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Pierce BG, Felbinger N, Metcalf M, Toth EA, Ofek G, Fuerst TR. Hepatitis C Virus E1E2 Structure, Diversity, and Implications for Vaccine Development. Viruses 2024; 16:803. [PMID: 38793684 PMCID: PMC11125608 DOI: 10.3390/v16050803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major medical health burden and the leading cause of chronic liver disease and cancer worldwide. More than 58 million people are chronically infected with HCV, with 1.5 million new infections occurring each year. An effective HCV vaccine is a major public health and medical need as recognized by the World Health Organization. However, due to the high variability of the virus and its ability to escape the immune response, HCV rapidly accumulates mutations, making vaccine development a formidable challenge. An effective vaccine must elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) in a consistent fashion. After decades of studies from basic research through clinical development, the antigen of choice is considered the E1E2 envelope glycoprotein due to conserved, broadly neutralizing antigenic domains located in the constituent subunits of E1, E2, and the E1E2 heterodimeric complex itself. The challenge has been elicitation of robust humoral and cellular responses leading to broad virus neutralization due to the relatively low immunogenicity of this antigen. In view of this challenge, structure-based vaccine design approaches to stabilize key antigenic domains have been hampered due to the lack of E1E2 atomic-level resolution structures to guide them. Another challenge has been the development of a delivery platform in which a multivalent form of the antigen can be presented in order to elicit a more robust anti-HCV immune response. Recent nanoparticle vaccines are gaining prominence in the field due to their ability to facilitate a controlled multivalent presentation and trafficking to lymph nodes, where they can interact with both the cellular and humoral components of the immune system. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the E1E2 heterodimeric structure to facilitate a rational design approach and the potential for development of a multivalent nanoparticle-based HCV E1E2 vaccine. Both aspects are considered important in the development of an effective HCV vaccine that can effectively address viral diversity and escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian G. Pierce
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (B.G.P.); (N.F.); (M.M.); (E.A.T.); (G.O.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Nathaniel Felbinger
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (B.G.P.); (N.F.); (M.M.); (E.A.T.); (G.O.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Matthew Metcalf
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (B.G.P.); (N.F.); (M.M.); (E.A.T.); (G.O.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Eric A. Toth
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (B.G.P.); (N.F.); (M.M.); (E.A.T.); (G.O.)
| | - Gilad Ofek
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (B.G.P.); (N.F.); (M.M.); (E.A.T.); (G.O.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Thomas R. Fuerst
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; (B.G.P.); (N.F.); (M.M.); (E.A.T.); (G.O.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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Koyande NP, Srivastava R, Padmakumar A, Rengan AK. Advances in Nanotechnology for Cancer Immunoprevention and Immunotherapy: A Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1727. [PMID: 36298592 PMCID: PMC9610880 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10101727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most effective cancer therapies, cancer immunotherapy has produced outstanding outcomes in the field of cancer treatment. However, the cost is excessive, which limits its applicability. A smart way to address this issue would be to apply the knowledge gained through immunotherapy to develop strategies for the immunoprevention of cancer. The use of cancer vaccines is one of the most popular methods of immunoprevention. This paper reviews the technologies and processes that support the advantages of cancer immunoprevention over traditional cancer immunotherapies. Nanoparticle drug delivery systems and nanoparticle-based nano-vaccines have been employed in the past for cancer immunotherapy. This paper outlines numerous immunoprevention strategies and how nanotechnology can be applied in immunoprevention. To comprehend the non-clinical and clinical evaluation of these cancer vaccines through clinical studies is essential for acceptance of the vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Aravind Kumar Rengan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, India
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3
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Desombere I, Van Houtte F, Farhoudi A, Verhoye L, Buysschaert C, Gijbels Y, Couvent S, Swinnen W, Van Vlierberghe H, Elewaut A, Magri A, Stamataki Z, Meuleman P, McKeating JA, Leroux-Roels G. A Role for B Cells to Transmit Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:775098. [PMID: 34975862 PMCID: PMC8716873 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.775098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly variable and transmits through infected blood to establish a chronic liver infection in the majority of patients. Our knowledge on the infectivity of clinical HCV strains is hampered by the lack of in vitro cell culture systems that support efficient viral replication. We and others have reported that HCV can associate with and infect immune cells and may thereby evade host immune surveillance and elimination. To evaluate whether B cells play a role in HCV transmission, we assessed the ability of B cells and sera from recent (<2 years) or chronic (≥ 2 years) HCV patients to infect humanized liver chimeric mice. HCV was transmitted by B cells from chronic infected patients whereas the sera were non-infectious. In contrast, B cells from recently infected patients failed to transmit HCV to the mice, whereas all serum samples were infectious. We observed an association between circulating anti-glycoprotein E1E2 antibodies and B cell HCV transmission. Taken together, our studies provide evidence for HCV transmission by B cells, findings that have clinical implications for prophylactic and therapeutic antibody-based vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Freya Van Houtte
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ali Farhoudi
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lieven Verhoye
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Yvonne Gijbels
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Couvent
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hepatology Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - André Elewaut
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hepatology Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andrea Magri
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Zania Stamataki
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Researc (NIHR) Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jane A McKeating
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Gao B, Zhao D, Li L, Cheng Z, Guo Y. Antiviral Peptides with in vivo Activity: Development and Modes of Action. Chempluschem 2021; 86:1547-1558. [PMID: 34755499 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202100351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The viral pandemic has resulted in a growing demand for antiviral drugs. The existing small-molecule antiviral drugs are limited, due to their incidence of drug resistance and adverse side effects. As potential drugs, antiviral peptides have the benefits of high activity, high stability, and few side effects. Furthermore, the diversity of acquisition methods allows antiviral peptides to be quickly designed and yielded. The drug properties (such as high bioavailability and in vivo stability) of antiviral peptides can be improved by the developed modifications. Currently, two peptide antiviral drugs have been approved for the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Many antiviral peptides have entered clinical trials for the treatment of diseases caused by viruses. In addition, new antiviral peptides are continuously being identified and validated against virus infections. Given the benefits of antiviral peptides, they will become major antiviral drugs to combat new outbreaks caused by unknown viruses in the future. This review provides an overview of recent developments in antiviral peptides with in vivo activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Gao
- School of Public Health, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
| | - Dongdong Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
| | - Lingmu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
| | - Zhigang Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
| | - Ye Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Disease-Related Biomarkers, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 31 Construction Road, Donghe District, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P. R. China
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Tomlinson JE, Wolfisberg R, Fahnøe U, Patel RS, Trivedi S, Kumar A, Sharma H, Nielsen L, McDonough SP, Bukh J, Tennant BC, Kapoor A, Rosenberg BR, Rice CM, Divers TJ, Van de Walle GR, Scheel TK. Pathogenesis, MicroRNA-122 Gene-Regulation, and Protective Immune Responses After Acute Equine Hepacivirus Infection. Hepatology 2021; 74:1148-1163. [PMID: 33713356 PMCID: PMC8435542 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Equine hepacivirus (EqHV) is phylogenetically the closest relative of HCV and shares genome organization, hepatotropism, transient or persistent infection outcome, and the ability to cause hepatitis. Thus, EqHV studies are important to understand equine liver disease and further as an outbred surrogate animal model for HCV pathogenesis and protective immune responses. Here, we aimed to characterize the course of EqHV infection and associated protective immune responses. APPROACH AND RESULTS Seven horses were experimentally inoculated with EqHV, monitored for 6 months, and rechallenged with the same and, subsequently, a heterologous EqHV. Clearance was the primary outcome (6 of 7) and was associated with subclinical hepatitis characterized by lymphocytic infiltrate and individual hepatocyte necrosis. Seroconversion was delayed and antibody titers waned slowly. Clearance of primary infection conferred nonsterilizing immunity, resulting in shortened duration of viremia after rechallenge. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell responses in horses were minimal, although EqHV-specific T cells were identified. Additionally, an interferon-stimulated gene signature was detected in the liver during EqHV infection, similar to acute HCV in humans. EqHV, as HCV, is stimulated by direct binding of the liver-specific microRNA (miR), miR-122. Interestingly, we found that EqHV infection sequesters enough miR-122 to functionally affect gene regulation in the liver. This RNA-based mechanism thus could have consequences for pathology. CONCLUSIONS EqHV infection in horses typically has an acute resolving course, and the protective immune response lasts for at least a year and broadly attenuates subsequent infections. This could have important implications to achieve the primary goal of an HCV vaccine; to prevent chronicity while accepting acute resolving infection after virus exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy E. Tomlinson
- Baker Institute for Animal HealthCornell University College of Veterinary MedicineIthacaNY
| | - Raphael Wolfisberg
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO‐HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Ulrik Fahnøe
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO‐HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Roosheel S. Patel
- Department of MicrobiologyIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY
| | - Sheetal Trivedi
- Center for Vaccines and ImmunityResearch Institute at Nationwide Children’s HospitalColumbusOH
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Center for Vaccines and ImmunityResearch Institute at Nationwide Children’s HospitalColumbusOH
| | - Himanshu Sharma
- Center for Vaccines and ImmunityResearch Institute at Nationwide Children’s HospitalColumbusOH
| | - Louise Nielsen
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO‐HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Sean P. McDonough
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCornell University College of Veterinary MedicineIthacaNY
| | - Jens Bukh
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO‐HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Bud C. Tennant
- Department of Clinical SciencesCornell University College of Veterinary MedicineIthacaNY
| | - Amit Kapoor
- Center for Vaccines and ImmunityResearch Institute at Nationwide Children’s HospitalColumbusOH
| | - Brad R. Rosenberg
- Department of MicrobiologyIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY
| | - Charles M. Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious DiseaseThe Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkNY
| | - Thomas J. Divers
- Department of Clinical SciencesCornell University College of Veterinary MedicineIthacaNY
| | | | - Troels K.H. Scheel
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO‐HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark,Laboratory of Virology and Infectious DiseaseThe Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkNY
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Hartlage AS, Kapoor A. Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine Research: Time to Put Up or Shut Up. Viruses 2021; 13:1596. [PMID: 34452460 PMCID: PMC8402855 DOI: 10.3390/v13081596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Unless urgently needed to prevent a pandemic, the development of a viral vaccine should follow a rigorous scientific approach. Each vaccine candidate should be designed considering the in-depth knowledge of protective immunity, followed by preclinical studies to assess immunogenicity and safety, and lastly, the evaluation of selected vaccines in human clinical trials. The recently concluded first phase II clinical trial of a human hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine followed this approach. Still, despite promising preclinical results, it failed to protect against chronic infection, raising grave concerns about our understanding of protective immunity. This setback, combined with the lack of HCV animal models and availability of new highly effective antivirals, has fueled ongoing discussions of using a controlled human infection model (CHIM) to test new HCV vaccine candidates. Before taking on such an approach, however, we must carefully weigh all the ethical and health consequences of human infection in the absence of a complete understanding of HCV immunity and pathogenesis. We know that there are significant gaps in our knowledge of adaptive immunity necessary to prevent chronic HCV infection. This review discusses our current understanding of HCV immunity and the critical gaps that should be filled before embarking upon new HCV vaccine trials. We discuss the importance of T cells, neutralizing antibodies, and HCV genetic diversity. We address if and how the animal HCV-like viruses can be used for conceptualizing effective HCV vaccines and what we have learned so far from these HCV surrogates. Finally, we propose a logical but narrow path forward for HCV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex S. Hartlage
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA;
- Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Amit Kapoor
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
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Reciprocal Inhibition of Immunogenic Performance in Mice of Two Potent DNA Immunogens Targeting HCV-Related Liver Cancer. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051073. [PMID: 34067686 PMCID: PMC8156932 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic HCV infection and associated liver cancer impose a heavy burden on the healthcare system. Direct acting antivirals eliminate HCV, unless it is drug resistant, and partially reverse liver disease, but they cannot cure HCV-related cancer. A possible remedy could be a multi-component immunotherapeutic vaccine targeting both HCV-infected and malignant cells, but also those not infected with HCV. To meet this need we developed a two-component DNA vaccine based on the highly conserved core protein of HCV to target HCV-infected cells, and a renowned tumor-associated antigen telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) based on the rat TERT, to target malignant cells. Their synthetic genes were expression-optimized, and HCV core was truncated after aa 152 (Core152opt) to delete the domain interfering with immunogenicity. Core152opt and TERT DNA were highly immunogenic in BALB/c mice, inducing IFN-γ/IL-2/TNF-α response of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Additionally, DNA-immunization with TERT enhanced cellular immune response against luciferase encoded by a co-delivered plasmid (Luc DNA). However, DNA-immunization with Core152opt and TERT mix resulted in abrogation of immune response against both components. A loss of bioluminescence signal after co-delivery of TERT and Luc DNA into mice indicated that TERT affects the in vivo expression of luciferase directed by the immediate early cytomegalovirus and interferon-β promoters. Panel of mutant TERT variants was created and tested for their expression effects. TERT with deleted N-terminal nucleoli localization signal and mutations abrogating telomerase activity still suppressed the IFN-β driven Luc expression, while the inactivated reverse transcriptase domain of TERT and its analogue, enzymatically active HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, exerted only weak suppressive effects, implying that suppression relied on the presence of the full-length/nearly full-length TERT, but not its enzymatic activity. The effect(s) could be due to interference of the ectopically expressed xenogeneic rat TERT with biogenesis of mRNA, ribosomes and protein translation in murine cells, affecting the expression of immunogens. HCV core can aggravate this effect, leading to early apoptosis of co-expressing cells, preventing the induction of immune response.
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Keshavarz-Fathi M, Rezaei N. Cancer Immunoprevention: Current Status and Future Directions. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2021; 69:3. [PMID: 33638703 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-021-00604-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most serious diseases affecting health and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Despite the development of various therapeutic modalities to deal with cancer, limited improvement in overall survival of patients has been yielded. Since there is no certain cure for cancer, detection of premalignant lesions, and prevention of their progression are vital to the decline of high morbidity and mortality of cancer. Among approaches to cancer prevention, immunoprevention has gained further attention in recent years. Deep understanding of the tumor/immune system interplay and successful prevention of virally-induced malignancies by vaccines have paved the way toward broadening cancer immunoprevention application. The identification of tumor antigens in premalignant lesions was the turning point in cancer immunoprevention that led to designing preventive vaccines for various malignancies including multiple myeloma, colorectal, and breast cancer. In addition to vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors are also being tested for the prevention of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and imiquimod which is an established drug for the prevention of skin SCC, is a non-specific immunomodulator. Herein, to provide a bench-to-bedside understanding of cancer immunoprevention, we will review the role of the immune system in suppression and promotion of tumors, immunoprevention of virally-induced cancers, identification of tumor antigens in premalignant lesions, and clinical advances of cancer immunoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Keshavarz-Fathi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, 14194, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, 14194, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Stockholm, Sweden.
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Kardani K, Basimi P, Fekri M, Bolhassani A. Antiviral therapy for the sexually transmitted viruses: recent updates on vaccine development. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2020; 13:1001-1046. [PMID: 32838584 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1814743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by viruses including human T cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1), human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), human simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human papillomavirus (HPV) are major public health issues. These infections can cause cancer or result in long-term health problems. Due to high prevalence of STIs, a safe and effective vaccine is required to overcome these fatal viruses. AREAS COVERED This review includes a comprehensive overview of the literatures relevant to vaccine development against the sexually transmitted viruses (STVs) using PubMed and Sciencedirect electronic search engines. Herein, we discuss the efforts directed toward development of effective vaccines using different laboratory animal models including mice, guinea pig or non-human primates in preclinical trials, and human in clinical trials with different phases. EXPERT OPINION There is no effective FDA approved vaccine against the sexually transmitted viruses (STVs) except for HBV and HPV as prophylactic vaccines. Many attempts are underway to develop vaccines against these viruses. There are several approaches for improving prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines such as heterologous prime/boost immunization, delivery system, administration route, adjuvants, etc. In this line, further studies can be helpful for understanding the immunobiology of STVs in human. Moreover, development of more relevant animal models is a worthy goal to induce effective immune responses in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Kardani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
| | - Parya Basimi
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrshad Fekri
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
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Mohammadzadeh S, Roohvand F, Ehsani P, Salmanian AH, Ajdary S. Canola oilseed- and Escherichia coli- derived hepatitis C virus (HCV) core proteins adjuvanted with oil bodies, induced robust Th1-oriented immune responses in immunized mice. APMIS 2020; 128:593-602. [PMID: 32870528 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Induction of broad Th1 cellular immune responses and cytokines is crucial characteristics for vaccines against intracellular infections such as hepatitis C virus (HCV). Plants (especially oilseed tissues) and plant-immunomodulators (like oil bodies) offer cost-effective and scalable possibilities for the production of immunologically relevant and safe vaccine antigens and adjuvants, respectively. Herein, we provide data of the murine immunization by transgenic canola oilseed-derived HCV core protein (HCVcp) soluble extract (TSE) and Escherichia coli- derived rHCVcp in combination with Canola oil bodies (oil) compared to that of the Freund's (FA) adjuvant. Mice immunized by TSE+ oil developed both strong humeral (IgG) and Th1-biased cellular responses, manifested by high levels of IFN-γ and lower IgG1/IgG2a ratio and IL-4 secretion. Results of the intracellular cytokine staining indicated that TSE+ oil immunization in mice triggered both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to release IFN-γ, while CD4+ cells were mostly triggered when FA was used. Analyses by qRT-PCR indicated that a combination of rHCVcp/TSE with oil body induced high levels of IL-10 cytokines compared to that of the FA adjuvant. These characteristics are important properties for the design of an HCV vaccine candidate and indicate the potential of Canola-derived antigen and oil bodies in addressing these concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mohammadzadeh
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzin Roohvand
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parastoo Ehsani
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Hatef Salmanian
- Department Plant Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Ajdary
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Hepatitis C virus vaccine design: focus on the humoral immune response. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:78. [PMID: 32631318 PMCID: PMC7338099 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00669-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent development of safe and highly effective direct-acting antivirals, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant health problem. In 2016, the World Health Organization set out to reduce the rate of new HCV infections by 90% by 2030. Still, global control of the virus does not seem to be achievable in the absence of an effective vaccine. Current approaches to the development of a vaccine against HCV include the production of recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, DNA vaccines, virus-like particles, and viral vectors expressing various antigens. In this review, we focus on the development of vaccines targeting the humoral immune response against HCV based on the cumulative evidence supporting the important role of neutralizing antibodies in protection against HCV infection. The main targets of HCV-specific neutralizing antibodies are the glycoproteins E1 and E2. Recent advances in the knowledge of HCV glycoprotein structure and their epitopes, as well as the possibility of getting detailed information on the human antibody repertoire generated by the infection, will allow rational structure-based antigen design to target specific germline antibodies. Although obtaining a vaccine capable of inducing sterilizing immunity will be a difficult task, a vaccine that prevents chronic hepatitis C infections, a more realistic goal in the short term, would have a considerable health impact.
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Chronic Viral Liver Diseases: Approaching the Liver Using T Cell Receptor-Mediated Gene Technologies. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061471. [PMID: 32560123 PMCID: PMC7349849 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with viral hepatitis is a major risk factor for liver injury and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). One major contributing factor to the chronicity is the dysfunction of virus-specific T cell immunity. T cells engineered to express virus-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) may be a therapeutic option to improve host antiviral responses and have demonstrated clinical success against virus-associated tumours. This review aims to give an overview of TCRs identified from viral hepatitis research and discuss how translational lessons learned from cancer immunotherapy can be applied to the field. TCR isolation pipelines, liver homing signals, cell type options, as well as safety considerations will be discussed herein.
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Priming of Antiviral CD8 T Cells without Effector Function by a Persistently Replicating Hepatitis C-Like Virus. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.00035-20. [PMID: 32102885 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00035-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune-competent animal models for the hepatitis C virus (HCV) are nonexistent, impeding studies of host-virus interactions and vaccine development. Experimental infection of laboratory rats with a rodent hepacivirus isolated from Rattus norvegicus (RHV) is a promising surrogate model due to its recapitulation of HCV-like chronicity. However, several aspects of rat RHV infection remain unclear, for instance, how RHV evades host adaptive immunity to establish persistent infection. Here, we analyzed the induction, differentiation, and functionality of RHV-specific CD8 T cell responses that are essential for protection against viral persistence. Virus-specific CD8 T cells targeting dominant and subdominant major histocompatibility complex class I epitopes proliferated considerably in liver after RHV infection. These populations endured long term yet never acquired antiviral effector functions or selected for viral escape mutations. This was accompanied by the persistent upregulation of programmed cell death-1 and absent memory cell formation, consistent with a dysfunctional phenotype. Remarkably, transient suppression of RHV viremia with a direct-acting antiviral led to the priming of CD8 T cells with partial effector function, driving the selection of a viral escape variant. These data demonstrate an intrinsic abnormality within CD8 T cells primed by rat RHV infection, an effect that is governed at least partially by the magnitude of early virus replication. Thus, this model could be useful in investigating mechanisms of CD8 T cell subversion, leading to the persistence of hepatotropic pathogens such as HCV.IMPORTANCE Development of vaccines against hepatitis C virus (HCV), a major cause of cirrhosis and cancer, has been stymied by a lack of animal models. The recent discovery of an HCV-like rodent hepacivirus (RHV) enabled the development of such a model in rats. This platform recapitulates HCV hepatotropism and viral chronicity necessary for vaccine testing. Currently, there are few descriptions of RHV-specific responses and why they fail to prevent persistent infection in this model. Here, we show that RHV-specific CD8 T cells, while induced early at high magnitude, do not develop into functional effectors capable of controlling virus. This defect was partially alleviated by short-term treatment with an HCV antiviral. Thus, like HCV, RHV triggers dysfunction of virus-specific CD8 T cells that are vital for infection resolution. Additional study of this evasion strategy and how to mitigate it could enhance our understanding of hepatotropic viral infections and lead to improved vaccines and therapeutics.
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Ploss A, Kapoor A. Animal Models of Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:cshperspect.a036970. [PMID: 31843875 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important and underreported infectious disease, causing chronic infection in ∼71 million people worldwide. The limited host range of HCV, which robustly infects only humans and chimpanzees, has made studying this virus in vivo challenging and hampered the development of a desperately needed vaccine. The restrictions and ethical concerns surrounding biomedical research in chimpanzees has made the search for an animal model all the more important. In this review, we discuss different approaches that are being pursued toward creating small animal models for HCV infection. Although efforts to use a nonhuman primate species besides chimpanzees have proven challenging, important advances have been achieved in a variety of humanized mouse models. However, such models still fall short of the overarching goal to have an immunocompetent, inheritably susceptible in vivo platform in which the immunopathology of HCV could be studied and putative vaccines development. Alternatives to overcome this include virus adaptation, such as murine-tropic HCV strains, or the use of related hepaciviruses, of which many have been recently identified. Of the latter, the rodent/rat hepacivirus from Rattus norvegicus species-1 (RHV-rn1) holds promise as a surrogate virus in fully immunocompetent rats that can inform our understanding of the interaction between the immune response and viral outcomes (i.e., clearance vs. persistence). However, further characterization of these animal models is necessary before their use for gaining new insights into the immunopathogenesis of HCV and for conceptualizing HCV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Amit Kapoor
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA
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15
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Meuleman TJ, Cowton VM, Patel AH, Liskamp RM. Improving the aqueous solubility of HCV-E2 glycoprotein epitope mimics by cyclization using POLAR hinges. J Pept Sci 2020; 26:e3222. [PMID: 31984607 PMCID: PMC7050536 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In this research we describe the improvement of the water-solubility of cyclic epitope mimics based on the HCV E2 glycoprotein by incorporation of suitable polar hinges. The poor solubility of epitope mimics based on peptide sequences in the envelope (E2) protein hampered their synthesis and purification and made it very difficult to prepare the molecular constructs for evaluation of their bioactivity. Since changes in the amino acid composition are hardly possible in these epitope mimics in order to increase water-solubility, a polar cyclization hinge may offer a remedy leading to a significant increase of polarity and therefore water solubility. These polar hinges were applied in the synthesis of better water-soluble HCV-E2 epitopes. An azide functionality in the polar hinges allowed attachment of a tetraethylene glycol linker by Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne cyclo-addition (CuAAC) for a convenient conjugation to ELISA plates in order to evaluate the bio-activity of the epitope mimics. The immunoassays showed that the use of more polar cyclization hinges still supported anti-HCV antibody recognition and did not negatively influence their binding. This significantly increased solubility induced by polar hinges should therefore allow for the molecular construction and ultimate evaluation of synthetic vaccine molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodorus J. Meuleman
- School of Chemistry, University of GlasgowJoseph Black Building, University AvenueGlasgowG12 8QQUK
| | - Vanessa M. Cowton
- MRC‐University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGarscube Campus, Sir Michael Stoker Building, 464 Bearsden RoadGlasgowG61 1QHUK
| | - Arvind H. Patel
- MRC‐University of Glasgow Centre for Virus ResearchGarscube Campus, Sir Michael Stoker Building, 464 Bearsden RoadGlasgowG61 1QHUK
| | - Rob M.J. Liskamp
- School of Chemistry, University of GlasgowJoseph Black Building, University AvenueGlasgowG12 8QQUK
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16
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Velázquez-Moctezuma R, Galli A, Law M, Bukh J, Prentoe J. Hepatitis C Virus-Escape Studies for Human Monoclonal Antibody AR4A Reveal Isolate-Specific Resistance and a High Barrier to Resistance. J Infect Dis 2019; 219:68-79. [PMID: 30102355 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Global control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) depends on development of a prophylactic vaccine. We studied escape for cross-genotype-reactive neutralizing antibody AR4A, providing valuable information for HCV vaccine design. We cultured HCV core-NS2 recombinants H77 (genotype 1a)/JFH1 or the highly antibody-susceptible hypervariable region 1 (HVR1)-deleted variants H77/JFH1∆HVR1 and J6(genotype 2a)/JFH1∆HVR1 in Huh7.5 cells with AR4A. Long-term AR4A exposure of H77/JFH1 and H77/JFH1∆HVR1 did not yield resistance. However, J6/JFH1∆HVR1 developed the envelope-E2 substitutions I696T or I696N, which reduced AR4A binding (I696N > I696T). I696N conferred greater AR4A resistance than I696T in J6/JFH1∆HVR1, whereas the reverse was observed in J6/JFH1. This was because I696N but not I696T conferred broadly increased antibody neutralization susceptibility to J6/JFH1. I696N and I696T abrogated infectivity of H77/JFH1 and broadly increased neutralization susceptibility of S52 (genotype 3a)/JFH1. In conclusion, I696 is in the AR4A epitope, which has a high barrier to resistance, thus strengthening the rationale for its inclusion in rational HCV vaccine designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Velázquez-Moctezuma
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Research Centre, Hvidovre Hospital.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andrea Galli
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Research Centre, Hvidovre Hospital.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mansun Law
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Jens Bukh
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Research Centre, Hvidovre Hospital.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jannick Prentoe
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Research Centre, Hvidovre Hospital.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Jhaveri R. "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" or "Here Today, Stay a Long While": The Divergent Paths of Two Host Factors Important in Viral Infections. Clin Ther 2019; 41:1907-1911. [PMID: 31447128 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Host factors are critically important in governing the susceptibility and severity of most viral infections. The importance of these host factors is governed by the prevalence of the virus and the availability of effective therapeutic and/or preventive measures. This commentary highlights two such host factors that were initially judged to be important but over time have moved in opposite directions: hepatitis C virus and the IL28B locus as well as HIV and the Δ32-CCR5 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Jhaveri
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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18
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HCV p7 as a novel vaccine-target inducing multifunctional CD4 + and CD8 + T-cells targeting liver cells expressing the viral antigen. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14085. [PMID: 31575882 PMCID: PMC6773770 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50365-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent treatment advances for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a vaccine is urgently needed for global control of this important liver pathogen. The lack of robust immunocompetent HCV infection models makes it challenging to identify correlates of protection and test vaccine efficacy. However, vigorous CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses are detected in patients that spontaneously resolve acute infection, whereas dysfunctional T-cell responses are a hallmark of chronic infection. The HCV p7 protein, forming ion-channels essential for viral assembly and release, has not previously been pursued as a vaccine antigen. Herein, we demonstrated that HCV p7 derived from genotype 1a and 1b sequences are highly immunogenic in mice when employed as overlapping peptides formulated as nanoparticles with the cross-priming adjuvant, CAF09. This approach induced multifunctional cytokine producing CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells targeting regions of p7 that are subject to immune pressure during HCV infection in chimpanzees and humans. Employing a surrogate in vivo challenge model of liver cells co-expressing HCV-p7 and GFP, we found that vaccinated mice cleared transgene expressing cells. This study affirms the potential of a T-cell inducing nanoparticle vaccine platform to target the liver and introduces HCV p7 as a potential target for HCV vaccine explorations.
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19
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Hahn JA, Tully DC, Evans JL, Morris MD, Briceno A, Bean DJ, Allen TM, Page K. Role of HCV Viremia in Corroborated HCV Transmission Events Within Young Adult Injecting Partnerships. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz125. [PMID: 31041340 PMCID: PMC6483127 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a major cause of morbidity and mortality, is common and rising among young persons who inject drugs (PWID). Reducing the level of viremia may be an intervention, yet the impact of viremia on HCV transmission is unknown. Methods We conducted a prospective study of injecting partnerships (Partner Study) of young adult (age < 30 years) PWID within the UFO Study, which enrolled those at risk for HCV or with seronegative viremic infection and up to 3 HCV RNA-positive regular injecting partners. We examined the level of HCV viremia and stage of infection in the HCV-positive partner in regression analyses of HCV transmission events that were corroborated via HCV phylogenetic linkage analyses. Results We enrolled 69 at-risk/acutely infected PWID. There were 25 new HCV infections (incidence rate, 35.9 per 100 person-years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 24.3-53.2 per 100 person-years); 12/25 (48%) were phylogenetically linked to at least 1 partner. We found no association between the infected partner's quantitative level of HCV viremia and likely transmission in multivariate analyses (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-1.46); however, seronegative viremic infection in the infected partner was associated with increased transmission (AOR, 28.02; 95% CI, 5.61-139.95). Conclusions The HCV viremia level was not associated with increased odds of transmission, yet acute HCV infection (seronegative viremic) was. Explanations include high-risk behavior during acute infection or missed fluctuations in viremia during acute infection. Both point to the need for frequent testing to detect new infection and attempt to prevent onward transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Hahn
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Damien C Tully
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jennifer L Evans
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Meghan D Morris
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Alya Briceno
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - David J Bean
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Todd M Allen
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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20
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Khera T, Behrendt P, Bankwitz D, Brown RJP, Todt D, Doepke M, Khan AG, Schulze K, Law J, Logan M, Hockman D, Wong JAJX, Dold L, Gonzalez-Motos V, Spengler U, Viejo-Borbolla A, Ströh LJ, Krey T, Tarr AW, Steinmann E, Manns MP, Klein F, Guzman CA, Marcotrigiano J, Houghton M, Pietschmann T. Functional and immunogenic characterization of diverse HCV glycoprotein E2 variants. J Hepatol 2019; 70:593-602. [PMID: 30439392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Induction of cross-reactive antibodies targeting conserved epitopes of the envelope proteins E1E2 is a key requirement for an hepatitis C virus vaccine. Conserved epitopes like the viral CD81-binding site are targeted by rare broadly neutralizing antibodies. However, these viral segments are occluded by variable regions and glycans. We aimed to identify antigens exposing conserved epitopes and to characterize their immunogenicity. METHODS We created hepatitis C virus variants with mutated glycosylation sites and/or hypervariable region 1 (HVR1). Exposure of the CD81 binding site and conserved epitopes was quantified by soluble CD81 and antibody interaction and neutralization assays. E2 or E1-E2 heterodimers with mutations causing epitope exposure were used to immunize mice. Vaccine-induced antibodies were examined and compared with patient-derived antibodies. RESULTS Mutant viruses bound soluble CD81 and antibodies targeting the CD81 binding site with enhanced efficacy. Mice immunized with E2 or E1E2 heterodimers incorporating these modifications mounted strong, cross-binding, and non-interfering antibodies. E2-induced antibodies neutralized the autologous virus but they were not cross-neutralizing. CONCLUSIONS Viruses lacking the HVR1 and selected glycosylation sites expose the CD81 binding site and cross-neutralization antibody epitopes. Recombinant E2 proteins carrying these modifications induce strong cross-binding but not cross-neutralizing antibodies. LAY SUMMARY Conserved viral epitopes can be made considerably more accessible for binding of potently neutralizing antibodies by deletion of hypervariable region 1 and selected glycosylation sites. Recombinant E2 proteins carrying these mutations are unable to elicit cross-neutralizing antibodies suggesting that exposure of conserved epitopes is not sufficient to focus antibody responses on production of cross-neutralizing antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvi Khera
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Patrick Behrendt
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dorothea Bankwitz
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Richard J P Brown
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany; Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mandy Doepke
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Abdul Ghafoor Khan
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-9806, USA
| | - Kai Schulze
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - John Law
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Michael Logan
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Darren Hockman
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Jason Alexander Ji-Xhin Wong
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Leona Dold
- Institute of Virology, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Spengler
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Luisa J Ströh
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Krey
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Alexander W Tarr
- NIHR Nottingham Digestive Diseases Biomedical Research Centre and School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany; Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Florian Klein
- Institute of Virology, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Cologne, Germany
| | - Carlos A Guzman
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Joseph Marcotrigiano
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-9806, USA
| | - Michael Houghton
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Thomas Pietschmann
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany.
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Hepatitis C Virus Escape Studies of Human Antibody AR3A Reveal a High Barrier to Resistance and Novel Insights on Viral Antibody Evasion Mechanisms. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.01909-18. [PMID: 30487284 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01909-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Yearly, ∼2 million people become hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected, resulting in an elevated lifetime risk for severe liver-related chronic illnesses. Characterizing epitopes of broadly neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), such as AR3A, is critical to guide vaccine development. Previously identified alanine substitutions that can reduce AR3A binding to expressed H77 envelope were introduced into chimeric cell culture-infectious HCV recombinants (HCVcc) H77(core-NS2)/JFH1. Substitutions G523A, G530A, and D535A greatly reduced fitness, and S424A, P525A, and N540A, although viable, conferred only low-level AR3A resistance. Using highly NAb-sensitive hypervariable region 1 (HVR1)-deleted HCVcc, H77/JFH1ΔHVR1 and J6(core-NS2)/JFH1ΔHVR1, we previously reported a low barrier to developing AR5A NAb resistance substitutions. Here, we cultured Huh7.5 cells infected with H77/JFH1, H77/JFH1ΔHVR1, or J6/JFH1ΔHVR1 with AR3A. We identified the resistance envelope substitutions M345T in H77/JFH1, L438S and F442Y in H77/JFH1ΔHVR1, and D431G in J6/JFH1ΔHVR1 M345T increased infectivity and conferred low-level AR3A resistance to H77/JFH1 but not H77/JFH1ΔHVR1 L438S and F442Y conferred high-level AR3A resistance to H77/JFH1ΔHVR1 but abrogated the infectivity of H77/JFH1. D431G conferred AR3A resistance to J6/JFH1ΔHVR1 but not J6/JFH1. This was possibly because D431G conferred broadly increased neutralization sensitivity to J6/JFH1D431G but not J6/JFH1ΔHVR1/D431G while decreasing scavenger receptor class B type I coreceptor dependency. Common substitutions at positions 431 and 442 did not confer high-level resistance in other genotype 2a recombinants [JFH1 or T9(core-NS2)/JFH1]. Although the data indicate that AR3A has a high barrier to resistance, our approach permitted identification of low-level resistance substitutions. Also, the HVR1-dependent effects on AR3A resistance substitutions suggest a complex role of HVR1 in virus escape and receptor usage, with important implications for HCV vaccine development.IMPORTANCE Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of liver-related mortality, and limited treatment accessibility makes vaccine development a high priority. The vaccine-relevant cross-genotype-reactive antibody AR3A has shown high potency, but the ability of the virus to rapidly escape by mutating the AR3A epitope (barrier to resistance) remains unexplored. Here, we succeeded in inducing only low-level AR3A resistance, indicating a higher barrier to resistance than what we have previously reported for AR5A. Furthermore, we identify AR3A resistance substitutions that have hypervariable region 1 (HVR1)-dependent effects on HCV viability and on broad neutralization sensitivity. One of these substitutions increased envelope breathing and decreased scavenger receptor class B type I HCV coreceptor dependency, both in an HVR1-dependent fashion. Thus, we identify novel AR3A-specific resistance substitutions and the role of HVR1 in protecting HCV from AR3-targeting antibodies. These viral escape mechanisms should be taken into consideration in future HCV vaccine development.
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22
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Pietschmann T, Brown RJP. Hepatitis C Virus. Trends Microbiol 2019; 27:379-380. [PMID: 30709707 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped, RNA virus transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. It infects humans only and primarily targets liver cells. HCV evades innate and adaptive immunity and establishes chronic infections in 70% of cases. If untreated, 20% of patients develop liver cirrhosis, and a fraction of these progress to hepatocellular carcinoma. Annually, 400000 patients die globally due to HCV infection. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are licensed and target three viral proteins: the NS3-4A protease needed for processing the viral polyprotein, the NS5A phosphoprotein that regulates RNA replication and virus assembly, and the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (NS5B) that catalyzes genome replication. Combination therapies cure more than 95% of treated patients. Approximately 71 million people are chronically infected and 1.7 million new infections occur annually. Treatment-induced cure does not protect from viral reinfection. A prophylactic vaccine is under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Pietschmann
- Division of Experimental Virology, Twincore Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 7-9, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Richard J P Brown
- Division of Experimental Virology, Twincore Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 7-9, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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23
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Hartnell F, Brown A, Capone S, Kopycinski J, Bliss C, Makvandi-Nejad S, Swadling L, Ghaffari E, Cicconi P, Del Sorbo M, Sbrocchi R, Esposito I, Vassilev V, Marriott P, Gardiner CM, Bannan C, Bergin C, Hoffmann M, Turner B, Nicosia A, Folgori A, Hanke T, Barnes E, Dorrell L. A Novel Vaccine Strategy Employing Serologically Different Chimpanzee Adenoviral Vectors for the Prevention of HIV-1 and HCV Coinfection. Front Immunol 2019; 9:3175. [PMID: 30713538 PMCID: PMC6346592 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Nearly 3 million people worldwide are coinfected with HIV and HCV. Affordable strategies for prevention are needed. We developed a novel vaccination regimen involving replication-defective and serologically distinct chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAd3, ChAd63) vector priming followed by modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) boosts, for simultaneous delivery of HCV non-structural (NSmut) and HIV-1 conserved (HIVconsv) region immunogens. Methods: We conducted a phase I trial in which 33 healthy volunteers were sequentially enrolled and vaccinated via the intramuscular route as follows: 9 received ChAd3-NSmut [2.5 × 1010 vp] and MVA-NSmut [2 × 108 pfu] at weeks 0 and 8, respectively; 8 received ChAdV63.HIVconsv [5 × 1010 vp] and MVA.HIVconsv [2 × 108 pfu] at the same interval; 16 were co-primed with ChAd3-NSmut [2.5 × 1010 vp] and ChAdV63.HIVconsv [5 × 1010 vp] followed at week 8 by MVA-NSmut and MVA.HIVconsv [both 1 × 108 pfu]. Immunogenicity was assessed using peptide pools in ex vivo ELISpot and intracellular cytokine assays. Vaccine-induced whole blood transcriptome changes were assessed by microarray analysis. Results: All vaccines were well tolerated and no vaccine-related serious adverse events occurred. Co-administration of the prime-boost vaccine regimens induced high magnitude and broad T cell responses that were similar to those observed following immunization with either regimen alone. Median (interquartile range, IQR) peak responses to NSmut were 3,480 (2,728–4,464) and 3,405 (2,307–7,804) spot-forming cells (SFC)/106 PBMC for single and combined HCV vaccinations, respectively (p = 0.8). Median (IQR) peak responses to HIVconsv were 1,305 (1,095–4,967) and 1,005 (169–2,482) SFC/106 PBMC for single and combined HIV-1 vaccinations, respectively (p = 0.5). Responses were maintained above baseline to 34 weeks post-vaccination. Intracellular cytokine analysis indicated that the responding populations comprised polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Canonical pathway analysis showed that in the single and combined vaccination groups, pathways associated with antiviral and innate immune responses were enriched for upregulated interferon-stimulated genes 24 h after priming and boosting vaccinations. Conclusions: Serologically distinct adenoviral vectors encoding HCV and HIV-1 immunogens can be safely co-administered without reducing the immunogenicity of either vaccine. This provides a novel strategy for targeting these viruses simultaneously and for other pathogens that affect the same populations. Clinical trial registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT02362217
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity Hartnell
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Brown
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jakub Kopycinski
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Carly Bliss
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Leo Swadling
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Ghaffari
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Cicconi
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Ilaria Esposito
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paula Marriott
- Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Clair M Gardiner
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Matthias Hoffmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Bethany Turner
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alfredo Nicosia
- Keires AG, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Tomáš Hanke
- Jenner Institute Laboratories, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Eleanor Barnes
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Headington, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Dorrell
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Headington, United Kingdom
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24
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Brenner N, Mentzer AJ, Butt J, Braband KL, Michel A, Jeffery K, Klenerman P, Gärtner B, Schnitzler P, Hill A, Taylor G, Demontis MA, Guy E, Hadfield SJ, Almond R, Allen N, Pawlita M, Waterboer T. Validation of Multiplex Serology for human hepatitis viruses B and C, human T-lymphotropic virus 1 and Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210407. [PMID: 30615688 PMCID: PMC6322760 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiplex Serology is a high-throughput technology developed to simultaneously measure specific serum antibodies against multiple pathogens in one reaction vessel. Serological assays for hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses, human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) and the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) were developed and validated against established reference assays. For each pathogen, between 3 and 5 specific antigens were recombinantly expressed as GST-tag fusion proteins in Escherichia coli and tested in Monoplex Serology, i.e. assays restricted to the antigens from one particular pathogen. For each of the four pathogen-specific Monoplex assays, overall seropositivity was defined using two pathogen-specific antigens. In the case of HBV Monoplex Serology, the detection of past natural HBV infection was validated based on two independent reference panels resulting in sensitivities of 92.3% and 93.0%, and specificities of 100% in both panels. Validation of HCV and HTLV-1 Monoplex Serology resulted in sensitivities of 98.0% and 95.0%, and specificities of 96.2% and 100.0%, respectively. The Monoplex Serology assay for T. gondii was validated with a sensitivity of 91.2% and specificity of 92.0%. The developed Monoplex Serology assays largely retained their characteristics when they were included in a multiplex panel (i.e. Multiplex Serology), containing additional antigens from a broad range of other pathogens. Thus HBV, HCV, HTLV-1 and T. gondii Monoplex Serology assays can efficiently be incorporated into Multiplex Serology panels tailored for application in seroepidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Brenner
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, Infection, Inflammation and Cancer Research Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander J. Mentzer
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Butt
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, Infection, Inflammation and Cancer Research Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin L. Braband
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, Infection, Inflammation and Cancer Research Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angelika Michel
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, Infection, Inflammation and Cancer Research Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katie Jeffery
- Department of Microbiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Klenerman
- Department of Microbiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara Gärtner
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Universität des Saarlands, Homburg, Germany
| | - Paul Schnitzler
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adrian Hill
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Taylor
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria A. Demontis
- Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Guy
- Toxoplasma Reference Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J. Hadfield
- Toxoplasma Reference Unit, Public Health Wales Microbiology, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | | | - Naomi Allen
- UK Biobank, Stockport, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Pawlita
- Molecular Diagnostics of Oncogenic Infections Division, Infection, Inflammation and Cancer Research Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Waterboer
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, Infection, Inflammation and Cancer Research Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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25
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Abstract
This Review presents current epidemiological trends of the most common liver diseases in Asia-Pacific countries. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains the primary cause of cirrhosis; despite declining prevalence in most Asian nations, this virus still poses a severe threat in some territories and regions. Mortality resulting from HBV infection is declining as a result of preventive measures and antiviral treatments. The epidemiological transition of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has varied in the region in the past few decades, but the medical burden of infection and the prevalence of its related cancers are increasing. The lack of licensed HCV vaccines highlights the need for novel treatment strategies. The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has risen in the past decade, mostly owing to increasingly urbanized lifestyles and dietary changes. Alternative herbal medicine and dietary supplements are major causes of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in some countries. Complications arising from these chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, are therefore emerging threats in the Asia-Pacific region. Key strategies to control these liver diseases include monitoring of at-risk populations, implementation of national guidelines and increasing public and physician awareness, in concert with improving access to health care.
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26
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Eliyahu S, Sharabi O, Elmedvi S, Timor R, Davidovich A, Vigneault F, Clouser C, Hope R, Nimer A, Braun M, Weiss YY, Polak P, Yaari G, Gal-Tanamy M. Antibody Repertoire Analysis of Hepatitis C Virus Infections Identifies Immune Signatures Associated With Spontaneous Clearance. Front Immunol 2018; 9:3004. [PMID: 30622532 PMCID: PMC6308210 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health concern, with over 70 million people infected worldwide, who are at risk for developing life-threatening liver disease. No vaccine is available, and immunity against the virus is not well-understood. Following the acute stage, HCV usually causes chronic infections. However, ~30% of infected individuals spontaneously clear the virus. Therefore, using HCV as a model for comparing immune responses between spontaneous clearer (SC) and chronically infected (CI) individuals may empower the identification of mechanisms governing viral infection outcomes. Here, we provide the first in-depth analysis of adaptive immune receptor repertoires in individuals with current or past HCV infection. We demonstrate that SC individuals, in contrast to CI patients, develop clusters of antibodies with distinct properties. These antibodies' characteristics were used in a machine learning framework to accurately predict infection outcome. Using combinatorial antibody phage display library technology, we identified HCV-specific antibody sequences. By integrating these data with the repertoire analysis, we constructed two antibodies characterized by high neutralization breadth, which are associated with clearance. This study provides insight into the nature of effective immune response against HCV and demonstrates an innovative approach for constructing antibodies correlating with successful infection clearance. It may have clinical implications for prognosis of the future status of infection, and the design of effective immunotherapies and a vaccine for HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivan Eliyahu
- Molecular Virology Lab, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Oz Sharabi
- Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Shiri Elmedvi
- Molecular Virology Lab, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Reut Timor
- Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Ateret Davidovich
- Molecular Virology Lab, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | | | | | - Ronen Hope
- Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Assy Nimer
- Internal Medicine Department A, Western Galilee Medical Center, Naharyia and Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Marius Braun
- Liver Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Yaacov Y Weiss
- Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Pazit Polak
- Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Gur Yaari
- Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Meital Gal-Tanamy
- Molecular Virology Lab, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
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27
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McConnell M, Lim JK. Hepatitis C Vaccine Development in the Era of Direct-Acting Antivirals. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2018; 12:118-121. [PMID: 30988925 PMCID: PMC6385923 DOI: 10.1002/cld.753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew McConnell
- Section of Digestive Diseases and Yale Liver CenterYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCT
| | - Joseph K. Lim
- Section of Digestive Diseases and Yale Liver CenterYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCT
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28
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Masalova OV, Lesnova EI, Onishchuk AA, Ivanova AM, Gerasimova EV, Ivanov AV, Narovlyansky AN, Sanin AV, Pronin AV, Kushch AA. Polyprenyl Phosphates Induce a High Humoral and Cellular Response to Immunization with Recombinant Proteins of the Replicative Complex of the Hepatitis C Virus. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2018; 482:261-263. [PMID: 30397888 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672918050083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The search for new adjuvants remains the critical task for the creation of hepatitis C vaccines due to the weak immunogenicity of biotechnological products. When immunizing mice with the recombinant proteins NS3 and NS5B of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), the adjuvant activity of three immunomodulators was compared. Phosprenyl® on the basis of polyprenyl phosphate (PPP), chemically synthesized analogue of the bacterial cell wall glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide (GMDP), and IFN-α recombinant protein were tested. GMDP increased the activity of IgG1 antibodies 4-6 times but did not stimulate the production of IFN-γ; IFN-α has not shown any adjuvant properties. The introduction of recombinant HCV proteins together with PPP in low doses increased the activity of IgG2a isotype antibodies 4-7 times and increased IFN-γ secretion 3 times. Thus, it was first shown that PPP polarizes the immune response to Th1-type and is a promising adjuvant for the development of a vaccine against hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- O V Masalova
- Gamaleya National Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia.
| | - E I Lesnova
- Gamaleya National Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | | | - A M Ivanova
- Gamaleya National Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - E V Gerasimova
- Gamaleya National Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - A V Ivanov
- Gamaleya National Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - A N Narovlyansky
- Gamaleya National Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - A V Sanin
- Gamaleya National Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - A V Pronin
- Gamaleya National Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - A A Kushch
- Gamaleya National Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
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29
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Shahnazarian V, Ramai D, Reddy M, Mohanty S. Hepatitis C virus genotype 3: clinical features, current and emerging viral inhibitors, future challenges. Ann Gastroenterol 2018; 31:541-551. [PMID: 30174390 PMCID: PMC6102453 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2018.0281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a global burden on healthcare that affects over 150 million people worldwide. In the past, HCV genotype 3 was considered difficult to treat relative to other genotypes. Genotype 3 has been associated with a higher rate of complications, including fatty liver disease, fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and mortality. However, with the advent of first- and second-generation direct-acting antivirals, genotype 3 can be treated effectively. Additionally, these new drugs are well tolerated by patients and have significantly fewer side effects compared to ribavirin and interferon-based regimens. However, while great strides have been made in overcoming biological barriers, our next challenge lies in overcoming economic and financial obstacles if we are to eradicate HCV genotype 3. Herein, we review the clinical features associated with HCV genotype 3, current and emerging treatment regimens, and challenges associated with treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahe Shahnazarian
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Advanced Endoscopy, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Academic Affiliate of The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Clinical Affiliate of The Mount Sinai Hospital, Brooklyn, NY (Vahe Shahnazarian, Daryl Ramai, Madhavi Reddy), USA
| | - Daryl Ramai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Advanced Endoscopy, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Academic Affiliate of The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Clinical Affiliate of The Mount Sinai Hospital, Brooklyn, NY (Vahe Shahnazarian, Daryl Ramai, Madhavi Reddy), USA
- School of Medicine, St George’s University, True Blue, Grenada, WI (Daryl Ramai), USA
| | - Madhavi Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Advanced Endoscopy, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Academic Affiliate of The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Clinical Affiliate of The Mount Sinai Hospital, Brooklyn, NY (Vahe Shahnazarian, Daryl Ramai, Madhavi Reddy), USA
| | - Smruti Mohanty
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Clinical Affiliate of Weill Cornell Medicine, Brooklyn, NY (Smruti Mohanty), USA
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30
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Removal of the C6 Vaccinia Virus Interferon-β Inhibitor in the Hepatitis C Vaccine Candidate MVA-HCV Elicited in Mice High Immunogenicity in Spite of Reduced Host Gene Expression. Viruses 2018; 10:v10080414. [PMID: 30096846 PMCID: PMC6116028 DOI: 10.3390/v10080414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a major global health problem for which a vaccine is not available. Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA)-HCV is a unique HCV vaccine candidate based in the modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vector expressing the nearly full-length genome of HCV genotype 1a that elicits CD8⁺ T-cell responses in mice. With the aim to improve the immune response of MVA-HCV and because of the importance of interferon (IFN) in HCV infection, we deleted in MVA-HCV the vaccinia virus (VACV) C6L gene, encoding an inhibitor of IFN-β that prevents activation of the interferon regulatory factors 3 and 7 (IRF3 and IRF7). The resulting vaccine candidate (MVA-HCV ΔC6L) expresses all HCV antigens and deletion of C6L had no effect on viral growth in permissive chicken cells. In human monocyte-derived dendritic cells, infection with MVA-HCV ΔC6L triggered severe down-regulation of IFN-β, IFN-β-induced genes, and cytokines in a manner similar to MVA-HCV, as defined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microarray analysis. In infected mice, both vectors had a similar profile of recruited immune cells and induced comparable levels of adaptive and memory HCV-specific CD8⁺ T-cells, mainly against p7 + NS2 and NS3 HCV proteins, with a T cell effector memory (TEM) phenotype. Furthermore, antibodies against E2 were also induced. Overall, our findings showed that while these vectors had a profound inhibitory effect on gene expression of the host, they strongly elicited CD8⁺ T cell and humoral responses against HCV antigens and to the virus vector. These observations add support to the consideration of these vectors as potential vaccine candidates against HCV.
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31
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Trivedi S, Murthy S, Sharma H, Hartlage AS, Kumar A, Gadi S, Simmonds P, Chauhan LV, Scheel TKH, Billerbeck E, Burbelo PD, Rice CM, Lipkin WI, Vandergrift K, Cullen JM, Kapoor A. Viral persistence, liver disease, and host response in a hepatitis C-like virus rat model. Hepatology 2018; 68:435-448. [PMID: 28859226 PMCID: PMC5832584 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The lack of a relevant, tractable, and immunocompetent animal model for hepatitis C virus (HCV) has severely impeded investigations of viral persistence, immunity, and pathogenesis. In the absence of immunocompetent models with robust HCV infection, homolog hepaciviruses in their natural host could potentially provide useful surrogate models. We isolated a rodent hepacivirus from wild rats (Rattus norvegicus), RHV-rn1; acquired the complete viral genome sequence; and developed an infectious reverse genetics system. RHV-rn1 resembles HCV in genomic features including the pattern of polyprotein cleavage sites and secondary structures in the viral 5' and 3' untranslated regions. We used site-directed and random mutagenesis to determine that only the first of the two microRNA-122 seed sites in the viral 5' untranslated region is required for viral replication and persistence in rats. Next, we used the clone-derived virus progeny to infect several inbred and outbred rat strains. Our results determined that RHV-rn1 possesses several HCV-defining hallmarks: hepatotropism, propensity to persist, and the ability to induce gradual liver damage. Histological examination of liver samples revealed the presence of lymphoid aggregates, parenchymal inflammation, and macrovesicular and microvesicular steatosis in chronically infected rats. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that the intrahepatic response during RHV-rn1 infection in rats mirrors that of HCV infection, including persistent activation of interferon signaling pathways. Finally, we determined that the backbone drug of HCV direct-acting antiviral therapy, sofosbuvir, effectively suppresses chronic RHV-rn1 infection in rats. CONCLUSION We developed RHV-rn1-infected rats as a fully immunocompetent and informative surrogate model to delineate the mechanisms of HCV-related viral persistence, immunity, and pathogenesis. (Hepatology 2018).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheetal Trivedi
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Satyapramod Murthy
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Himanshu Sharma
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Alex S. Hartlage
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA,Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine and Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Sashi Gadi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Peter Simmonds
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Lokendra V. Chauhan
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Troels K. H. Scheel
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark,Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065
| | - Eva Billerbeck
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065
| | | | - Charles M. Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065
| | - W. Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kurt Vandergrift
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - John M. Cullen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Amit Kapoor
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210,Corresponding author. , Amit Kapoor, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
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32
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Humes D, Ramirez S, Jensen TB, Li YP, Gottwein JM, Bukh J. Recombinant hepatitis C virus genotype 5a infectious cell culture systems expressing minimal JFH1 NS5B sequences permit polymerase inhibitor studies. Virology 2018; 522:177-192. [PMID: 30032031 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The six major epidemiologically important hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes differ in global distribution and antiviral responses. Full-length infectious cell-culture adapted clones, the gold standard for HCV studies in vitro, are missing for genotypes 4 and 5. To address this challenge for genotype 5, we constructed a consensus full-length clone of strain SA13 (SA13fl), which was found non-viable in Huh7.5 cells. Step-wise adaptation of SA13fl-based recombinants, beginning with a virus encoding the NS5B-thumb domain and 3´UTR of JFH1 (SA13/JF372-X), resulted in a high-titer SA13 virus with only 41 JFH1-encoded NS5B-thumb residues (SA13/JF470-510cc); this required sixteen cell-culture adaptive substitutions within the SA13fl polyprotein and two 3´UTR-changes. SA13/JF372-X and SA13/JF470-510cc were equally sensitive to nucleoside polymerase inhibitors, including sofosbuvir, but showed differential sensitivity to inhibitors targeting the NS5B palm or thumb. SA13/JF470-510cc represents a model to elucidate the influence of HCV RNA elements on viral replication and map determinants of sensitivity to polymerase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryl Humes
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Research Centre, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Santseharay Ramirez
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Research Centre, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tanja B Jensen
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Research Centre, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yi-Ping Li
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Research Centre, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Judith M Gottwein
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Research Centre, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Bukh
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Research Centre, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Shoukry NH. Hepatitis C Vaccines, Antibodies, and T Cells. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1480. [PMID: 30002657 PMCID: PMC6031729 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of vaccines that protect against persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remain a public health priority. The broad use of highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) is unlikely to achieve HCV elimination without vaccines that can limit viral transmission. Two vaccines targeting either the antibody or the T cell response are currently in preclinical or clinical trials. Next-generation vaccines will likely involve a combination of these two strategies. This review summarizes the state of knowledge about the immune protective role of HCV-specific antibodies and T cells and the current vaccine strategies. In addition, it discusses the potential efficacy of vaccination in DAA-cured individuals. Finally, it summarizes the challenges to vaccine development and the collaborative efforts required to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa H Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada.,Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Wei S, Lei Y, Yang J, Wang X, Shu F, Wei X, Lin F, Li B, Cui Y, Zhang H, Wei S. Neutralization effects of antibody elicited by chimeric HBV S antigen viral-like particles presenting HCV neutralization epitopes. Vaccine 2018; 36:2273-2281. [PMID: 29576303 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem despite effectual direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) therapy. Development of a prophylactic vaccine is essential to block spread of HCV infection. The HBV small surface antigen (HBsAg-S) can self-assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs), has higher immunogenicity and is used as a vaccine against HBV infections. Chimeric HBsAg-S proteins with foreign epitopes allow VLP formation and induce the specific humoral and cellular immune responses against the foreign proteins. In this study, we investigated the immune responses induced by chimeric VLPs with HCV neutralizing epitopes and HBV S antigen in mice. The chimeric HCV-HBV VLPs expressing neutralizing epitopes were prepared and purified. BALB/c mice were immunized with purified chimeric VLPs and the serum neutralizing antibodies were analyzed. We found that these chimeric VLPs induced neutralizing antibodies against HCV in mice. Additionally, the murine serum neutralized infections with HCV pseudoparticles and cell-cultured viruses derived from different heterologous 1a, 1b and 2a genotypes. We also found that immunization with chimeric VLPs induced anti-HBsAg antibodies. This study provides a novel strategy for development of a HCV prophylactic neutralizing epitope vaccine and a HCV-HBV bivalent prophylactic vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanhua Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Research Center, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Yingfeng Lei
- Department of Microbiology, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 17 West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Research Center, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Fang Shu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xi'an Third Hospital, No. 10 Eastern Section of The Third FengCheng Rd., WeiYang District, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Fang Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Research Center, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Research Center, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Ying Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Research Center, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Hai Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 17 West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China.
| | - Sanhua Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Research Center, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China.
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El Kassas M, Elbaz T, Elsharkawy A, Omar H, Esmat G. HCV in Egypt, prevention, treatment and key barriers to elimination. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2018; 16:345-350. [PMID: 29506418 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2018.1448709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Currently, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are considered the ideal choice for the treatment of chronic HCV patients due to their proven efficacy (SVR> 90%), and minimal adverse effects. Egypt launched a large treatment program aimed at providing treatment coverage for Egyptian HCV- infected patients. Areas covered: This review covers the treatment and prevention efforts made by the Egyptian National Committee for the Control of Viral Hepatitis (NCCVH) with the available model of care for HCV patients in Egypt, in addition to the barriers that prevent elimination of HCV from Egypt. Expert commentary: Egypt could provide a model for establishing the largest HCV management system aimed at eliminating HCV from the country with the highest worldwide prevalence. Despite the huge efforts and achieved results in combating the HCV epidemic in Egypt, certain improvements are needed in order to attain HCV elimination, such as the development of an enhanced screening program working in parallel to the present treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed El Kassas
- a Endemic Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine , Helwan University , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Tamer Elbaz
- b Endemic Hepatogastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine , Cairo University , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Aisha Elsharkawy
- b Endemic Hepatogastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine , Cairo University , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Heba Omar
- b Endemic Hepatogastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine , Cairo University , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Gamal Esmat
- b Endemic Hepatogastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine , Cairo University , Cairo , Egypt
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36
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Detection of Hepatitis C Antibodies Without Viral Transmission in Hepatitis C-Negative Recipients Receiving Kidneys From Hepatitis C-Positive Donors Treated With Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy. Transplantation 2018; 102:e121-e122. [DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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37
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Fuerst TR, Pierce BG, Keck ZY, Foung SKH. Designing a B Cell-Based Vaccine against a Highly Variable Hepatitis C Virus. Front Microbiol 2018; 8:2692. [PMID: 29379486 PMCID: PMC5775222 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to use structure-based design and engineering to control the molecular shape and reactivity of an immunogen to induce protective responses shows great promise, along with corresponding advancements in vaccine testing and evaluation systems. We describe in this review new paradigms for the development of a B cell-based HCV vaccine. Advances in test systems to measure in vitro and in vivo antibody-mediated virus neutralization include retroviral pseudotype particles expressing HCV E1E2 glycoproteins (HCVpp), infectious cell culture-derived HCV virions (HCVcc), and surrogate animal models mimicking acute HCV infection. Their applications have established the role of broadly neutralizing antibodies to control HCV infection. However, the virus has immunogenic regions in the viral envelope glycoproteins that are associated with viral escape or non-neutralizing antibodies. These regions serve as immunologic decoys that divert the antibody response from less prominent conserved regions mediating virus neutralization. This review outlines the immunogenic regions on E2, which are roughly segregated into the hypervariable region 1 (HVR1), and five clusters of overlapping epitopes designated as antigenic domains A-E. Understanding the molecular architecture of conserved neutralizing epitopes within these antigenic domains, and how other antigenic regions or decoys deflect the immune response from these conserved regions will provide a roadmap for the rational design of an HCV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Fuerst
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, United States.,Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Brian G Pierce
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, United States.,Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Zhen-Yong Keck
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Steven K H Foung
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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