently, a novel, so called "ARFP/F", or "core+1", protein, which is expressed through a ribosomal frame shift within the capsid-coding sequence, has been described. Herein, to produce and characterize a recombinant form of this protein, the DNA sequence corresponding to the ARFP/F protein (amino acid 11-161) was amplified using a frame-shifted forward primer exploiting the capsid sequence of the 1b-subtype as a template. The amplicon was cloned into the pET-24a vector and expressed in different Escherichia coli strains. The expressed protein (mostly as insoluble inclusion bodies) was purified under denaturing conditions on a nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) affinity column in a single step with a yield of 5 mg/L of culture media. After refolding steps, characterization of expressed ARFP/F was performed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot assay using specific antibodies. Antigenic properties of the protein were verified by ELISA using HCV-infected human sera and by its ability for a strong and specific interaction with sera of mice immunized with the peptide encoding a dominant ARFP/F B-cell epitope. The antigenicity plot revealed 3 major antigenic domains in the first half of the ARFP/F sequence. Immunization of BALB/c mice with the ARFP/F protein elicited high titers of IgG indicating the relevance of produced protein for induction of a humoral response. In conclusion, possibility of ARFP/F expression with a high yield and immunogenic potency of this protein in a mouse model have been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Baghbani-arani
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 16535446, Iran
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Liu J, Ding X, Tang J, Cao Y, Hu P, Zhou F, Shan X, Cai X, Chen Q, Ling N, Zhang B, Bi Y, Chen K, Ren H, Huang A, He TC, Tang N. Enhancement of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity by HCV core protein promotes cell growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e27496. [PMID: 22110662 PMCID: PMC3216985 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein has been implicated as a potential oncogene or a cofactor in HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Overactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a major factor in oncogenesis of HCC. However, the pathogenesis of HCV core-associated Wnt/β-catenin activation remains to be further characterized. Therefore, we attempted to determine whether HCV core protein plays an important role in regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCC cells. METHODOLOGY Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity was investigated in core-expressing hepatoma cells. Protein and gene expression were examined by Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, RT-qPCR, and reporter assay. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS HCV core protein significantly enhances Tcf-dependent transcriptional activity induced by Wnt3A in HCC cell lines. Additionally, core protein increases and stabilizes β-catenin levels in hepatoma cell line Huh7 through inactivation of GSK-3β, which contributes to the up-regulation of downstream target genes, such as c-Myc, cyclin D1, WISP2 and CTGF. Also, core protein increases cell proliferation rate and promotes Wnt3A-induced tumor growth in the xenograft tumor model of human HCC. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE HCV core protein enhances Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity, hence playing an important role in HCV-associated carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiong Ding
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia Tang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Youde Cao
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Hu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoliang Shan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuefei Cai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingmei Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ning Ling
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bingqiang Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Bi
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ke Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Ren
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ailong Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ni Tang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail:
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Paulino AD, Ubhi K, Rockenstein E, Adame A, Crews L, Letendre S, Ellis R, Everall IP, Grant I, Masliah E. Neurotoxic effects of the HCV core protein are mediated by sustained activation of ERK via TLR2 signaling. J Neurovirol 2011; 17:327-40. [PMID: 21660601 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-011-0039-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious problem among those co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus; however, its impact in the central nervous system (CNS) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying HCV core protein-mediated neurodegeneration. Analysis of human HCV seropositive cases demonstrated widespread damage to neuronal dendritic processes and sustained activation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK); analogous pathologies were observed in wild type injected with HCV core protein into the hippocampus. In vitro analysis in neuronal cells exposed to HCV core demonstrated retraction of the neuronal processes in an ERK/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3)-dependent manner dependent on toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling activation. These results indicate that HCV core protein neurotoxicity may be mediated by the sustained activation of ERK/STAT3 via TLR2-IRAK1 signaling pathway. These pathways provide novel targets for development of neuroprotective treatments for HCV involvement of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy D Paulino
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0624, USA
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11
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Wang HP, Zhang Y, Yang JJ, Wang J, Deng XZ, Xu K. [HCV DF protein inhibits expression of p16 and p21 in HepG₂ cells]. Xi Bao Yu Fen Zi Mian Yi Xue Za Zhi 2010; 26:858-861. [PMID: 20815982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effect of HCV DF (Double-shift F) protein on the expression p16 and p21 in HepG(2); cells. METHODS DF gene was amplificated from the whole HCV 1b genome, and cloned into pCDNA3.0 vecter. The recombinant plasmid (pCDNA3.0/HCV-DF) and empty vector were transfected into HepG(2); cells. Screening was performed with G418. p16 and p21 mRNA were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and protein by Western blot. RESULTS Stable expression of the recombinant plasmid was found in HCV DF protein. The expression of p16 and p21 in HepG();2 cells transfected with pCDNA3.0/HCV-DF were lower than those with blank plasmid. CONCLUSION HCV DF protein inhibits expression of p16 and p21 in HepG(2); cells. This suggested that HCV DF protein may participate in the progress of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Peng Wang
- Department of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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12
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Li Y, Boehning DF, Qian T, Popov VL, Weinman SA. Hepatitis C virus core protein increases mitochondrial ROS production by stimulation of Ca2+ uniporter activity. FASEB J 2007; 21:2474-85. [PMID: 17392480 DOI: 10.1096/fj.06-7345com] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many viruses have evolved mechanisms to alter mitochondrial function. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) produces a viral core protein that targets to mitochondria and increases Ca2+-dependent ROS production. The aim of this study was to determine whether core's effects are mediated by changes in mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. Core expression caused enhanced mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in response to ER Ca2+ release induced by thapsigargin or ATP. It also increased mitochondrial superoxide production and mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). Incubating mouse liver mitochondria with an HCV core (100 ng/mg) in vitro increased Ca2+ entry rate by approximately 2-fold. Entry was entirely inhibited by the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter inhibitor, Ru-360, but not influenced by an Na+/Ca2+ exchanger inhibitor or ROS scavengers. These results indicate that core directly increases mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake via a primary effect on the uniporter. This enhanced the ability of mitochondria to sequester Ca2+ in response to ER Ca2+ release, and increased mitochondrial ROS production and MPT. Thus, the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter is a newly identified target for viral modification of cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchun Li
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-0620, USA
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13
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Hosui A, Takehara T, Ohkawa K, Kanazawa Y, Tatsumi T, Yamaguchi S, Sakamori R, Hiramatsu N, Kanto T, Hayashi N. Suppressive effect on hepatocyte differentiation of hepatitis C virus core protein. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2006; 346:1125-30. [PMID: 16806084 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.05.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2006] [Accepted: 05/19/2006] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The influence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) protein(s) on cellular differentiation remains to be clarified. Using murine normal liver epithelial cells, we investigated whether HCV core protein affects differentiation into hepatocytes. Mock and HCV core-expressing cells were stimulated with oncostatin M (OSM) and dexamethasone, and the degree of differentiation was evaluated by measuring the expression of albumin and tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT). Lower amounts after stimulation were found in HCV core-expressing cells than in mock cells. Phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator transcription factor 3 (STAT3) was prevented by the HCV core under OSM stimulation. Reporter gene assay revealed that the HCV core/Janus kinase (JAK) interaction directly suppressed the OSM-dependent JAK-STAT signal transduction. Furthermore, expression of OSM receptor beta (OSMRbeta) after stimulation was prevented by the HCV core. In conclusion, the HCV core may suppress differentiation into hepatocytes via inhibition of the JAK-STAT pathway and OSMRbeta expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Hosui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan
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14
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Liu YL, Yan Y, Bai WT, Zhang FL, Lu X, Zhang W, Xu ZK. [The effect of HCV core protein on the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in HepG2 cells]. Xi Bao Yu Fen Zi Mian Yi Xue Za Zhi 2006; 22:343-5. [PMID: 16643796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effect of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein on the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). METHODS The genes encoded HCV core protein were amplified from plasmid containing full length genome of HCV strain H77 using PCR, and were cloned into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1. The recombinant HCV-C/pcDNA3.1 was transiently co-transfected into HepG2 cells with luciferase reporter vector containing COX-2 promotor (COX2pro1.5 kb/luc). The luciferase activity and COX-2 protein expression were detected. RESULTS The recombinants HCV-C/pcDNA3.1 have been constructed successfully. The luciferase activity of COX-2 promotor was activated by the expressed HCV core, and the increased protein expression of COX-2 in transfected HepG2 cells was detected by Western blot. CONCLUSION HCV core protein can activate the COX-2 promotor and induce its expression, which provides a new experimental basis for further research on relationship between COX-2 and HCV pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-li Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
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15
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Yao ZQ, Waggoner SN, Cruise MW, Hall C, Xie X, Oldach DW, Hahn YS. SOCS1 and SOCS3 are targeted by hepatitis C virus core/gC1qR ligation to inhibit T-cell function. J Virol 2006; 79:15417-29. [PMID: 16306613 PMCID: PMC1315996 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.79.24.15417-15429.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells play an important role in the control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We have previously demonstrated that the HCV core inhibits T-cell responses through interaction with gC1qR. We show here that core proteins from chronic and resolved HCV patients differ in sequence, gC1qR-binding ability, and T-cell inhibition. Specifically, chronic core isolates bind to gC1qR more efficiently and inhibit T-cell proliferation as well as gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) production more profoundly than resolved core isolates. This inhibition is mediated by the disruption of STAT phosphorylation through the induction of SOCS molecules. Silencing either SOCS1 or SOCS3 by small interfering RNA dramatically augments the production of IFN-gamma in T cells, thereby abrogating the inhibitory effect of core. Additionally, the ability of core proteins from patients with chronic infections to induce SOCS proteins and suppress STAT activation greatly exceeds that of core proteins from patients with resolved infections. These results suggest that the HCV core/gC1qR-induced T-cell dysfunction involves the induction of SOCS, a powerful inhibitor of cytokine signaling, which represents a novel mechanism by which a virus usurps the host machinery for persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Qiang Yao
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, Department of Microbiology and Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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16
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Sundström S, Ota S, Dimberg LY, Masucci MG, Bergqvist A. Hepatitis C virus core protein induces an anergic state characterized by decreased interleukin-2 production and perturbation of mitogen-activated protein kinase responses. J Virol 2005; 79:2230-9. [PMID: 15681425 PMCID: PMC546561 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.79.4.2230-2239.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations of cytokine responses are thought to favor the establishment of persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, enhancing the risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Here we demonstrate that the expression of the HCV core (C) protein in stably transfected T cells correlates with a selective reduction of interleukin-2 (IL-2) promoter activity and IL-2 production in response to T-cell receptor triggering, whereas the activation of IL-4, IL-10, gamma interferon, and tumor necrosis factor alpha was moderately increased. This altered cytokine expression profile was associated with a perturbation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase responses. Extracellular regulated kinase and p38 were constitutively phosphorylated in C-expressing cells, while triggering of the costimulatory c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling cascade and activation of the CD28 response element within the IL-2 promoter appeared to be impaired. The perturbations of MAP kinase phosphorylation could be eliminated by cyclosporine A-mediated inhibition of nuclear factor of activated T cells, suggesting that the inactivation of JNK signaling and hyporesponsiveness to IL-2 induction were downstream consequences of C-induced Ca(2+) flux in a manner that mimics the induction of clonal anergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sundström
- Microbiology and Tumor Biology Centre, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Choe SS, Dodd DA, Kirkegaard K. Inhibition of cellular protein secretion by picornaviral 3A proteins. Virology 2005; 337:18-29. [PMID: 15914217 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2005.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2004] [Revised: 02/10/2005] [Accepted: 03/30/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
During poliovirus infection, anterograde traffic between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi is inhibited due to the action of 3A, an 87 amino acid viral protein. The ability of poliovirus protein 3A to inhibit ER-to-Golgi traffic is not required for virus growth. Instead, we have suggested that the inhibition of host protein secretion, shown to reduce the secretion of interferon-beta, IL-6, and IL-8 and the expression of both newly synthesized MHC class I and TNF receptor in the plasma membrane of infected cells, affects growth in host organisms. To determine whether the ability of poliovirus 3A to inhibit ER-to-Golgi traffic is conserved, the ability of 3A proteins from several picornaviruses, including human rhinovirus 14, foot-and-mouth disease virus, enterovirus 71, hepatitis A, and Theiler's virus, was tested. Only the 3A proteins from another poliovirus, Sabin 3, and closely related coxsackievirus B3 inhibited ER-to-Golgi traffic as effectively as the 3A protein from poliovirus Mahoney type 1. Site-directed mutagenesis based on these findings and the three-dimensional structure of the amino-terminal domain of poliovirus 3A protein revealed that residues in the unstructured amino terminus of 3A are critical for the inhibition of host protein secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny S Choe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305-5127, USA
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18
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Li B, Feng DY, Cheng RX, He QQ, Hu ZL, Zheng H, Wen JF. [The effects of hepatitis C virus core protein on biological behaviors of human hepatocytes]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 2005; 85:1243-8. [PMID: 16029608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein on the biological behaviors of human hepatocytes and their underlying mechanism. METHODS A cell line expressing stably HCV core protein-QSG7701/core was constructed by transfecting the plasmid pcDNA3.1-core (expressing HCV core protein) into the human immortalized hepatocytes of the line QSG7701. The biological behaviors of these transfected cells were observed through plating-efficiency test, growth curve and flow cytometry (FCM). The association between HCV core protein and the expression of activated caspase-3 protein was evaluated by immunocytochemistry. The phosphorylation of mitogen-activate protein kinases (MAPKs) was detected with Western blotting. The activation of nuclear transcriptors AP-1, important effector molecule of MAPKs, and nuclear factor-kappa binding (NF-kappaB) were evaluated with luciferase assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). RESULTS HCV core protein was expressed in the QSG7701/core cells and not in the QSG7701/pcDNA3.1 cells and untransfected QSG7701 cells. There were no significant differences in the expression levels of total P44/42(MAPK), p38(MAPK) and JNK among the QSG7701/core cells, QSG7701/pcDNA3.1 cells and untransfected QSG7701 cells. The expression levels of phophorylated P44/42(MAPK), p38(MAPK) and JNK in the QSG7701/core cells were significantly weaker than those in the QSG7701/pcDNA3.1 cells and untransfected QSG7701 cells. Plating efficiency test showed that the clone formation rate of the QSG7701/core cells was 32.25%, significantly lower than those of QSG7701/pcDNA3.1 and untransfected QSG7701 cells (47.5% and 42.5% respectively, both P < 0.01). The growth curve showed that the multiplication time of the QSG7701/core cells was 36 hours, significantly longer than those of the QSG7701/pcDNA3.1 and untransfected QSG7701 cells (27 and 28 hours respectively). FCM showed that the apoptotic rate of the QSG770/1core was 1.04%, lower than those of the QSG7701/pcDNA3.1 and untransfected QSG7701 cells (1.68% and 3.7% respectively), and that the percentage of theQSG770/1core cells at the G(0)/G(1) stage increased and those in the S stage decreased. Immunocytochemistry showed that the expression intensity of caspase-3 in the QSG7701/core cells was significantly weaker than those of the QSG7701/pcDNA3.1 cells and untransfected QSG7701 cells. CONCLUSION HCV core protein suppresses cell proliferation and apoptosis by downregmicrolating the phosphorylation of MAPKs and activating the transcriptors AP-1 and NF-kappaB, thus promoting the persistency of HCV infection which leads to chronic hepatitis C and hepatocellular cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
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19
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C induces a state of hepatic oxidative stress that is more pronounced than that present in many other inflammatory liver diseases. This review summarizes recent information that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein plays an important role in this phenomenon. Core protein localizes to mitochondria, particularly at the points of contact between mitochondrial outer membrane and endoplasmic reticulum. Its expression causes inhibition of electron transport at complex I, increased complex I reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, decreased mitochondrial glutathione, and increased mitochondrial permeability transition in response to exogenous oxidants and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Possible mechanisms of the core protein effects include direct interaction with electron carriers and indirect effects mediated by changes in mitochondrial calcium. These results suggest that antioxidant approaches may prove beneficial for patients with chronic hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Korenaga
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0641, USA
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20
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Jhaveri R, Kundu P, Shapiro AM, Venkatesan A, Dasgupta A. Effect of heptitis C virus core protein on cellular gene expression: specific inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2. J Infect Dis 2005; 191:1498-506. [PMID: 15809909 DOI: 10.1086/429301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2004] [Accepted: 11/23/2004] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein plays a significant role in the alteration of cellular gene expression. We expressed HCV core protein using a tetracycline-inducible expression system in HeLa cell lines. Profiles of gene expression in cells expressing the HCV core protein were compared with those in control cells by use of microarray analysis. Cells expressing the HCV core protein showed 86 down-regulated and 41 up-regulated genes, compared with control cells. One gene affected was cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Levels of both COX-2 RNA and the Cox-2 protein were significantly inhibited after the expression of HCV core protein in HeLa cells. Similar results were obtained in hepatoma cells and in a functional assay that measured the production of the Cox-2 protein in response to a mitogenic stimulus. The inhibition of the Cox-2 protein could serve as a means of muting the cellular inflammatory response during HCV infection. Correlation of these findings with analysis of clinical specimens from chronically infected patients should lend further significance to the down-regulation of the inflammatory response via Cox-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Jhaveri
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
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21
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Abstract
Hepatitis C viremia occurs universally after liver transplantation. It is speculated that soluble HCV proteins may be immunomodulatory. We measured the effects of HCV core upon human T-cell proliferation, expression of activation markers, and interaction with cyclosporine. Cells were activated with anti-CD3 for 2-6 days. Cultivation with 1, 2, 4, and 8 microg/mL core reduced tritiated thymidine uptake by 7% (P = ns), 63% (P < .001), 69% (P < .001) and 92% (P < .001). Direct cell counting (10(4)) showed proliferative inhibition in treated cultures after 2 days (84%, P < .05), 4 days (93%, P < .05), and 6 days (88%, P < .05). Viability remained greater than 90%. Expression of activation markers was reduced with core treatment. Treatment with 4 microg/mL core for 2, 4, and 6 days reduced CD2+CD25+ by 67% (P < .05), 67% (P < .05), and 51% (P < .05) and CD2+DR+ expression by 54% (P < .05), 46% (P < .05), and 54% (P < .05). Interaction between core and cyclosporine was determined by isobologram analysis which determines whether interactions are synergistic, additive or antagonistic. Combining core with cyclosporine resulted in an additive effect upon proliferative suppression. Linear regression confirmed an additive interaction with an r2 value of 0.98. The data shows that soluble core causes dose dependent suppression of T-cell proliferation and may potentiate suppression by cyclosporine.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kimball
- Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA.
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Hall HTL, Petrovic J, Höglund P. Reduced antigen concentration and costimulatory blockade increase IFN-gamma secretion in naive CD8+ T cells. Eur J Immunol 2004; 34:3091-101. [PMID: 15384046 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200425074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are killer cells but also major producers of IFN-gamma. We have investigated the effects of peptide antigen titration and costimulatory blockade on IFN-gamma production and proliferation by naive CD8+ T cells. Mature dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with high amounts of agonist peptide triggered proliferation but little IFN-gamma secretion in individual T cells. In contrast, immature DC pulsed with similar amounts of peptide induced IFN-gamma secretion in a larger fraction of T cells but triggered less proliferation. Blocking B7.2 or lowering the amount of peptide on mature DC led to a response similar to that induced by immature DC, suggesting that differences in stimulatory strength were responsible for the different responses. Using splenic antigen-presenting cells (APC) we demonstrate that reducing the amount of peptide in combination with B7 blockage enhanced IFN-gamma secretion and decreased proliferation in naive CD8+ T cells in an additive way. Our data suggest that IFN-gamma secretion and proliferation are independently and inversely controlled by stimulatory strength in naive CD8+ T cells. This may enable CD8+ T cells to respond with IFN-gamma secretion to immature APC with few peptide ligands consistent with an early immunoregulatory role of CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Håkan T L Hall
- Microbiology and Tumor Biology Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein is believed to be one of viral proteins that are capable of preventing virus-infected cell death upon various stimuli. But, the effect of the HCV core protein on apoptosis that is induced by various stimuli is contradictory. We examined the possibility that the HCV core protein affects the ceramide-induced cell death in cells expressing the HCV core protein through the sphingomyelin pathway. Cell death that is induced by C(2)-ceramide and bacterial sphingomyelinase was analyzed in 293 cells that constitutively expressed the HCV core protein and compared with 293 cells that were stably transfected only with the expression vector. The HCV core protein inhibited the cell death that was induced by these reagents. The protective effects of the HCV core protein on ceramide-induced cell death were reflected by the reduced expression of p21(WAF1/Cip1/Sid1) and the sustained expression of the Bcl-2 protein in the HCV core-expressing cells with respect to the vector-transfected cells. These results suggest that the HCV core protein in 293 cells plays a role in the modulation of the apoptotic response that is induced by ceramide. Also, the ability of the HCV core protein to suppress apoptosis might have important implications in understanding the pathogenesis of the HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Su Kim
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Division of Life Sciences, Hallym University, Chunchon 200-702, Korea
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Melén K, Fagerlund R, Nyqvist M, Keskinen P, Julkunen I. Expression of hepatitis C virus core protein inhibits interferon-induced nuclear import of STATs. J Med Virol 2004; 73:536-47. [PMID: 15221897 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.20123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
IFN-alpha combined with ribavirin is used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. However, HCV has mechanisms to resist the antiviral actions of IFN-alpha. In order to study the molecular mechanisms of this resistance, the effect of HCV gene expression on IFN-induced nuclear import of STAT transcription factors and the expression of antiviral MxA protein were studied. In transiently transfected hepatoma cells, HCV core and NS5A proteins clearly inhibited the nuclear import of STAT1 and MxA protein expression (core only), whereas other viral proteins had only a marginal effect. To confirm these observations, human osteosarcoma-derived cell lines, which inducibly express HCV core protein, the entire structural region (core-E1-E2-p7), the NS3-4A complex, NS4B, NS5A, or NS5B proteins were also used. IFN-induced nuclear accumulation of STAT1 was almost completely and STAT2 was partially blocked in cell lines expressing high levels of HCV core protein. Subsequently, in these cells, IFN-alpha-induced MxB protein expression was decreased. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced nuclear import of NF-kappaB was only weakly or not at all inhibited, suggesting that the nuclear import machinery in general was not impaired. The results demonstrate a novel mechanism by which HCV gene expression may interfere with IFN-mediated host defence systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krister Melén
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Immunology, Department of Microbiology, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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25
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Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The mechanisms by which hepatitis C virus (HCV) induces liver fibrosis are unknown. Hepatocytes secrete HCV proteins, which may interact with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Our aims were to investigate whether HCV proteins induce fibrogenic effects on HSCs. METHODS & RESULTS Human-activated HSCs expressed messenger RNA (mRNA) for the putative HCV receptors CD81, LDL receptor, and C1q receptor as assessed by RT-PCR. Incubation of activated but not quiescent human HSCs with recombinant core and NS3 protein increased intracellular calcium concentration and reactive oxygen species production, as well as stimulated intracellular signaling pathways. Adenoviruses encoding core and nonstructural proteins (NS3-NS5) were used to express HCV proteins in HSCs. Expression of core protein increased cell proliferation in a Ras/ERK and PI3K/AKT dependent manner. In contrast, NS3-NS5 protein expression preferentially induced proinflammatory actions, such as increased chemokine secretion and expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule type 1 (ICAM-1) through the NF-kappa B and c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathways. These effects were attenuated by antioxidants. Infection of freshly isolated rat HSCs with adenovirus-encoding core protein resulted in accelerated cell activation, as assessed by alpha-smooth muscle actin expression. Moreover, adenovirus-encoding core and NS3-NS5 proteins increased the secretion of bioactive TGF beta 1 and the expression of procollagen alpha1(I) in early cultured rat HSCs, as assessed by ELISA and RNase protection assay, respectively. CONCLUSIONS HCV core and nonstructural proteins regulate distinct biologic functions in HSCs. A direct interaction between HCV proteins and HSCs may contribute to HCV-induced liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramó Bataller
- Department of Medicine and Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 27599-7038, USA.
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26
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Accapezzato D, Francavilla V, Rawson P, Cerino A, Cividini A, Mondelli MU, Barnaba V. Subversion of effector CD8+ T cell differentiation in acute hepatitis C virus infection: the role of the virus. Eur J Immunol 2004; 34:438-46. [PMID: 14768048 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200324540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In a companion study, we showed a dichotomy between the expansion of central memory (CCR7(+)) hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific CTL and the incomplete memory effector differentiation in patients with acute HCV infection. Indeed, effector cells were unable to perform immediate functions, despite expressing the tissue-homing phenotype of effector memory cells (CCR7(-); semi-effectors). However, since they promptly differentiated into full-effectors upon IL-2 contact, we suggested that the inhibitory effect by environmental (possibly viral) factors on IL-2 production may have a pivotal role in generating the large population of semi-effector CCR7(-)/IFN-gamma(-) CTL. In accord with this view, we report here strong evidence in support of circulating HCVcore protein (HCVcore) playing a central role in inhibiting effector CTL differentiation, but not memory CTL expansion. The regulatory HCVcore effect is related to inhibition of the signal transduction pathway instrumental for IL-2 production, supporting the evidence that IL-2 was capable both of pushing semi-effector CTL to complete their effector cell program and of restoring the HCVcore-dependent inhibitory effect. Therefore, the strength of CTL activation is dependent on the balance between the threshold of stimulatory signals and the viral interference capacities provided during priming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Accapezzato
- Fondazione Andrea Cesalpino and Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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27
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Roddis M, Carter RW, Sun MY, Weissensteiner T, McMichael AJ, Bowness P, Bodmer HC. Fully Functional HLA B27-Restricted CD4+as well as CD8+T Cell Responses in TCR Transgenic Mice. J Immunol 2003; 172:155-61. [PMID: 14688321 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.172.1.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The strong association of HLA B27 with spondyloarthropathies contrasts strikingly with most autoimmune diseases, which are HLA class II associated and thought to be mediated by CD4+ T lymphocytes. By introducing a human-derived HLA B27-restricted TCR into HLA B27 transgenic mice, we have obtained a functional TCR transgenic model, GRb, dependent on HLA B27 for response. Surprisingly, HLA B27 supported CD4+ as well as CD8+ T cell responses in vivo and in vitro. Further, HLA B27-restricted CD4+ T cells were capable of differentiation into a range of Th1 and Th2 T cell subsets with normal patterns of cytokine expression. The transgenic T cells were also able to enhance clearance of recombinant vaccinia virus containing influenza nucleoprotein in vivo. This is the first description of a human HLA class I-restricted TCR transgenic line. The existence of CD4+ MHC class I-restricted T cells has significant implications for immune regulation in autoimmunity and, in particular, in HLA B27-associated arthritis. We believe that this model provides a novel system for the study of unusual T cell behavior in vivo.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/virology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/virology
- Cell Differentiation/genetics
- Cell Differentiation/immunology
- Cells, Cultured
- Cytokines/biosynthesis
- Female
- HLA-B27 Antigen/genetics
- HLA-B27 Antigen/physiology
- Humans
- Influenza A virus/immunology
- Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis
- Lymphocyte Depletion
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Transgenic
- Nucleocapsid Proteins
- Nucleoproteins/immunology
- Nucleoproteins/pharmacology
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Peptide Fragments/pharmacology
- RNA-Binding Proteins
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Th1 Cells/cytology
- Th1 Cells/immunology
- Th1 Cells/metabolism
- Th1 Cells/virology
- Th2 Cells/cytology
- Th2 Cells/immunology
- Th2 Cells/metabolism
- Th2 Cells/virology
- Transgenes/immunology
- Viral Core Proteins/immunology
- Viral Core Proteins/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Roddis
- Edward Jenner Institute for Vaccine Research, Compton, Nr. Newbury, Berkshire RG 20 7NN, United Kingdom
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28
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Hosui A, Ohkawa K, Ishida H, Sato A, Nakanishi F, Ueda K, Takehara T, Kasahara A, Sasaki Y, Hori M, Hayashi N. Hepatitis C virus core protein differently regulates the JAK-STAT signaling pathway under interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma stimuli. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:28562-71. [PMID: 12764155 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m210485200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We established hepatitis C virus (HCV) core-expressing cells and investigated whether HCV core would modify the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator transcription factor (STAT) pathway under interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon (IFN)-gamma stimuli. Phosphorylation of JAK1/2 and STAT3, and STAT3-mediated transcription, were prevented by HCV core under IL-6 stimulation. In contrast, HCV core increased phosphorylation of JAK1/2 and STAT1 and STAT1-mediated transcription under IFN-gamma stimulation. Immunoprecipitation/Western blot analysis showed that HCV core could bind to JAK1/2. The PGYPWP sequences at codons 79-84 within HCV core were important for interaction with JAKs by in vitro binding analysis. In the reporter gene assay, HCV core-mediated suppression of JAK-STAT pathway under IL-6 stimulation was not observed by abrogation of PGYPWP sequence, suggesting that HCV core/JAK interaction may directly affect the signal transduction. In contrast, augmentation of JAK-STAT pathway was still seen by HCV core without functional PGYPWP sequence under IFN-gamma stimulation. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that HCV core up-regulated of IFN-gamma receptor 2 expression, which may be responsible for HCV core-mediated enhancement of JAK-STAT pathway under IFN-gamma stimulation. In conclusion, HCV core has different effects on the JAK-STAT pathway under IL-6 and IFN-gamma stimuli. This may be exerted by these two independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Hosui
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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29
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Bergqvist A, Sundström S, Dimberg LY, Gylfe E, Masucci MG. The hepatitis C virus core protein modulates T cell responses by inducing spontaneous and altering T-cell receptor-triggered Ca2+ oscillations. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:18877-83. [PMID: 12639962 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m300185200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations of cytokine responses are thought to favor the establishment of persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, enhancing the risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Expression of the HCV core (C) protein modulates transcription of the IL-2 promoter in T lymphocytes by activating the nuclear factor of activated T lymphocyte (NFAT) pathway. Here we report on the effect of HCV C on Ca2+ signaling, which is essential for activation of NFAT. Expression of HCV C correlated with increased levels of cytosolic Ca2+ and spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in transfected Jurkat cells. Triggering of the T-cell receptor induced a prolonged Ca2+ response characterized by vigorous high frequent oscillations in a high proportion of the responding cells. This was associated with decreased sizes and accelerated emptying of the intracellular calcium stores. The effect of HCV C on calcium mobilization was not dependent on phospholipase C-gamma 1 (PLC-gamma) activity or increased inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production and did not require functional IP3 receptors, suggesting that insertion of the viral protein in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane may be sufficient to promote Ca2+ leakage with dramatic downstream consequences on the magnitude and duration of the response. Our data suggest that expression of HCV C in infected T lymphocytes may contribute to the establishment of persistent infections by inducing Ca2+ oscillations that regulate both the efficacy and information content of Ca2+ signals and are ultimately responsible for induction of gene expression and functional differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Bergqvist
- Microbiology and Tumor Biology Centre, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
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30
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Düesberg U, von dem Bussche A, Kirschning C, Miyake K, Sauerbruch T, Spengler U. Cell activation by synthetic lipopeptides of the hepatitis C virus (HCV)--core protein is mediated by toll like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4. Immunol Lett 2003; 84:89-95. [PMID: 12270544 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-2478(02)00178-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
T cell epitopes coupled to a lipid moiety (lipopeptides) may be superior immunostimulants compared to peptide antigens and are currently studied as potential vaccines. The cause of enhanced immunogenicity of lipopeptides is largely unknown but members of the novel family of Toll like receptors (TLR) such as TLR2 and TLR4 have been shown to mediate activation of cells in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and other lipidated bacterial or viral components. We studied TLR-mediated activation by 14 synthetic lipopeptides corresponding to T cell epitopes on hepatitis C virus (HCV) core in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) transiently over-expressing TLR2 and in Ba/F3 mouse bone marrow cells stably transfected with TLR4 and the adaptor molecule MD-2. Stimulation of transfected HEK293 or Ba/F3 cells was measured via luciferase activity as a reporter of nuclear factor kappaB activation. Free peptides, a non-HCV-related lipopeptide as well as LPS and the lipopeptide SK4 were used as controls. Ten of the 14 HCV core lipopeptides stimulated luciferase activity in TLR2-transfected HEK293 cells but not in mock-transfected control cells. Nine of the 14 lipopeptides also stimulated luciferase activity in the TLR4/MD-2 double-transfected Ba/F3 cells but not Ba/F3 control cells. Overall, there was a close statistical correlation between TLR2 and TLR4/MD-2-mediated cell activation by the lipopeptides. In contrast, the corresponding free peptides had no stimulatory effect on TLR2 nor on TLR4/MD-2 transfected cells. Thus, lipopeptides but not their corresponding free peptides can activate cells via TLRs 2 and 4. This activation is apparently affected by the amino acid sequence of the peptide moiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uta Düesberg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Sigmund Freud Strasse 25, D-53105 Bonn, Germany
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31
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Li D, Takyar ST, Lott WB, Gowans EJ. Amino acids 1-20 of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein specifically inhibit HCV IRES-dependent translation in HepG2 cells, and inhibit both HCV IRES- and cap-dependent translation in HuH7 and CV-1 cells. J Gen Virol 2003; 84:815-825. [PMID: 12655082 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.18697-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A self-modulating mechanism by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein has been suggested to influence the level of HCV replication, but current data on this subject are contradictory. We examined the effect of wild-type and mutated core protein on HCV IRES- and cap-dependent translation. The wild-type core protein was shown to inhibit both IRES- and cap-dependent translation in an in vitro system. This effect was duplicated in a dose-dependent manner with a synthetic peptide representing amino acids 1-20 of the HCV core protein. This peptide was able to bind to the HCV IRES as shown by a mobility shift assay. In contrast, a peptide derived from the hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein that contained a similar proportion of basic residues was unable to inhibit translation or bind the HCV IRES. A recombinant vaccinia-HCV core virus was used to examine the effect of the HCV core protein on HCV IRES-dependent translation in cells and this was compared with the effects of an HBV core-recombinant vaccinia virus. In CV-1 and HuH7 cells, the HCV core protein inhibited translation directed by the IRES elements of HCV, encephalomyocarditis virus and classical swine fever virus as well as cap-dependent translation, whereas in HepG2 cells, only HCV IRES-dependent translation was affected. Thus, the ability of the HCV core protein to selectively inhibit HCV IRES-dependent translation is cell-specific. N-terminal truncated (aa 1-20) HCV core protein that was expressed from a novel recombinant vaccinia virus in cells abrogated the inhibitory phenotype of the core protein in vivo, consistent with the above in vitro data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Li
- Clinical Medical Virology Research Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
- Sir Albert Sakzewski Virus Research Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Seyed Taghi Takyar
- Clinical Medical Virology Research Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
- Sir Albert Sakzewski Virus Research Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - William B Lott
- Clinical Medical Virology Research Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
- Sir Albert Sakzewski Virus Research Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Eric J Gowans
- Clinical Medical Virology Research Centre, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
- Sir Albert Sakzewski Virus Research Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
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32
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Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Epidemiological studies have shown that coinfection or superinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and C virus (HCV) frequently leads to the suppression of hepatitis B virus replication. The mechanism of this phenomenon is still unclear. Shih et al. [J Virol 1993;67:5823] reported a direct suppression of HBV replication by the core protein of HCV. The target structure of HCV core protein in this system remained unclear. METHODS As HCV core protein has been shown to influence expression from transcriptional elements, we studied whether HCV core protein altered the activity of the two HBV enhancers 1 and 2. Luciferase vectors for HBV enhancers 1 or 2 were cotransfected with expression constructs for HCV core protein in murine and human hepatocyte lines. RESULTS Full-length HCV core protein suppressed the HBV enhancer 1 up to 11-fold, the enhancer 2 3-4-fold. Suppression of HBV enhancer 1 by HCV core from genotype 1b was stronger than by HCV core of genotypes 3a or 1a. Carboxyterminally truncated core proteins had lower or no suppression activity. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that HCV core protein may directly repress transcription of the HBV RNAs. This trans-repression may contribute to suppression of HBV replication in patients coinfected with both viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian G Schüttler
- Institut für Medizinische Virologie Justus-Liebig-Universität, Frankfurter Strasse 107, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
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33
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Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in humans is almost invariably associated with viral persistence and chronic hepatitis. HCV-induced chronic hepatitis is a major risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The high incidence of HCV persistence suggests that this virus has evolved one or more mechanisms to evade and possibly suppress host immune responses. To understand the mechanism(s) involved in the establishment of HCV persistence, we have identified an HCV core protein as an immunomodulatory molecule to suppress host immune response. We have further determined a molecular mechanism of HCV core-mediated immune suppression by searching for a potential host protein(s) capable of associating with the HCV core protein. Interestingly, the Clq complement receptor, gC1qR, can bind to the HCV core. Clq is a ligand of gClqR and is involved in the early defense against viral infection as well as regulation of adaptive immune response. Similar to Clq, the HCV core can inhibit human T-lymphocyte proliferative response through its interaction with the gC1qR. It implicates that HCV core/gClqR-induced immune suppression may play a critical role in the establishment of persistent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Q Yao
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908, USA
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34
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Yang SH, Lee CG, Lee CW, Choi EJ, Yoon SK, Ahn KS, Sung YC. Hepatitis C virus core inhibits the Fas-mediated p38 mitogen activated kinase signaling pathway in hepatocytes. Mol Cells 2002; 13:452-62. [PMID: 12132586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The p38 mitogen activated kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway plays an essential role in regulating many cellular processes, including inflammation, cell differentiation, and cell death. Here, we report that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core inhibits the Fas-mediated p38 signaling pathway. The Fas-mediated p38 activation is suppressed in core-expressing HepG2 cell lines, as well as in the hepatocytes of transgenic mice. In addition, core protein blocked the Fas-mediated activation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), a major upstream MAPKKK of p38. Treatment of a specific p38 inhibitor (SB203580) or overexpression of a kinase-defective mutant, ASK1 (K709R), promoted Fas-mediated cell death in HepG2 cells. This suggests that the p38 and ASK1 activation is required for cell survival against Fas-mediated cell death. In addition, we observed that the HCV core protein enhances Fas-mediated liver injury and lethality in transgenic mice. Collectively, our findings suggest that the HCV core inhibits the Fas-mediated p38 signaling pathway, which results in accelerated Fas-mediated cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Hwan Yang
- Department of Life Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea
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35
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Kim HS, Lee JK, Yang IH, Ahn JK, Oh YI, Kim CJ, Kim YS, Lee CK. Identification of hepatitis C virus core domain inducing suppression of allostimulatory capacity of dendritic cells. Arch Pharm Res 2002; 25:364-9. [PMID: 12135111 DOI: 10.1007/bf02976640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is remarkably efficient at establishing chronic infection. One of the reasons for this appears to be the suppression of the accessory cell function of professional antigen presenting cells. In the present study, the immunosuppressive activity of HCV protein was examined on dendritic cells (DCs) generated from mouse bone marrow progenitor cells in vitro. We found that the DCs forced to express HCV protein have defective allostimulatory ability. DCs expressing HCV protein were phenotypically indistinguishable from normal DCs. However, they were unable to produce IL-12 effectively when stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. The functional domain of the HCV protein essential for immunosuppression was determined using a series of NH2-and C-terminal deletion mutants of HCV core protein. We found that amino acid residues residing between the 21st and the 40th residues from the NH2-terminus of HCV core protein are required for immunosuppression. These findings suggest that HCV core protein suppresses the elicitation of protective Th1 responses by the inhibition of IL-12 production by DCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Sang Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, and Research Center for Bioresource and Health, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
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36
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Abstract
The possibility of interaction between hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein and the cell cycle regulator protein p21/Waf1/Cip1/Sdi1 (p21/Waf1) in cultured cells was analyzed. Although colocalization of HCV core protein and p21/Waf1 was not clearly observed, p21/Waf1 expression was much weaker in HCV core protein-expressing cells than in the control. A Northern blot analysis showed nearly the same level of p21/Waf1 mRNA in both cells, suggesting that HCV core protein inhibited p21/Waf1 expression post-transcriptionally. The degradation patterns of p21/Waf1 did not differ significantly in HCV core protein-expressing cells and in the control, suggesting that the stability of p21/Waf1, once it was accumulated in the cell, was not significantly affected by HCV core protein. But this does not necessarily exclude the possibility that synthesis, maturation, and nuclear transport of p21/Waf1 is impaired, or that the degradation of newly synthesized, improperly processed p21/Waf1 is promoted by HCV core protein. The decrease in p21/Waf1 accumulation was partially inhibited by proteasome inhibitors and a calpain inhibitor in both HCV core protein-expressing cells and the control. In vitro kinase assay revealed that a p21/Waf1-mediated inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 activity was partially negated by HCV core protein. Taken together, the present results suggest that HCV core protein inhibits p21/Waf1 expression post-transcriptionally and impairs the function of p21/Waf1 in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Yoshida
- Department of Microbiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
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37
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Han HJ, Jung EY, Lee WJ, Jang KL. Cooperative repression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 gene expression by hepatitis B virus X protein and hepatitis C virus core protein. FEBS Lett 2002; 518:169-72. [PMID: 11997040 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(02)02694-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Co-infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is common and is associated with a more severe liver disease and increased frequency in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we demonstrated that HBV X protein (HBx) and HCV core protein additively repress the universal cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 gene at the transcription level. The transforming growth factor-beta responsive element and Sp1 site of the p21 promoter were responsible for the effect of HCV core and HBx, respectively. Furthermore, cell growth was additively stimulated by them, suggesting that additive repression of the p21 might be important to understand the cooperative development of HCC by HBV and HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Jin Han
- Department of Microbiology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, 609-735, Pusan, South Korea
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38
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Erhardt A, Hassan M, Heintges T, Häussinger D. Hepatitis C virus core protein induces cell proliferation and activates ERK, JNK, and p38 MAP kinases together with the MAP kinase phosphatase MKP-1 in a HepG2 Tet-Off cell line. Virology 2002; 292:272-84. [PMID: 11878930 DOI: 10.1006/viro.2001.1227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein is a multifunctional protein interacting with cellular and viral proteins and promoters. A tetracycline-regulated system was used to generate a HepG2 Tet-Off cell line allowing regulated expression of a full-length (191 aa) and an N(c)-truncated core protein (160 aa). In this system HCV core protein expression activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, induces MAP kinase phosphatase MKP-1 expression, and increases cell proliferation. This was accompanied by an activation of c-Jun and ATF-2, but not Elk-1 and c-Fos. Furthermore, AP-1 activation was independent of c-Fos. Full-length and N(c)-truncated HCV core proteins exerted similar effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Erhardt
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, und Infektiologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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39
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Alvarez-Lajonchere L, Dueñas-Carrera S, Viña A, Ramos T, Pichardo D, Morales J. Additives and protein-DNA combinations modulate the humoral immune response elicited by a hepatitis C virus core-encoding plasmid in mice. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2002; 97:95-9. [PMID: 11992156 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762002000100016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Humoral and cellular immune responses are currently induced against hepatitis C virus (HCV) core following vaccination with core-encoding plasmids. However, the anti-core antibody response is frequently weak or transient. In this paper, we evaluated the effect of different additives and DNA-protein combinations on the anti-core antibody response. BALB/c mice were intramuscularly injected with an expression plasmid (pIDKCo), encoding a C-terminal truncated variant of the HCV core protein, alone or combined with CaCl2, PEG 6000, Freund's adjuvant, sonicated calf thymus DNA and a recombinant core protein (Co. 120). Mixture of pIDKCo with PEG 6000 and Freund's adjuvant accelerated the development of the anti-core Ab response. Combination with PEG 6000 also induced a bias to IgG2a subclass predominance among anti-core antibodies. The kinetics, IgG2a/IgG1 ratio and epitope specificity of the anti-core antibody response elicited by Co. 120 alone or combined with pIDKCo was different regarding that induced by the pIDKCo alone. Our data indicate that the antibody response induced following DNA immunization can be modified by formulation strategies.
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Liu X, Zou S, Qiu F. [NF-kappa B expression in cholangiocarcinoma transfected with hepatitis C virus core gene]. Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi 2002; 24:20-3. [PMID: 11977629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the development of cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS Recombinant plasmid of HCV-C gene constructed by molecular cloning technique was identified with restricting enzyme map. Then, it was transfected into QBC939 cells with lipofectin. After selection with G418, the resistant colonies were obtained and analysed by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. Their morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of NF-kappa B was detected by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS The results suggested that the recombinant plasmid was proved to carry the target gene by restricting enzyme map. Moreover, it could express HCV-C protein efficiently in QBC939 cells. The HCV-like particles were found in the cytoplasm by TEM, which were spherical with diameter of 50-80 nm possessing an outer membrane. Moreover, NF-kappa B activation was shown in HCV core gene-transfected cells. CONCLUSION Because HCV-C gene could express steadily in cholangiocarcinoma cells, the transfected tumor cells (QBC939-HCVc) are an experimental model for studying the effect of HCV on the development of cholangiocarcinoma. The activation of NF-kappa B may be related to escape from immune surveillance and carcinogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Medical College Hospital, Central China University of Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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Abstract
Ebola virus causes lethal hemorrhagic disease in humans, yet there are still no satisfactory biological explanations to account for its extreme virulence. This review focuses on recent findings relevant to understanding the pathogenesis of Ebola virus infection and developing vaccines and effective therapy. The available data suggest that the envelope glycoprotein and the interaction of some viral proteins with the immune system are likely to play important roles in the extraordinary pathogenicity of this virus. There are also indications that genetically engineered vaccines, including plasmid DNA and viral vectors expressing Ebola virus proteins, and passive transfer of neutralizing antibodies could be feasible options for the control of Ebola virus-associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Takada
- Division of Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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Liu C, Liu W, Yang J, Fang D. [HCV core protein activates expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in HepG(2) cells]. Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi 2001; 9:214-6. [PMID: 11602051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of HCV core protein on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in HepG(2) cells. METHODS The HCV core gene cDNA was recoverd by PCR, and cloned into PBK-CMV. The recombinant plasmid (PBK-HCVc) and the vector-alone were transfected into HepG(2) cells with liposome. After being selected with G418,resistant colonies were obtained. The reverse transcription PCR and Western blot was analyzed to show HCV core protein expression. VEGF was analyzed by immunohistochemical and Western blot; VEGF mRNA was analyzed by in situ hybridization and reverse transcription PCR. RESULTS The results suggest that the recombinant plasmid could express HCV core protein efficiently under the control of vector's promoter. The VEGF of HepG(2)-C cells was higher than that of HepG(2)-CMV. CONCLUSIONS HCV C protein can activates the expression of VEGF in HepG(2) cells and may contributes to viral carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Southwestern Hospital, Third Military Medical College,Chongqing 400038, China
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Chung YM, Park KJ, Choi SY, Hwang SB, Lee SY. Hepatitis C virus core protein potentiates TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation through TRAF2-IKKbeta-dependent pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 284:15-9. [PMID: 11374864 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.4936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Previous work has implicated that the core protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) may play a modulatory effect on NF-kappaB activation induced by TNF-alpha. However, it is unclear how HCV core protein modulates TNF-alpha-induced NK-kappaB activation. Here we show that overexpression of HCV core protein potentiates NF-kappaB activation induced by TNF-alpha. Expression of dominant negative form of TRAF2 inhibits the synergistic effects of HCV core protein on NF-kappaB activation, suggesting that HCV core protein potentiates NF-kappaB activation through TRAF2. Moreover, we demonstrate that HCV core protein potentiates TRAF2-mediated NF-kappaB activation via IKKbeta. In addition, HCV core protein associates with TNF-R1-TRADD-TRAF2 signaling complex, resulting in synergistically activation of NF-kappaB induced by TNF-alpha. Thus, these observations indicate that HCV core protein may play an important role in the regulation of the cellular inflammatory and immune responses through NF-kappaB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y M Chung
- Division of Molecular Life Sciences and Center for Cell Signaling Research, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 120-750, Korea
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Abstract
The liposomally encapsulated and the free antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (S-ODNs) with four target sites (PB1, PB2, PA, and NP) were tested for their abilities to inhibit virus-induced cytopathogenic effects by a MTT assay using MDCK cells. The liposomally encapsulated S-ODN complementary to the sites of the PB2-AUG initiation codon showed highly inhibitory effects. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of the liposomally encapsulated S-ODN targeted to PB1 was considerably decreased in comparison with those directed to the PB2 target sites. The liposomally encapsulated antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides exhibited higher inhibitory activities than the free oligonucleotides, and showed sequence-specific inhibition, whereas the free antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides were observed to inhibit viral absorption to MDCK cells. Therefore, the antiviral effects of S-ODN-PB2-AUG and PA-AUG were examined in a mouse model of influenza virus A infection. Balb/c mice exposed to the influenza virus A (A/PR/8/34) strain at dose of 100 LD(50)s were treated i.v. with various doses (5-40 mg/kg) of liposomally (Tfx-10) encapsulated PB2-AUG or PA-AUG before virus infection and 1 and 3 days postinfection. PB2-AUG oligomer treated i.v. significantly prolonged the mean survival time in days (MDS) and increased the survival rates with a dose-dependent manner. We demonstrate the first successful in vivo antiviral activity of antisense administered i.v. in experimental respiratory tract infections induced with influenza virus A.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Abe
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Chiba Institute of Technology, 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino, 275-0016, Chiba, Japan
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Takamatsu M, Fujita T, Hotta H. Suppression of serum starvation-induced apoptosis by hepatitis C virus core protein. Kobe J Med Sci 2001; 47:97-112. [PMID: 11599127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein either enhances or inhibits apoptosis depending on the apoptosis-inducing stimuli and cell conditions. In this paper we studied possible effect of HCV core protein on apoptosis induced by serum starvation. NIH3T3 cells stably expressing HCV core protein were more resistant to serum starvation-induced apoptosis than were the non-expressing control. Neither p53, p21Waf1 nor Bax was detectably induced after serum starvation, irrespective of HCV core protein expression, suggesting that the observed apoptosis is p53-independent. Serum starvation-induced apoptosis was partially inhibited by SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, in the non-expressing control, but not in HCV core protein-expressing cells. Moreover, activation of p38 MAP kinase after serum starvation, as measured by the amount of its phosphorylated form, was inhibited in HCV core protein-expressing cells. Our results suggest that HCV core protein inhibits serum starvation-induced apoptosis through inhibition of p38 MAP kinase activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Takamatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Kobe University School of Medicine
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Lee CH, Choi YH, Yang SH, Lee CW, Ha SJ, Sung YC. Hepatitis C virus core protein inhibits interleukin 12 and nitric oxide production from activated macrophages. Virology 2001; 279:271-9. [PMID: 11145908 DOI: 10.1006/viro.2000.0694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A characteristic feature of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a high frequency of persistence and the progression to chronic liver diseases. Recent data suggest that prevalent T helper (Th) 2 immunity as well as weak HCV-specific T-cell response is associated with viral persistence. Here, we showed that the production of interleukin 12 (IL-12) and nitric oxide (NO) that is critical for the induction of Th1 and innate immunity, but not that of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), was significantly suppressed in both HCV core-expressing macrophage cell lines and mouse peritoneal macrophages treated with recombinant core protein. In addition, IL-12 p40 promoter activity was repressed by the presence of HCV core in macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharride (LPS) following IFN-gamma treatment, indicating that IL-12 production may be downregulated at the transcriptional level. We also found that proliferation of T cells and IFN-gamma production in mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) with core-expressing cells were inhibited. Taken together, our results suggest that HCV core protein could play roles in suppressing the induction of Th1 immunity through inhibition of IL-12 and NO production.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Lee
- Department of Life Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, San 31, Hyoja-dong, Pohang, 790-784, Korea
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Abstract
Adenovirus infection inhibits synthesis and processing of rRNA and redistributes nucleolar antigens. Adenovirus protein V associates with nucleoli in infected cells. This study delineates regions of protein V independently capable of nucleolar targeting. Also, evidence is presented that protein V has the unique property of relocating nucleolin and B23 to the cytoplasm when transiently expressed on its own in uninfected cells. Point mutation analysis indicates a role for the C terminus of protein V in the redirection of nucleolin and B23 to the cytoplasm. This is the first time an adenovirus protein has been shown to have a direct effect on nucleolar antigens in isolation from viral infection. Moreover, adenovirus protein V is the first protein demonstrated to be capable of redirecting nucleolin and B23 to the cytoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Matthews
- Molecular Medicine Unit, University of Leeds, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, United Kingdom.
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Fukuda K, Tsuchihara K, Hijikata M, Nishiguchi S, Kuroki T, Shimotohno K. Hepatitis C virus core protein enhances the activation of the transcription factor, Elk1, in response to mitogenic stimuli. Hepatology 2001; 33:159-65. [PMID: 11124832 DOI: 10.1053/jhep.2001.20794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways play key roles in cell proliferation, transformation of mammalian cells, and the stress response. We and other investigators showed that hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein has an oncogenic potential, but its mechanism has remained unknown. We previously demonstrated that the MAPK-extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK)-ERK pathway and its downstream target, the serum response element (SRE), is activated in BALB/3T3 cells producing HCV core protein. To elucidate the precise mechanism by which HCV core protein activates the MEK-ERK pathway, we transiently expressed HCV core protein in several cell lines and studied the signal transduction of the pathway, using Gal4-Elk1 luciferase assay, in vitro kinas assay of MAPK, and Western blotting analysis. We discovered that, in the presence of mitogenic signal, HCV core protein enhanced Elk1 activation working downstream of MEK without affecting ERK activity and Elk1 phosphorylation. Our data suggest that HCV core protein may activate Elk1 through a pathway alternative to the typical phosphorylation cascade. These findings might give new insights into the role of HCV in hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Fukuda
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
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Hayashi J, Aoki H, Kajino K, Moriyama M, Arakawa Y, Hino O. Hepatitis C virus core protein activates the MAPK/ERK cascade synergistically with tumor promoter TPA, but not with epidermal growth factor or transforming growth factor alpha. Hepatology 2000; 32:958-61. [PMID: 11050045 DOI: 10.1053/jhep.2000.19343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with the development of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although the mechanism of HCV-related hepatocarcinogenesis remains unclear. Recently, however, the close relationships between the development of HCC and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) cascade have been described. In the present study, we investigated the effects of HCV core protein on this MAPK/ERK cascade. HCV core protein significantly activated the MAPK/ERK cascade, including Elk1. We also examined whether HCV core protein acted synergistically along with hepatocyte mitogen-mediated MAPK/ERK activation. Interestingly, Elk-1 activities were further enhanced by the tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA), but not by hepatocyte mitogens (epidermal growth factor [EGF] and transforming growth factor alpha [TGF-alpha]) in NIH3T3 cells and HepG2 cells expressing HCV core protein. Moreover, the MAPK/ERK activation by HCV core protein was blocked in the presence of the specific MEK1 inhibitor, PD98059. These results indicate that ERK activation by HCV core protein may be independent of hepatocyte mitogen-mediated signaling but synergistic with TPA, and HCV core protein may function at MEK1 or farther upstream of that component.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hayashi
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
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Honda A, Hatano M, Kohara M, Arai Y, Hartatik T, Moriyama T, Imawari M, Koike K, Yokosuka O, Shimotohno K, Tokuhisa T. HCV-core protein accelerates recovery from the insensitivity of liver cells to Fas-mediated apoptosis induced by an injection of anti-Fas antibody in mice. J Hepatol 2000; 33:440-7. [PMID: 11020000 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(00)80280-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major etiologic agent of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to elucidate pathological effects of HCV-core protein on liver cells. METHODS We have generated transgenic mice carrying HCV-core cDNA (Px-core) and pathologically examined livers of Px-core mice. RESULTS HCV-core protein was detectable in livers from lines 5 (C5) and 8 (C8) of Px-core transgenic mice. Since chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis precede hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with HCV infection, we tried to examine the effect of repetitive injection of a small dose of anti-Fas antibody in the transgenic mice. Surprisingly, an initial injection of anti-Fas antibody induced resistance of liver cells to the second injection of anti-Fas antibody in both Px-core and littermate control mice. The insensitivity of liver cells induced in the control mice continued for more than 24 weeks after the first injection but was broken within 1 week after partial hepatectomy. However, the sensitivity was restored in the Px-core mice within 12 weeks after the injection. CONCLUSION HCV-core protein in liver cells may affect persistence of Fas-mediated liver cell injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Honda
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
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