1
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Wang DS, Phu A, McKee K, Strasser SI, Sheils S, Weltman M, Sellar S, Davis JS, Young M, Braund A, Farrell GC, Blunn A, Harding D, Ralton L, Muller K, Davison SA, Shaw D, Wood M, Hajkowicz K, Skolen R, Davies J, Tate-Baker J, Doyle A, Tuma R, Hazeldine S, Lam W, Edmiston N, Zohrab K, Pratt W, Watson B, Zekry A, Stephens C, Clark PJ, Day M, Park G, Kim H, Wilson M, McGarity B, Menzies N, Russell D, Lam T, Boyd P, Kok J, George J, Douglas MW. Hepatitis C Virus Antiviral Drug Resistance and Salvage Therapy Outcomes Across Australia. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae155. [PMID: 38651137 PMCID: PMC11034952 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can now be cured with well-tolerated direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. However, a potential barrier to HCV elimination is the emergence of resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) that reduce the efficacy of antiviral drugs, but real-world studies assessing the clinical impact of RASs are limited. Here, an analysis of the impact of RASs on retreatment outcomes for different salvage regimens in patients nationally who failed first-line DAA therapy is reported. Methods We collected data from 363 Australian patients who failed first-line DAA therapy, including: age, sex, fibrosis stage, HCV genotype, NS3/NS5A/NS5B RASs, details of failed first-line regimen, subsequent salvage regimens, and treatment outcome. Results Of 240 patients who were initially retreated as per protocol, 210 (87.5%) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) and 30 (12.5%) relapsed or did not respond. The SVR rate for salvage regimens that included sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir was 94.3% (n = 140), sofosbuvir/velpatasvir 75.0% (n = 52), elbasvir/grazoprevir 81.6% (n = 38), and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir 84.6% (n = 13). NS5A RASs were present in 71.0% (n = 210) of patients who achieved SVR and in 66.7% (n = 30) of patients who subsequently relapsed. NS3 RASs were detected in 20 patients (20%) in the SVR group and 1 patient in the relapse group. NS5B RASs were observed in only 3 patients. Cirrhosis was a predictor of relapse after retreatment, as was previous treatment with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir. Conclusions In our cohort, the SVR rate for sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir was higher than with other salvage regimens. The presence of NS5A, NS5B, or NS3 RASs did not appear to negatively influence retreatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dao Sen Wang
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amy Phu
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kristen McKee
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simone I Strasser
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, The University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Sinead Sheils
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, The University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Martin Weltman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, NSW, Australia
| | - Sue Sellar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, NSW, Australia
| | - Joshua S Davis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Newcastle and John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Mel Young
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Newcastle and John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Alicia Braund
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Geoffrey C Farrell
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Australian National University and The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Anne Blunn
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Australian National University and The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Damian Harding
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, SA, Australia
| | - Lucy Ralton
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, SA, Australia
| | - Kate Muller
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centreand Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Scott A Davison
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of New South Wales and Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - David Shaw
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Marnie Wood
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Krispin Hajkowicz
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard Skolen
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jane Davies
- Menzies School of Health Research and Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Jaclyn Tate-Baker
- Menzies School of Health Research and Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Adam Doyle
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Rhoda Tuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Simon Hazeldine
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Wendy Lam
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Natalie Edmiston
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Krista Zohrab
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - William Pratt
- Department of Medicine, Shoalhaven Hospital, Nowra, NSW, Australia
| | - Belinda Watson
- Department of Medicine, Shoalhaven Hospital, Nowra, NSW, Australia
| | - Amany Zekry
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW, Australia
| | - Carlie Stephens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul J Clark
- Rockhampton Blood Borne Virus & Sexual Health Service and School of Medicine, University of Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Melany Day
- Rockhampton Blood Borne Virus & Sexual Health Service and School of Medicine, University of Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gordon Park
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Hami Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Wilson
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | | | | | - Darren Russell
- Cairns Sexual Health Service and James Cook University Cairns, St Cairns City, QLD, Australia
| | - Thao Lam
- Department of Drug Health, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Boyd
- Department of Medicine, Cairns Hospital, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Jen Kok
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, NSW Health Pathology-Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark W Douglas
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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2
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Manne V, Ryan J, Wong J, Vengayil G, Basit SA, Gish RG. Hepatitis C Vaccination: Where We Are and Where We Need to Be. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121619. [PMID: 34959574 PMCID: PMC8705661 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer worldwide. Despite advances in curative therapies for HCV, the incidence of new infections is not decreasing at the expected rate to hit the World Health Organization (WHO) target for the elimination of HCV by 2030. In fact, there are still more new cases of infection in the United States and worldwide than are being cured. The reasons for the rise in new cases include poor access to care and the opioid epidemic. The clinical burden of HCV requires a multimodal approach to eradicating the infection. Vaccination would be an excellent tool to prevent incidence of new infections; however, the genetic diversity of HCV and its ability to generate quasispecies within an infected host make creating a broadly reactive vaccine difficult. Multiple vaccine candidates have been identified, but to date, there has not been a target that has led to a broadly reactive vaccine, though several of the candidates are promising. Additionally, the virus is very difficult to culture and testing candidates in humans or chimpanzees is ethically challenging. Despite the multiple barriers to creating a vaccine, vaccination still represents an important tool in the fight against HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignan Manne
- HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education, Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA; (V.M.); (J.W.); (G.V.)
| | - John Ryan
- Comprehensive Digestive Institute of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA; (J.R.); (S.A.B.)
| | - Jonathan Wong
- HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education, Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA; (V.M.); (J.W.); (G.V.)
| | - Gayatri Vengayil
- HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education, Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA; (V.M.); (J.W.); (G.V.)
| | - Syed Abdul Basit
- Comprehensive Digestive Institute of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA; (J.R.); (S.A.B.)
| | - Robert G. Gish
- Liver Transplant Clinic, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-866-873-8877
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3
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Rajasekaran A, Franco RA, Overton ET, McGuire BM, Towns GC, Locke JE, Sawinski DL, Bell EK. Updated Pathway to Micro-elimination of Hepatitis C Virus in the Hemodialysis Population. Kidney Int Rep 2021; 6:1788-1798. [PMID: 34307975 PMCID: PMC8258460 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection continues to be transmitted to hemodialysis (HD) patients within HD facilities globally. The goal of the World Health Organization to micro-eliminate HCV infection from the HD population by the year 2030 is not on target to be achieved. Obstacles to eliminate HCV in HD settings remain daunting due to a complex system created by a confluence of guidelines, legislation, regulation, and economics. HCV prevalence remains high and seroconversion continues among the HD patient population globally as a result of the HD procedure. Preventive strategies that effectively prevent HCV transmission, treatment-as-prevention, and rapid referral to treatment balanced with kidney transplant candidacy should be added to the current universal precautions approach. A safer system must be designed before HCV transmission can be halted and eliminated from the HD population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Rajasekaran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ricardo A. Franco
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Edgar T. Overton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Brendan M. McGuire
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Graham C. Towns
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jayme E. Locke
- Comprehensive Transplant Institute, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Deirdre L. Sawinski
- Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Emmy K. Bell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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4
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Kardani K, Sadat SM, Kardani M, Bolhassani A. The next generation of HCV vaccines: a focus on novel adjuvant development. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:839-855. [PMID: 34114513 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1941895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Considerable efforts have been made to treat and prevent acute and chronic infections caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Current treatments are unable to protect people from reinfection. Hence, there is a need for development of both preventive and therapeutic HCV vaccines. Many vaccine candidates are in development to fight against HCV, but their efficacy has so far proven limited partly due to low immunogenicity. AREAS COVERED We explore development of novel and powerful adjuvants to achieve an effective HCV vaccine. The basis for developing strong adjuvants is to understand the innate immunity pathway, which subsequently stimulates humoral and cellular immune responses. We have also investigated immunogenicity of developed adjuvants that have been used in recent studies available in online databases such as PubMed, PMC, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, etc. EXPERT OPINION Adjuvants are used as a part of vaccine formulation to boost vaccine immunogenicity and antigen delivery. Several FDA-approved adjuvants are used in licensed human vaccines. Unfortunately, no adjuvant has yet been proven to boost HCV immune responses to the extent needed for an effective vaccine. One of the promising approaches for developing an effective adjuvant is the combination of various adjuvants to trigger several innate immune responses, leading to activation of adaptive immunity.[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Kardani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Kardani
- Iranian Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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5
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Popping S, Verwijs R, Cuypers L, Claassen MA, van den Berk GE, De Weggheleire A, Arends JE, Boerekamps A, Molenkamp R, Koopmans MP, Verbon A, Boucher CAB, Rijnders BJ, van de Vijver DAMC. Transmission of NS5A-Inhibitor Resistance-Associated Substitutions Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Recently Infected with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1a. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:e215-e217. [PMID: 32055843 PMCID: PMC7643739 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The transmission of direct-acting antiviral resistance-associated substitutions (RAS) could hamper hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure rates and elimination efforts. A phylogenetic analysis of 87 men who have sex with men recently infected with HCV genotype 1a placed one-third (28/87) in a large cluster, in which 96% harbored NS5A M28V RAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Popping
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center , University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rosanne Verwijs
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lize Cuypers
- Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Kristelijke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mark A Claassen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Rijnstate Ziekenhuis, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Guido E van den Berk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Onze lieve vrouwe gasthhuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anja De Weggheleire
- Department of Clinical Science, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Joop E Arends
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Boerekamps
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Molenkamp
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center , University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marion P Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center , University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies Verbon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charles A B Boucher
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center , University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J Rijnders
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David A M C van de Vijver
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center , University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Akiyama MJ, Lipsey D, Ganova-Raeva L, Punkova LT, Agyemang L, Sue A, Ramachandran S, Khudyakov Y, Litwin AH. A Phylogenetic Analysis of Hepatitis C Virus Transmission, Relapse, and Reinfection Among People Who Inject Drugs Receiving Opioid Agonist Therapy. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:488-498. [PMID: 32150621 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID) is essential for HCV elimination. We aimed to differentiate reinfections from treatment failures and to identify transmission linkages and associated factors in a cohort of PWID receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT). METHODS We analyzed baseline and follow-up specimens from 150 PWID from 3 OAT clinics in the Bronx, New York. Next-generation sequencing data from the hypervariable region 1 of HCV were analyzed using Global Hepatitis Outbreak and Surveillance Technology. RESULTS There were 3 transmission linkages between study participants. Sustained virologic response (SVR) was not achieved in 9 participants: 7 had follow-up specimens with similar sequences to baseline, and 2 died. In 4 additional participants, SVR was achieved but the participants were viremic at later follow-up: 2 were reinfected with different strains, 1 had a late treatment failure, and 1 was transiently viremic 17 months after treatment. All transmission linkages were from the same OAT clinic and involved spousal or common-law partnerships. CONCLUSION This study highlights the use of next-generation sequencing as an important tool for identifying viral transmission and to help distinguish relapse and reinfection among PWID. Results reinforce the need for harm reduction interventions among couples and those who report ongoing risk factors after SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Lipsey
- Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine
| | | | - Lili T Punkova
- Centers for Disease Control, Division of Viral Hepatitis
| | - Linda Agyemang
- Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine
| | - Amanda Sue
- Centers for Disease Control, Division of Viral Hepatitis
| | | | - Yury Khudyakov
- Centers for Disease Control, Division of Viral Hepatitis
| | - Alain H Litwin
- Prisma Health, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Clemson University School of Health Research
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7
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Martinez MA, Franco S. Discovery and Development of Antiviral Therapies for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1322:139-157. [PMID: 34258740 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-0267-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
At the beginning of this decade, an estimated 71 million people were living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection worldwide. After the acute stage of HCV infection, 18-34% of individuals exhibit spontaneous clearance. However, the remaining 66-82% of infected individuals progress to chronic HCV infection and are at subsequent risk of progression to hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Chronic hepatitis C progression is generally slow during the first two decades of infection, but can be accelerated during this time in association with advancing age and cofactors, such as heavy alcohol intake and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection. Since acute HCV infection is generally asymptomatic, HCV goes undiagnosed in a significant percentage of infected individuals. In 2014, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for chronic HCV was developed, which has increased the cure rates to nearly 100%. DAA therapy is among the best examples of success in the fight against viral infections. DAAs have transformed HCV management and have opened the door for the global eradication of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Angel Martinez
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias I Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain.
| | - Sandra Franco
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias I Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
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8
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Martinez MA, Franco S. Therapy Implications of Hepatitis C Virus Genetic Diversity. Viruses 2020; 13:E41. [PMID: 33383891 PMCID: PMC7824680 DOI: 10.3390/v13010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important human pathogen with a high chronicity rate. An estimated 71 million people worldwide are living with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection, which carries the risk of progression to hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Similar to other RNA viruses, HCV has a high rate of genetic variability generated by its high mutation rate and the actions of evolutionary forces over time. There are two levels of HCV genetic variability: intra-host variability, characterized by the distribution of HCV mutant genomes present in an infected individual, and inter-host variability, represented by the globally circulating viruses that give rise to different HCV genotypes and subtypes. HCV genetic diversity has important implications for virus persistence, pathogenesis, immune responses, transmission, and the development of successful vaccines and antiviral strategies. Here we will discuss how HCV genetic heterogeneity impacts viral spread and therapeutic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Angel Martinez
- Miguel Angel Martínez, IrsiCaixa, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, 08916 Badalona, Spain;
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9
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Fourati S, Rodriguez C, Soulier A, Donati F, Hamadat S, Poiteau L, Demontant V, Brillet R, Ahnou N, Gricourt G, Chevaliez S, Ahmed-Belkacem A, Pawlotsky JM. Fitness-associated substitutions following failure of direct-acting antivirals assessed by deep sequencing of full-length hepatitis C virus genomes. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2020; 52:1583-1591. [PMID: 32886807 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, treatment failure is generally associated with the selection of resistance-associated substitutions (RAS) conferring reduced susceptibility to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs. Resistant variants continue to replicate after the end of treatment with potential for transmission. This may result from the selection of "fitness-associated substitutions". AIM To characterise potential "fitness-associated substitutions" in patients infected with genotype 3a failing DAA drugs METHODS: By means of shotgun metagenomics, we sequenced full-length HCV genomes at treatment initiation and at virological relapse in eight patients infected with genotype 3a with cirrhosis failing sofosbuvir and an NS5A inhibitor. The impact of amino acid changes occurring outside of DAA target regions selected in at least two patients were assessed on the in vitro susceptibility to an NS5A inhibitor and replication capacity. RESULTS At treatment failure, besides selection of known NS5A RASs, especially Y93H, a large number of amino acid changes was observed outside of DAA target regions. We identified four amino acid positions at which observed changes substantially improved in vitro replication capacity without affecting NS5A inhibitor susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS This is the first in vivo observation combined with in vitro confirmation of selection of phenotypically characterised "fitness-associated substitutions" together with RASs at the time of sofosbuvir-NS5A inhibitor treatment failure in patients infected with genotype 3a with cirrhosis. Our findings may explain the persistence of resistant HCV variants after treatment in patients who did not achieve sustained virological remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slim Fourati
- Department of Virology, National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris-Est, Créteil, France.,INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | - Christophe Rodriguez
- Department of Virology, National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris-Est, Créteil, France.,INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | - Alexandre Soulier
- Department of Virology, National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris-Est, Créteil, France.,INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | - Flora Donati
- Department of Virology, National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris-Est, Créteil, France.,INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | - Sabah Hamadat
- Department of Virology, National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris-Est, Créteil, France.,INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | - Lila Poiteau
- Department of Virology, National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris-Est, Créteil, France.,INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | | | | | - Nazim Ahnou
- Department of Virology, National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris-Est, Créteil, France.,INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | | | - Stéphane Chevaliez
- Department of Virology, National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris-Est, Créteil, France.,INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | - Abdelhakim Ahmed-Belkacem
- Department of Virology, National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris-Est, Créteil, France.,INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | - Jean-Michel Pawlotsky
- Department of Virology, National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris-Est, Créteil, France.,INSERM U955, Créteil, France
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10
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Donnison T, von Delft A, Brown A, Swadling L, Hutchings C, Hanke T, Chinnakannan S, Barnes E. Viral vectored hepatitis C virus vaccines generate pan-genotypic T cell responses to conserved subdominant epitopes. Vaccine 2020; 38:5036-5048. [PMID: 32532545 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral genetic variability presents a major challenge to the development of a prophylactic hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine. A promising HCV vaccine using chimpanzee adenoviral vectors (ChAd) encoding a genotype (gt) 1b non-structural protein (ChAd-Gt1b-NS) generated high magnitude T cell responses. However, these T cells showed reduced cross-recognition of dominant epitope variants and the vaccine has recently been shown to be ineffective at preventing chronic HCV. To address the challenge of viral diversity, we developed ChAd vaccines encoding HCV genomic sequences that are conserved between all major HCV genotypes and adjuvanted by truncated shark invariant chain (sIitr). METHODS Age-matched female mice were immunised intramuscularly with ChAd (108 infectious units) encoding gt-1 and -3 (ChAd-Gt1/3) or gt-1 to -6 (ChAd-Gt1-6) conserved segments spanning the HCV proteome, or gt-1b (ChAd-Gt1b-NS control), with immunogenicity assessed 14-days post-vaccination. RESULTS Conserved segment vaccines, ChAd-Gt1/3 and ChAd-Gt1-6, generated high-magnitude, broad, and functional CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. Compared to the ChAd-Gt1b-NS vaccine, these vaccines generated significantly greater responses against conserved non-gt-1 antigens, including conserved subdominant epitopes that were not targeted by ChAd-Gt1b-NS. Epitopes targeted by the conserved segment HCV vaccine induced T cells, displayed 96.6% mean sequence homology between all HCV subtypes (100% sequence homology for the majority of genotype-1, -2, -4 sequences and 94% sequence homology for gt-3, -6, -7, and -8) in contrast to 85.1% mean sequence homology for epitopes targeted by ChAd-Gt1b-NS induced T cells. The addition of truncated shark invariant chain (sIitr) increased the magnitude, breadth, and cross-reactivity of the T cell response. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated that genetically adjuvanted ChAd vectored HCV T cell vaccines encoding genetic sequences conserved between genotypes are immunogenic, activating T cells that target subdominant conserved HCV epitopes. These pre-clinical studies support the use of conserved segment HCV T cell vaccines in human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Donnison
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Annette von Delft
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Brown
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Leo Swadling
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Hutchings
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Tomáš Hanke
- Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom; Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Senthil Chinnakannan
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Barnes
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX1 3SY, United Kingdom; Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom.
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11
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The recent availability of highly effective hepatitis C medications, with a cure rate approaching 100%, has created a wide range of questions and uncertainties. AREAS COVERED The most recent data around hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination will be reviewed. In addition, the impact of HCV cure or sustained virologic response (SVR) on the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development will be discussed. Although the terms 'SVR' and 'cure' are used interchangeably, there are little data to support that they are actually the same. In this review, we will shed some light on the status of HCV vaccine development, obstacles, and published experience. Finally, in the face of decreasing HCV patients needing transplantation, and increasing available organs from donors infected with HCV, the question is that, is it possible to transplant an organ infected with HCV to a patient who is not infected? The pros and cons of transplanting HCV-positive organs to HCV-negative recipients will be discussed. EXPERT OPINION Although the new advances in HCV treatment have solved many problems, it created several new issues which the medical community has to deal with and which will likely remain in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Massoud
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL, USA
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12
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Douglas MW, Tay ESE, Wang DS, Ong ATL, Wilson C, Phu A, Kok J, Dwyer DE, Bull RA, Lloyd AR, Applegate TL, Dore GJ, Howe AY, Harrigan R, George J. Impact of an Open Access Nationwide Treatment Model on Hepatitis C Virus Antiviral Drug Resistance. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:904-915. [PMID: 32490325 PMCID: PMC7262285 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, but drug resistance could undermine proposed global elimination targets. Real‐world studies are needed to inform the impact of widespread DAA treatment on antiviral resistance in the community. The prevalence and range of posttreatment resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs) was determined in Australian patients with open access to DAAs through a wide range of prescribers. NS3, NS5A, and NS5B regions were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and analyzed by population sequencing. Clinically relevant RASs were identified using online databases (ReCALL and Geno2Pheno[hcv]). Of 572 samples, 60% were from genotype 3 and 27% from genotype 1a. Ninety‐two percent of people failed a DAA regimen containing an NS5A inhibitor, including 10% with a pangenotype regimen. NS5A RASs were detected in 72% of people with genotype 1 and 80% with genotype 3. For genotype 1, there was a range of RASs across the NS5A region, while for genotype 3, the Y93H RAS predominated (72%). The prevalence of NS3 RASs was higher in people exposed to an NS3 inhibitor (35% vs. 3.9%; P < 0.0001). NS5B resistance was rare, with a single case of sofosbuvir resistance. Multiclass drug resistance was found in 33% of people exposed to both NS3 and NS5A inhibitors. Conclusion: The high prevalence of NS5A RASs among people failing DAA therapy reinforces the importance of specific retreatment regimens, ideally guided by resistance testing. The impact of multiclass drug resistance on retreatment in people exposed to both NS3 and NS5A inhibitors needs to be assessed in real‐world studies. Surveillance for increasing antiviral resistance during treatment scale‐up is essential to maintain the efficacy of current DAA regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Douglas
- Storr Liver Centre The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Enoch S E Tay
- Storr Liver Centre The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services NSW Health Pathology-Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research Westmead Hospital Westmead Australia
| | - Dao Sen Wang
- Storr Liver Centre The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia
| | - Adrian T L Ong
- Storr Liver Centre The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia
| | - Caroline Wilson
- Storr Liver Centre The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia
| | - Amy Phu
- Storr Liver Centre The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia
| | - Jen Kok
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services NSW Health Pathology-Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research Westmead Hospital Westmead Australia
| | - Dominic E Dwyer
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity University of Sydney Sydney Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services NSW Health Pathology-Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research Westmead Hospital Westmead Australia
| | - Rowena A Bull
- The Kirby Institute University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Andrew R Lloyd
- The Kirby Institute University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | | | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Anita Y Howe
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control BC Canada
| | | | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre The Westmead Institute for Medical Research The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital Sydney Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity University of Sydney Sydney Australia
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13
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Cox AL. Challenges and Promise of a Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:cshperspect.a036947. [PMID: 31548228 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 1.5-2 million new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections occur globally each year. Critical to the World Health Organization's (WHO) HCV elimination strategy is an 80% reduction in incidence of HCV infections by 2030. However, even among high-income countries, few are on target to achieve the WHO's incident infection-reduction goal. A preventative vaccine could have a major impact in achieving incidence-reduction targets globally. However, barriers to HCV vaccine development are significant and include at-risk populations that are often marginalized: viral diversity, limited options for testing HCV vaccines, and an incomplete understanding of protective immune responses. In part because of those factors, testing of only one vaccine strategy has been completed in at-risk individuals as of 2019. Despite challenges, immunity against HCV protects against chronic infection in some repeated HCV exposures and an effective HCV vaccine could prevent transmission regardless of risk factors. Ultimately, prophylactic vaccines will likely be necessary to achieve global HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Cox
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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14
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Abstract
Monoclonal based therapeutics have always been looked at as a futuristic natural way we could take care of pathogens and many diseases. However, in order to develop, establish and realize monoclonal based therapy we need to understand how the immune system contains or kill pathogens. Antibody complexes serve the means to decode this black box. We have discussed examples of antibody complexes both at biochemical and structural levels to understand and appreciate how discoveries in the field of antibody complexes have started to decoded mechanism of viral invasion and create potential vaccine targets against many pathogens. Antibody complexes have made advancement in our knowledge about the molecular interaction between antibody and antigen. It has also led to identification of potent protective monoclonal antibodies. Further use of selective combination of monoclonal antibodies have provided improved protection against deadly diseases. The administration of newly designed and improved immunogen has been used as potential vaccine. Therefore, antibody complexes are important tools to develop new vaccine targets and design an improved combination of monoclonal antibodies for passive immunization or protection with very little or no side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reetesh Raj Akhouri
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | | | - Gunnar Wilken
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Ulf Skoglund
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan.
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15
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Quasispecies dynamics in disease prevention and control. VIRUS AS POPULATIONS 2020. [PMCID: PMC7153035 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816331-3.00008-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Medical interventions to prevent and treat viral disease constitute evolutionary forces that may modify the genetic composition of viral populations that replicate in an infected host and influence the genomic composition of those viruses that are transmitted and progress at the epidemiological level. Given the adaptive potential of viruses in general and the RNA viruses in particular, the selection of viral mutants that display some degree of resistance to inhibitors or vaccines is a tangible challenge. Mutant selection may jeopardize control of the viral disease. Strategies intended to minimize vaccination and treatment failures are proposed and justified based on fundamental features of viral dynamics explained in the preceding chapters. The recommended use of complex, multiepitopic vaccines, and combination therapies as early as possible after initiation of infection falls under the general concept that complexity cannot be combated with simplicity. It also follows that sociopolitical action to interrupt virus replication and spread as soon as possible is as important as scientifically sound treatment designs to control viral disease on a global scale.
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16
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Yilmaz GR, Boesecke C, Schwarze-Zander C, Rockstroh JK. Hepatitis C reinfection with protease inhibitor-resistant hepatitis C virus in an HIV-coinfected MSM. Liver Int 2020; 40:47-50. [PMID: 31612570 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
There is an ongoing global hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic mainly related to high-risk behaviour in persons who inject drugs (PWID) and in HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) which continues to fuel the HCV epidemic. Treatment of HCV infection with direct antiviral therapy (DAA) has been very successful in the last decade. Main obstacles for HCV elimination are HCV reinfections observed in PWID and HIV-infected MSM. We present here an HIV-infected MSM patient who has been reinfected thrice with HCV. The virus which was investigated from his last reinfection episode reveals transmission of a newly acquired HCV protease inhibitor (PI) resistance, despite not having been exposed to HCV-PIs during his last DAA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gül R Yilmaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Isparta, Turkey.,Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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17
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Bellocchi MC, Aragri M, Carioti L, Fabeni L, Pipitone RM, Brancaccio G, Sorbo MC, Barbaliscia S, Di Maio VC, Bronte F, Grimaudo S, Mazzucco W, Frigeri F, Cantone M, Pinto A, Perno CF, Craxì A, Gaeta GB, Di Marco V, Ceccherini-Silberstein F. NS5A Gene Analysis by Next Generation Sequencing in HCV Nosocomial Transmission Clusters of HCV Genotype 1b Infected Patients. Cells 2019; 8:E666. [PMID: 31269695 PMCID: PMC6678654 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the intra-host variability through next-generation-sequencing (NGS) of the NS5A-gene in nosocomial transmission-clusters observed in two Italian hospitals among hepatitis C virus (HCV)-genotype-1b infected patients. Methods: HCV-sequencing was performed by Sanger-sequencing (NS3 + NS5A + NS5B) and by NGS (NS5A, MiSeq-Illumina) in 15 HCV-1b infected patients [five acute with onco-hematologic-disease and 10 (4/6 acute/chronic) with β-thalassemia]. Resistance-associated-substitutions (RAS) were analysed by Geno2pheno-algorithm. Nucleotide-sequence-variability (NSV, at 1%, 2%, 5%, 10% and 15% NGS-cutoffs) and Shannon entropy were estimated. Phylogenetic analysis was performed by Mega6-software and Bayesian-analysis. Results: Phylogenetic analysis showed five transmission-clusters: one involving four HCV-acute onco-hematologic-patients; one involving three HCV-chronic β-thalassemia-patients and three involving both HCV-acute and chronic β-thalassemia-patients. The NS5A-RAS Y93H was found in seven patients, distributed differently among chronic/acute patients involved in the same transmission-clusters, independently from the host-genetic IL-28-polymorphism. The intra-host NSV was higher in chronic-patients versus acute-patients, at all cutoffs analyzed (p < 0.05). Even though Shannon-entropy was higher in chronic-patients, significantly higher values were observed only in chronic β-thalassemia-patients versus acute β-thalassemia-patients (p = 0.01). Conclusions: In nosocomial HCV transmission-clusters, the intra-host HCV quasispecies divergence in patients with acute-infection was very low in comparison to that in chronic-infection. The NS5A-RAS Y93H was often transmitted and distributed differently within the same transmission-clusters, independently from the IL-28-polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianna Aragri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Carioti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Fabeni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosaria Maria Pipitone
- Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) Department, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Brancaccio
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Sorbo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Barbaliscia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Velia Chiara Di Maio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bronte
- Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) Department, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefania Grimaudo
- Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) Department, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Walter Mazzucco
- Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) Department, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Marco Cantone
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Pinto
- Hematology Department, National Cancer Institute "Fondazione Pascale", IRCCS, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Federico Perno
- Department of Microbiology and Clinic Microbiology, University of Milan, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Craxì
- Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) Department, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Gaeta
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Vito Di Marco
- Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) Department, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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18
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Baumert TF, Berg T, Lim JK, Nelson DR. Status of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Remaining Challenges. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:431-445. [PMID: 30342035 PMCID: PMC6446912 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus is a major cause of liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. After the discovery of hepatitis C virus 3 decades ago, the identification of the structure of the viral proteins, combined with high-throughput replicon models, enabled the discovery and development of direct-acting antivirals. These agents have revolutionized patient care, with cure rates of more than 90%. We review the status of direct-acting antiviral therapies for hepatitis C virus infection and discuss remaining challenges. We highlight licensed compounds, discuss the potential to shorten therapy even further, and review different options for treatment failure and resistance. We also provide an overview of clinical experience with generic agents and evidence for their efficacy. Finally, we discuss the need for new drugs and outline promising targets for future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Baumert
- INSERM, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Pôle Hépato-digestif, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Thomas Berg
- Section of Hepatology, Clinic for Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, University Clinic Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joseph K Lim
- Section of Digestive Diseases and Yale Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - David R Nelson
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
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19
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Bailey JR, Barnes E, Cox AL. Approaches, Progress, and Challenges to Hepatitis C Vaccine Development. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:418-430. [PMID: 30268785 PMCID: PMC6340767 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection vary, and there were an estimated 1.75 million new cases worldwide in 2015. The World Health Organization aims for a 90% reduction in new HCV infections by 2030. An HCV vaccine would prevent transmission, regardless of risk factors, and significantly reduce the global burden of HCV-associated disease. Barriers to development include virus diversity, limited models for testing vaccines, and our incomplete understanding of protective immune responses. Although highly effective vaccines could prevent infection altogether, immune responses that increase the rate of HCV clearance and prevent chronic infection may be sufficient to reduce disease burden. Adjuvant envelope or core protein and virus-vectored nonstructural antigen vaccines have been tested in healthy volunteers who are not at risk for HCV infection; viral vectors encoding nonstructural proteins are the only vaccine strategy to be tested in at-risk individuals. Despite development challenges, a prophylactic vaccine is necessary for global control of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R. Bailey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eleanor Barnes
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine and the Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University, UK
| | - Andrea L. Cox
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland,Reprint requests Address requests for reprints to: Andrea L. Cox, MD, PhD, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 551 Rangos Building, 855 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205. fax: (443)769-1221.
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20
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Rehman S, Ashfaq UA, Ijaz B, Riazuddin S. Anti-hepatitis C virus activity and synergistic effect of Nymphaea alba extracts and bioactive constituents in liver infected cells. Microb Pathog 2018; 121:198-209. [PMID: 29775725 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Without an effective vaccine, hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a global threat, inflicting 170-300 million carriers worldwide at risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Though various direct acting antivirals have been redeemed the hepatitis C treatment, a few restraints persist including possible side effects, viral resistance emergence, excessive cost which restricts its availability to a common person. HYPOTHESIS There is no preventive HCV vaccine available today so the discovery of potent antiviral natural flora and their bioactive constituents may help to develop preventive cures against HCV infection. STUDY DESIGN In current study, we aim to clarify anti-HCV activity of methanol and acetone extracts along with the purified fractions of Pakistani local plant, Nymphaea alba L (N. alba) using Huh-7 cell line as transfection model. Synergistic study of purified fractions with interferon was performed using MDBK cell line (expressing interferon receptors) as transfection model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Recent study by our research group has observed potent anti-HCV NS3 protease activity of methanol and acetone extracts of N. alba. Effect of N. alba extracts, its fractions precisely, the N1 and N8 fractions on HCV replication was demonstrated by analyzing viral gene expression using in vitro transfection model. Considering NS3 protease as a dynamic drug target, fourteen phytochemicals of N. alba were selected as ligands for interaction with NS3 protein using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software. Boceprevir, FDA approved NS3 protease inhibitor, was used as standard for comparative study in docking screening. RESULTS Herein we report 84% and 94% reduction of 3a genotype of HCV NS3/4A gene expression at mRNA level at non-toxic concentration. Specifically, two fractions 'N1' & 'N8' isolated from acetone extract suppressed HCV NS3 gene expression in transfected target cells with an EC50 value of 37 ± 0.03 μg/ml and 20 ± 0.02 μg/ml respectively. Similarly, viral genotype 1a replication is strongly suppressed in target cells by N. alba flower extracts and purified fractions. Moreover, combination of fractions with standard antiviral drug displayed synergistic effects for inhibition of HCV replication. Phytochemicals including Isoquercetin, Hyperoside, Quercetin, Reynoutrin, Apigenin and Isokaempferide displayed minimum binding energies as compared to standard protease inhibitor. CONCLUSION N. alba and its purified phytochemicals with new scaffolds might significantly serve as valuable and alternative regimen against HCV either alone or in combination with other potential anti-HCV agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Rehman
- Translational Genomics Lab, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan; Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Usman Ali Ashfaq
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
| | - Bushra Ijaz
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Sheikh Riazuddin
- Dean Post Graduate Study, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan.
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21
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Can Broadly Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies Lead to a Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine? Trends Microbiol 2018; 26:854-864. [PMID: 29703495 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
While licensed vaccines elicit protective antibody responses against a variety of viral infections, an effective vaccine for hepatitis C virus (HCV) has remained elusive. The extraordinary genetic diversity of HCV and the ability of the virus to evade the immune response have hindered vaccine development efforts. However, recent studies have greatly expanded the number of well characterized broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies (bNAbs) against HCV. These bNAbs target relatively conserved HCV epitopes, prevent HCV infection in animal models, and are associated with spontaneous clearance of human HCV infection. In this review, recent high-resolution bNAb epitope mapping and structural analysis of bNAb-epitope complexes that may serve as a guide for vaccine development are discussed along with major obstacles.
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22
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Transmission Networks of HCV Genotype 1a Enriched With Pre-existing Polymorphism Q80K Among HIV-Infected Patients With Acute Hepatitis C in Poland. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2018; 77:514-522. [DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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23
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Martin NK, Boerekamps A, Hill AM, Rijnders BJA. Is hepatitis C virus elimination possible among people living with HIV and what will it take to achieve it? J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21 Suppl 2:e25062. [PMID: 29633560 PMCID: PMC5978712 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The World Health Organization targets for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination include a 90% reduction in new infections by 2030. Our objective is to review the modelling evidence and cost data surrounding feasibility of HCV elimination among people living with HIV (PLWH), and identify likely components for elimination. We also discuss the real-world experience of HCV direct acting antiviral (DAA) scale-up and elimination efforts in the Netherlands. METHODS We review modelling evidence of what intervention scale-up is required to achieve WHO HCV elimination targets among HIV-infected (HIV+) people who inject drugs (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM), review cost-effectiveness of HCV therapy among PLWH and discuss economic implications of elimination. We additionally use the real-world experience of DAA scale-up in the Netherlands to illustrate the promise and potential challenges of HCV elimination strategies in MSM. Finally, we summarize key components of the HCV elimination response among PWLH. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Modelling indicates HCV elimination among HIV+ MSM and PWID is potentially achievable but requires combination treatment and either harm reduction or behavioural risk reductions. Preliminary modelling indicates elimination among HIV+ PWID will require elimination efforts among PWID more broadly. Treatment for PLWH and high-risk populations (PWID and MSM) is cost-effective in high-income countries, but costs of DAAs remain a barrier to scale-up worldwide despite the potential low production price ($50 per 12 week course). In the Netherlands, universal DAA availability led to rapid uptake among HIV+ MSM in 2015/16, and a 50% reduction in acute HCV incidence among HIV+ MSM from 2014 to 2016 was observed. In addition to HCV treatment, elimination among PLWH globally also likely requires regular HCV testing, development of low-cost accurate HCV diagnostics, reduced costs of DAA therapy, broad treatment access without restrictions, close monitoring for HCV reinfection and retreatment, and harm reduction and/or behavioural interventions. CONCLUSIONS Achieving WHO HCV Elimination targets is potentially achievable among HIV-infected populations. Among HIV+ PWID, it likely requires HCV treatment scale-up combined with harm reduction for both HIV+ and HIV- populations. Among HIV+ MSM, elimination likely requires both HCV treatment and behaviour risk reduction among the HIV+ MSM population, the latter of which to date has not been observed. Lower HCV diagnostic and treatment costs will be key to ensuring scale-up of HCV testing and treatment without restriction, enabling elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha K Martin
- Division of Global Public HealthUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCAUSA
- School of Social and Community MedicineUniversity of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| | - Anne Boerekamps
- Department of Internal MedicineDivision of Infectious DiseasesErasmus MC University Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Andrew M Hill
- Department of Translational MedicineUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Bart J A Rijnders
- Department of Internal MedicineDivision of Infectious DiseasesErasmus MC University Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious DiseasesErasmus MC University Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
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Bartenschlager R, Baumert TF, Bukh J, Houghton M, Lemon SM, Lindenbach BD, Lohmann V, Moradpour D, Pietschmann T, Rice CM, Thimme R, Wakita T. Critical challenges and emerging opportunities in hepatitis C virus research in an era of potent antiviral therapy: Considerations for scientists and funding agencies. Virus Res 2018; 248:53-62. [PMID: 29477639 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2018.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The development and clinical implementation of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionized the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Infection with any hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype can now be eliminated in more than 95% of patients with short courses of all-oral, well-tolerated drugs, even in those with advanced liver disease and liver transplant recipients. DAAs have proven so successful that some now consider HCV amenable to eradication, and continued research on the virus of little remaining medical relevance. However, given 400,000 HCV-related deaths annually important challenges remain, including identifying those who are infected, providing access to treatment and reducing its costs. Moreover, HCV infection rarely induces sterilizing immunity, and those who have been cured with DAAs remain at risk for reinfection. Thus, it is very unlikely that global eradication and elimination of the cancer risk associated with HCV infection can be achieved without a vaccine, yet research in that direction receives little attention. Further, over the past two decades HCV research has spearheaded numerous fundamental discoveries in the fields of molecular and cell biology, immunology and microbiology. It will continue to do so, given the unique opportunities afforded by the reagents and knowledge base that have been generated in the development and clinical application of DAAs. Considering these critical challenges and new opportunities, we conclude that funding for HCV research must be sustained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Division Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Sites Heidelberg and Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France
| | - 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
| | - Michael Houghton
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Stanley M Lemon
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Brett D Lindenbach
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Volker Lohmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Darius Moradpour
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Pietschmann
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Sites Heidelberg and Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany; 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
| | - Charles M Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Thimme
- Center for Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Takaji Wakita
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
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Jagjit Singh GK, Kaye S, Abbott JC, Boesecke C, Rockstroh J, McClure MO, Nelson M. Use of next-generation sequencing in the CHAT study (acute HCV in HIV): effect of baseline resistance-associated NS3 variants on treatment failure. HIV CLINICAL TRIALS 2018; 19:46-51. [PMID: 29493385 DOI: 10.1080/15284336.2018.1439714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background The epidemic of acute HCV infection among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) is ongoing. Transmission of drug-resistant variants (DRVs) after HCV treatment failure could pose a major threat to the effectiveness of future therapies. We determined the baseline prevalence of pre-existing DRVs in the HCV NS3 protease gene and their effects on the addition of telaprevir (TVR) to standard pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) for acute HCV infection in individuals enrolled in a multicentre randomized controlled trial (2013 and 2014). Methods The HCV NS3 viral protease was analyzed using Sanger and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for DRVs at baseline (n = 31), and at viral breakthrough following TVR-based treatment (n = 3) or PEG-IFN/RBV alone (n = 2). Results Sequence analysis indicated that all individuals were infected with HCV genotype 1a. Complete (100%) concordance was seen between Sanger and NGS for high levels of mutant viral populations. The simeprevir-associated Q80K variant was present at high frequency in the German samples (7/11-64%) and infrequently in the UK samples (1/20-5%). In the three TVR-based treatment failures, V36M/l and R155K/T emerged, but not R155G which was detectable at low levels in two individuals at baseline. Failure rate at week 24 was 26.7% (with baseline DRVs) vs. 6.3% (without baseline DRVs), p = 0.17). Comparison of sequences pre- and post-therapy in 5 who failed therapy revealed the emergence of not previously described variants V193G, E176K, P189S (on TVR), and V181S in one instance each. Conclusion The presence of baseline DRVs for the NS3 protease gene of HCV genotype 1a did not appear to predict treatment failure in our patient cohort. Where detected, Q80K was present at high levels (>98%), but had no effect on outcomes and remained high after failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurmit Kaur Jagjit Singh
- a Department of HIV and Sexual Health , Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Steve Kaye
- b Division of Infectious Diseases , Imperial College London , London , UK
| | - James C Abbott
- c Department of Surgery and Cancer , Imperial College London , London , UK
| | | | - Juergen Rockstroh
- d Department of Medicine , Bonn University Hospital , Bonn , Germany
| | - Myra O McClure
- b Division of Infectious Diseases , Imperial College London , London , UK
| | - Mark Nelson
- a Department of HIV and Sexual Health , Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK.,b Division of Infectious Diseases , Imperial College London , London , UK
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von Delft A, Donnison TA, Lourenço J, Hutchings C, Mullarkey CE, Brown A, Pybus OG, Klenerman P, Chinnakannan S, Barnes E. The generation of a simian adenoviral vectored HCV vaccine encoding genetically conserved gene segments to target multiple HCV genotypes. Vaccine 2018; 36:313-321. [PMID: 29203182 PMCID: PMC5756538 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.10.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genomic variability is a major challenge to the generation of a prophylactic vaccine. We have previously shown that HCV specific T-cell responses induced by a potent T-cell vaccine encoding a single strain subtype-1b immunogen target epitopes dominant in natural infection. However, corresponding viral regions are highly variable at a population level, with a reduction in T-cell reactivity to these variants. We therefore designed and manufactured second generation simian adenovirus vaccines encoding genomic segments, conserved between viral genotypes and assessed these for immunogenicity. METHODS We developed a computer algorithm to identify HCV genomic regions that were conserved between viral subtypes. Conserved segments below a pre-defined diversity threshold spanning the entire HCV genome were combined to create novel immunogens (1000-1500 amino-acids), covering variation in HCV subtypes 1a and 1b, genotypes 1 and 3, and genotypes 1-6 inclusive. Simian adenoviral vaccine vectors (ChAdOx) encoding HCV conserved immunogens were constructed. Immunogenicity was evaluated in C57BL6 mice using panels of genotype-specific peptide pools in ex-vivo IFN-ϒ ELISpot and intracellular cytokine assays. RESULTS ChAdOx1 conserved segment HCV vaccines primed high-magnitude, broad, cross-reactive T-cell responses; the mean magnitude of total HCV specific T-cell responses was 1174 SFU/106 splenocytes for ChAdOx1-GT1-6 in C57BL6 mice targeting multiple genomic regions, with mean responses of 935, 1474 and 1112 SFU/106 against genotype 1a, 1b and 3a peptide panels, respectively. Functional assays demonstrated IFNg and TNFa production by vaccine-induced CD4 and CD8 T-cells. In silico analysis shows that conserved immunogens contain multiple epitopes, with many described in natural HCV infection, predicting immunogenicity in humans. CONCLUSIONS Simian adenoviral vectored vaccines encoding genetic segments that are conserved between all major HCV genotypes contain multiple T-cell epitopes and are highly immunogenic in pre-clinical models. These studies pave the way for the assessment of multi-genotypic HCV T-cell vaccines in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette von Delft
- Peter Medawar Building and Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Timothy A Donnison
- Peter Medawar Building and Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | - Claire Hutchings
- Peter Medawar Building and Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Caitlin E Mullarkey
- Peter Medawar Building and Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Anthony Brown
- Peter Medawar Building and Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | - Paul Klenerman
- Peter Medawar Building and Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Senthil Chinnakannan
- Peter Medawar Building and Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Eleanor Barnes
- Peter Medawar Building and Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK.
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Cuypers L, Libin P, Schrooten Y, Theys K, Di Maio VC, Cento V, Lunar MM, Nevens F, Poljak M, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Nowé A, Van Laethem K, Vandamme AM. Exploring resistance pathways for first-generation NS3/4A protease inhibitors boceprevir and telaprevir using Bayesian network learning. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 53:15-23. [PMID: 28499845 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Resistance-associated variants (RAVs) have been shown to influence treatment response to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and first generation NS3/4A protease inhibitors (PIs) in particular. Interpretation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypic drug resistance remains a challenge, especially in patients who previously failed DAA therapy and need to be retreated with a second DAA based regimen. Bayesian network (BN) learning on HCV sequence data from patients treated with DAAs could provide insight in resistance pathways against PIs for HCV subtypes 1a and 1b, in a similar way as applied before for HIV. The publicly available 'Rega-BN' tool chain was developed to study associative analyses for various pathogens. Our first analysis, comparing sequences from PI-naïve and PI-experienced patients, determined that NS3 substitutions R155K and V36M arise with PI-exposure in HCV1a infected patients, and were defined as major and minor resistance-associated variants respectively. NS3 variant 174H was newly identified as potentially related to PI resistance. In a second analysis, NS3 sequences from PI-naïve patients who cleared the virus during PI therapy and from PI-naïve patients who failed PI therapy were compared, showing that NS3 baseline variant 67S predisposes to treatment-failure and variant 72I to treatment success. This approach has the potential to better characterize the role of more RAVs, if sufficient therapy annotated sequence data becomes available in curated public databases. In addition, polymorphisms present in baseline sequences that predispose patients to therapy failure can be identified using this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lize Cuypers
- KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Herestraat 49, box 1040, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Pieter Libin
- KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Herestraat 49, box 1040, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Artificial Intelligence Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Yoeri Schrooten
- KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Herestraat 49, box 1040, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Kristof Theys
- KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Herestraat 49, box 1040, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Velia Chiara Di Maio
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - Valeria Cento
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - Maja M Lunar
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Frederik Nevens
- University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Hepatology, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Mario Poljak
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | | | - Ann Nowé
- Artificial Intelligence Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Kristel Van Laethem
- KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Herestraat 49, box 1040, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Anne-Mieke Vandamme
- KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Herestraat 49, box 1040, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Center for Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Microbiology Unit, Institute for Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal.
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Abstract
Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of pathogens is becoming increasingly important not only for basic research but also for clinical science and practice. In virology, WGS is important for the development of novel treatments and vaccines, and for increasing the power of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genomics. In this Opinion article, we suggest that WGS of viruses in a clinical setting will become increasingly important for patient care. We give an overview of different WGS methods that are used in virology and summarize their advantages and disadvantages. Although there are only partially addressed technical, financial and ethical issues in regard to the clinical application of viral WGS, this technique provides important insights into virus transmission, evolution and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte J. Houldcroft
- Department of Infection, UK; and the Division of Biological Anthropology, Immunity and Inflammation, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3QG, UK.,
- and the Division of Biological Anthropology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3QG, UK.,
| | - Mathew A. Beale
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT UK
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA Cambridge UK
| | - Judith Breuer
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; and at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK.,
- and at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK.,
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29
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El-Diwany R, Cohen VJ, Mankowski MC, Wasilewski LN, Brady JK, Snider AE, Osburn WO, Murrell B, Ray SC, Bailey JR. Extra-epitopic hepatitis C virus polymorphisms confer resistance to broadly neutralizing antibodies by modulating binding to scavenger receptor B1. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006235. [PMID: 28235087 PMCID: PMC5342271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Broadly-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (bNAbs) may guide vaccine development for highly variable viruses including hepatitis C virus (HCV), since they target conserved viral epitopes that could serve as vaccine antigens. However, HCV resistance to bNAbs could reduce the efficacy of a vaccine. HC33.4 and AR4A are two of the most potent anti-HCV human bNAbs characterized to date, binding to highly conserved epitopes near the amino- and carboxy-terminus of HCV envelope (E2) protein, respectively. Given their distinct epitopes, it was surprising that these bNAbs showed similar neutralization profiles across a panel of natural HCV isolates, suggesting that some viral polymorphisms may confer resistance to both bNAbs. To investigate this resistance, we developed a large, diverse panel of natural HCV envelope variants and a novel computational method to identify bNAb resistance polymorphisms in envelope proteins (E1 and E2). By measuring neutralization of a panel of HCV pseudoparticles by 10 μg/mL of each bNAb, we identified E1E2 variants with resistance to one or both bNAbs, despite 100% conservation of the AR4A binding epitope across the panel. We discovered polymorphisms outside of either binding epitope that modulate resistance to both bNAbs by altering E2 binding to the HCV co-receptor, scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1). This study is focused on a mode of neutralization escape not addressed by conventional analysis of epitope conservation, highlighting the contribution of extra-epitopic polymorphisms to bNAb resistance and presenting a novel mechanism by which HCV might persist even in the face of an antibody response targeting multiple conserved epitopes. Generation of an immune response that is protective against a wide variety of naturally occurring isolates is necessary for vaccines against highly variable viruses like hepatitis C virus (HCV). Two broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies, HC33.4 and AR4A, neutralize multiple highly divergent HCV isolates, raising hope that a vaccine against HCV is possible. Previous reports have defined the distinct, highly conserved sites on the viral envelope proteins where these antibodies bind. However, little is known about naturally occurring variation in sensitivity of different HCV isolates to these antibodies. We developed a high throughput assay and computational algorithm to evaluate over 100 naturally occurring HCV variants for their sensitivity to these two antibodies, identifying several resistance polymorphisms to each antibody which do not fall within their mapped binding sites. Furthermore, two of these polymorphisms modulate resistance to both antibodies by enhancing or reducing envelope protein binding to HCV co-receptor scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1). By developing this broadly applicable platform, we have shown the important neutralization resistance conferred by changes distant from antibody binding sites, presenting a potential mechanism by which HCV might persist even in the face of an antibody response targeting multiple conserved sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramy El-Diwany
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Valerie J. Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Madeleine C. Mankowski
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lisa N. Wasilewski
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jillian K. Brady
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anna E. Snider
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - William O. Osburn
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ben Murrell
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Stuart C. Ray
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Justin R. Bailey
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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30
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Cuypers L, Li G, Neumann-Haefelin C, Piampongsant S, Libin P, Van Laethem K, Vandamme AM, Theys K. Mapping the genomic diversity of HCV subtypes 1a and 1b: Implications of structural and immunological constraints for vaccine and drug development. Virus Evol 2016; 2:vew024. [PMID: 27774307 PMCID: PMC5072459 DOI: 10.1093/ve/vew024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in hepatitis C (HCV) treatment, global viral eradication remains a challenge. An in-depth map of its genome diversity within the context of structural and immunological constraints could contribute to the design of pan-genotypic antivirals and preventive vaccines. For such analyses, extensive information is only available for the highly prevalent HCV genotypes (GT) 1a and 1b. Using 647 GT1a and 408 GT1b full-genome sequences obtained from the Los Alamos database, we found that respectively 3 per cent and 82 per cent of all codon positions are under positive and negative selective pressure, suggesting variation mainly accumulates due to random genetic drift. An association between conservation and both structured RNA and secondary protein structures confirmed the important role of structural elements at nucleotide and at amino acid level. Remarkably, CD8+ T-cell epitopes in HCV GT1a were significantly more conserved, while at the same time containing more sites under positive selection. Similarly, CD4+ T-cell epitopes were significantly more conserved in both HCV subtypes, but under less positive selective pressure in GT1b and more negative selective pressure in GT1a. In contrast, B-cell epitopes in both subtypes were less conserved and under less stringent negative selection. These findings argue against immune selective pressure as the main force of between-host diversifying evolution. Despite its high variability, HCV is under strict evolutionary constraints, most probably to keep its genes and proteins functional during the replication cycle. These are encouraging findings for vaccine and drug design, which could consider these newly established genetic diversity profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lize Cuypers
- KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guangdi Li
- KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Christoph Neumann-Haefelin
- Department of Medicine II, Freiburg University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Supinya Piampongsant
- KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Electrical Engineering ESAT, STADIUS Center for Dynamical Systems, Signal Processing and Data Analytics, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 10, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Pieter Libin
- Artificial Intelligence Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristel Van Laethem
- KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anne-Mieke Vandamme
- KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Center for Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Microbiology Unit, Institute for Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, Lisbon, 1349-008, Portugal
| | - Kristof Theys
- KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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31
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Sepúlveda-Crespo D, Jiménez JL, Gómez R, De La Mata FJ, Majano PL, Muñoz-Fernández MÁ, Gastaminza P. Polyanionic carbosilane dendrimers prevent hepatitis C virus infection in cell culture. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2016; 13:49-58. [PMID: 27562210 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2016.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major biomedical problem worldwide. Although new direct antiviral agents (DAAs) have been developed for the treatment of chronic HCV infection, the potential emergence of resistant virus variants and the difficulties to implement their administration worldwide make the development of novel antiviral agents an urgent need. Moreover, no effective vaccine is available against HCV and transmission of the virus still occurs particularly when prophylactic measures are not taken. We used a cell-based system to screen a battery of polyanionic carbosilane dendrimers (PCDs) to identify compounds with antiviral activity against HCV and show that they inhibit effective virus adsorption of major HCV genotypes. Interestingly, one of the PCDs irreversibly destabilized infectious virions. This compound displays additive effect in combination with a clinically relevant DAA, sofosbuvir. Our results support further characterization of these molecules as nanotools for the control of hepatitis C virus spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sepúlveda-Crespo
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Spanish HIV-HGM BioBank, Madrid, Spain; Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain; Plataforma de Laboratorio, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Jiménez
- Plataforma de Laboratorio, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; CIBER-BBN, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Gómez
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; CIBER-BBN, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier De La Mata
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Universitario, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; CIBER-BBN, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro L Majano
- Molecular Biology Unit, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain; CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ma Ángeles Muñoz-Fernández
- Laboratorio InmunoBiología Molecular, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Spanish HIV-HGM BioBank, Madrid, Spain; Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain; Plataforma de Laboratorio, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; CIBER-BBN, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Gastaminza
- Centro Nacional De Biotecnología-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Campus Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Cachay
- Department of Medicine, Owen Clinic and Division of Infectious Diseases. University of California at San Diego. California, U.S.A
| | - Vicente Soriano
- Infectious Diseases Unit, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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Esposito I, Trinks J, Soriano V. Hepatitis C virus resistance to the new direct-acting antivirals. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2016; 12:1197-209. [PMID: 27384079 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2016.1209484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has dramatically improved in recent years with the widespread use of interferon-free combination regimens. Despite the high sustained virological response (SVR) rates (over 90%) obtained with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), drug resistance has emerged as a potential challenge. The high replication rate of HCV and the low fidelity of its RNA polymerase result in a high degree of genetic variability in the HCV population, which ultimately explains the rapid selection of drug resistance associated variants (RAVs). AREAS COVERED Results from clinical trials and real-world experience have both provided important information on the rate and clinical significance of RAVs. They can be present in treatment-naive patients as natural polymorphisms although more frequently they are selected upon treatment failure. In patients engaged in high-risk behaviors, RAVs can be transmitted. EXPERT OPINION Although DAA failures generally occur in less than 10% of treated chronic hepatitis C patients, selection of drug resistance is the rule in most cases. HCV re-treatment options are available, but first-line therapeutic strategies should be optimized to efficiently prevent DAA failure due to baseline HCV resistance. Considerable progress is being made and next-generation DAAs are coming with pangenotypic activity and higher resistance barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Esposito
- a Infectious Diseases Unit , IdiPAZ & La Paz University Hospital , Madrid , Spain
| | - Julieta Trinks
- b Instituto de Ciencias Básicas y Medicina Experimental (ICBME) , Instituto Universitario del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires , Buenos Aires , Argentina.,c Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Vicente Soriano
- a Infectious Diseases Unit , IdiPAZ & La Paz University Hospital , Madrid , Spain
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Cuypers L, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Van Laethem K, Li G, Vandamme AM, Rockstroh JK. Impact of HCV genotype on treatment regimens and drug resistance: a snapshot in time. Rev Med Virol 2016; 26:408-434. [PMID: 27401933 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 06/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of highly potent direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionized hepatitis C virus treatment. Nevertheless, viral eradication worldwide remains a challenge also in the era of DAA treatment, because of the high associated costs, high numbers of undiagnosed patients, high re-infection rates in some risk groups and suboptimal drug efficacies associated with host and viral factors as well as advanced stages of liver disease. A correct determination of the HCV genotype allows administration of the most appropriate antiviral regimen. Additionally, HCV genetic sequencing improves our understanding of resistance-associated variants, either naturally occurring before treatment, acquired by transmission at HCV infection, or emerging after virological failure. Because treatment response rates, and the prevalence and development of drug resistance variants differ for each DAA regimen and HCV genotype, this review summarizes treatment opportunities per HCV genotype, and focuses on viral genetic sequencing to guide clinical decision making. Although approval of the first pan-genotypic DAA-only regimen is expected soon, HCV genetic sequencing will remain important because when DAA therapies fail, genotyping and resistance testing to select a new active DAA combination will be essential. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lize Cuypers
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Kristel Van Laethem
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guangdi Li
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Anne-Mieke Vandamme
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Microbiology Unit, Institute for Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Cuypers L, Snoeck J, Kerremans L, Libin P, Crabbé R, Van Dooren S, Vuagniaux G, Vandamme AM. HCV1b genome evolution under selective pressure of the cyclophilin inhibitor alisporivir during the DEB-025-HCV-203 phase II clinical trial. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 44:169-181. [PMID: 27374748 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.06.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Major advances have revolutionized the HCV antiviral treatment field, with interferon-free combinations of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) resulting into success rates of >90% for all HCV genotypes. Nevertheless, viral eradication at a global level stills remains challenging, stimulating the continued search for new affordable pan-genotypic drugs. To overcome selection of drug resistant variants, targeting host proteins can be an attractive mechanism of action. Alisporivir (Debio 025) is a potent pan-genotypic host-targeting antiviral agent, acting on cyclophilin A, which is necessary for HCV replication. The efficacy and safety of three different oral doses of alisporivir in combination with pegylated interferon-α2a given over a period of four weeks, was investigated in a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled phase IIa clinical trial, in 90 treatment-naïve subjects infected with chronic hepatitis C, wherefrom 58 HCV1b samples were selected for genetic sequencing purposes. Sequencing results were used to study the HCV genome for amino acid changes potentially related with selective pressure and resistance to alisporivir. By comparing baseline and on-treatment sequences, a large variation in proportion of amino acid changes was detected in all treatment arms. The NS5A variant D320E, which was previously identified during in vitro resistance selection and resulted in 3.6-fold reduced alisporivir susceptibility, emerged in two subjects in the alisporivir monotherapy arm. However, emergence of D320E appeared to be associated only with concurrent viral load rebound in one subject with 0.8log10IU/ml increase in HCV RNA. In general, for all datasets, low numbers of positions under positive selective pressure were observed, with no significant differences between naïve and treated sequences. Additionally, incomplete sequence information for some of the 22 patients and the low number of individuals per treatment arm, is limiting the power to assess the association of alisporivir or interferon treatment with the observed amino acid changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lize Cuypers
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Joke Snoeck
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Lien Kerremans
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Pieter Libin
- Artificial Intelligence Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Raf Crabbé
- Debiopharm International S.A., Che. Messidor 5-7, P.O. Box 5911, 1002 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Sonia Van Dooren
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Grégoire Vuagniaux
- Debiopharm International S.A., Che. Messidor 5-7, P.O. Box 5911, 1002 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Anne-Mieke Vandamme
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Center for Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Unidade de Microbiologia, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Jungquiera 100, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal.
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Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1 to 6 Protease Inhibitor Escape Variants: In Vitro Selection, Fitness, and Resistance Patterns in the Context of the Infectious Viral Life Cycle. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:3563-78. [PMID: 27021330 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02929-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protease inhibitors (PIs) are important components of novel HCV therapy regimens. Studies of PI resistance initially focused on genotype 1. Therefore, knowledge about the determinants of PI resistance for the highly prevalent genotypes 2 to 6 remains limited. Using Huh7.5 cell culture-infectious HCV recombinants with genotype 1 to 6 NS3 protease, we identified protease positions 54, 155, and 156 as hot spots for the selection of resistance substitutions under treatment with the first licensed PIs, telaprevir and boceprevir. Treatment of a genotype 2 isolate with the newer PIs vaniprevir, faldaprevir, simeprevir, grazoprevir, paritaprevir, and deldeprevir identified positions 156 and 168 as hot spots for resistance; the Y56H substitution emerged for three newer PIs. Substitution selection also depended on the specific recombinant. The substitutions identified conferred cross-resistance to several PIs; however, most substitutions selected under telaprevir or boceprevir treatment conferred less resistance to certain newer PIs. In a single-cycle production assay, across genotypes, PI treatment primarily decreased viral replication, which was rescued by PI resistance substitutions. The substitutions identified resulted in differential effects on viral fitness, depending on the original recombinant and the substitution. Across genotypes, fitness impairment induced by resistance substitutions was due primarily to decreased replication. Most combinations of substitutions that were identified increased resistance or fitness. Combinations of resistance substitutions with fitness-compensating substitutions either rescued replication or compensated for decreased replication by increasing assembly. This comprehensive study provides insight into the selection patterns and effects of PI resistance substitutions for HCV genotypes 1 to 6 in the context of the infectious viral life cycle, which is of interest for clinical and virological HCV research.
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Kaplan-Lewis E, Fierer DS. Acute HCV in HIV-infected MSM: modes of acquisition, liver fibrosis, and treatment. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2016; 12:317-25. [PMID: 26152661 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-015-0279-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not considered to be efficiently transmitted sexually, but since the early 2000s, HCV infection of HIV-infected men who have sex with men has emerged as an epidemic worldwide. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology of sexually transmitted acute HCV, the growing body of literature regarding risk factors for acquisition, and possible mechanisms of transmission. We also discuss the progression of liver disease in these men and the advances in therapy of acute HCV with interferon-free regimens and put forth our current approach of evaluating and treating these men in New York City.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Kaplan-Lewis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1009, New York, NY, 10029, USA
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Cao Y, Zhang Y, Bao Y, Zhang R, Zhang X, Xia W, Wu H, Xu X. Naturally occurring hepatitis C virus protease inhibitors resistance-associated mutations among chronic hepatitis C genotype 1b patients with or without HIV co-infection. Hepatol Res 2016; 46:552-8. [PMID: 26355704 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The aim of this study was to measure the frequency of natural mutations in hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected protease inhibitor (PI)-naive patients. METHODS Population sequence of the non-structural (NS)3 protease gene was evaluated in 90 HCV mono-infected and 96 HIV/HCV co-infected PI treatment-naive patients. The natural prevalence of PI resistance mutations in both groups was compared. RESULTS Complete HCV genotype 1b NS3 sequence information was obtained for 152 (81.72%) samples. Seven sequences (8.33%) of the 84 HCV mono-infected patients and 21 sequences (30.88%) of the 68 HIV/HCV co-infected patients showed amino acid substitutions associated with HCV PI resistance. There was a significant difference in the natural prevalence of PI resistance mutations between these two groups (P = 0.000). The mutations T54S, R117H and N174F were observed in 1.19%, 5.95% and 1.19% of HCV mono-infected patients. The mutations F43S, T54S, Q80K/R, R155K, A156G/V, D168A/E/G and V170A were found in 1.47%, 4.41%, 1.47%/1.47%, 2.94%, 23.53%/1.47%, 1.47%/1.47%/1.47% and 1.47% of HIV/HCV co-infected patients, respectively. In addition, the combination mutations in the NS3 region were detected only in HIV/HCV genotype 1b co-infected patients. CONCLUSION Naturally occurring HCV PI resistance mutations existed in HCV mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected genotype 1b PI-naive patients. HIV co-infection was associated with a greater frequency of PI resistance mutations. The impact of HIV infection on baseline HCV PI resistance mutations and treatment outcome in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients should be further analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Bao
- Department of Neurology, Shiyan Taihe Hospital, Shiyan, China
| | - Renwen Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaxia Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Modern interferon (IFN)-free, and potentially also ribavirin-free, combinations consisting of two or three direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are highly efficacious in treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with treatment durations being much shorter and with much more favorable toxicity profiles. With the acute HCV (AHC) epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) still ongoing, the question remains should we be using DAAs in the acute phase of the infection? RECENT FINDINGS To date, none of the currently available DAAs has been licensed for use in the setting of AHC infection. Thus, the current gold standard of treatment still is a combination of pegylated interferon (pegIFN) and weight-adapted ribavirin (RBV). However, with less patients being treated in the acute phase, the current epidemic of AHC in HIV-positive MSM will continue. SUMMARY A decision to treat AHC with pegIFN and RBV can currently only be made on an individual basis in an open discussion between patient and physician which will need to weigh up the risk and benefits of a rather toxic and lengthy treatment now versus the likely available options in the chronic phase. Therefore, studies with IFN-free DAA combinations remain of great urgency to further evaluate the role of DAAs in the treatment of AHC.
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Sarrazin C. The importance of resistance to direct antiviral drugs in HCV infection in clinical practice. J Hepatol 2016; 64:486-504. [PMID: 26409317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 348] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) is associated with high rates of sustained virologic response. Remaining factors associated with treatment failure include advanced stages of liver fibrosis, response to previous antiviral therapy and viral factors such as baseline viral load and suboptimal interaction of the DAA with the target based on viral variants. Heterogeneity within NS3, NS5A, and NS5B areas interacting with DAAs exist between HCV geno- and subtypes as well as HCV isolates of the same geno- and subtype and amino acid polymorphisms associated with suboptimal efficacy of DAAs are termed resistance-associated variants (RAVs). RAVs may be associated with virologic treatment failure. However, virologic treatment failure typically occurs only if other negative predictive host or viral factors are present at the same time, susceptibility to additional antiviral agents is reduced or duration of treatment is suboptimal. In this review geno- and phenotypic resistance testing as well as clinical data on the importance of RAVs for conventional triple therapies with sofosbuvir, simeprevir, and daclatasvir and available interferon-free DAA combinations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Sarrazin
- J. W. Goethe-University Hospital, Medizinische Klinik 1, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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41
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von Delft A, Humphreys IS, Brown A, Pfafferott K, Lucas M, Klenerman P, Lauer GM, Cox AL, Gaudieri S, Barnes E. The broad assessment of HCV genotypes 1 and 3 antigenic targets reveals limited cross-reactivity with implications for vaccine design. Gut 2016; 65:112-23. [PMID: 26092843 PMCID: PMC4717358 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2014-308724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Developing a vaccine that is cross-reactive between HCV genotypes requires data on T cell antigenic targets that extends beyond genotype-1. We characterised T cell immune responses against HCV genotype-3, the most common infecting genotype in the UK and Asia, and assessed within genotype and between genotype cross-reactivity. DESIGN T cell targets were identified in 140 subjects with either acute, chronic or spontaneously resolved HCV genotype-3 infection using (1) overlapping peptides and (2) putative human leucocyte antigens (HLA)-class-I wild type and variant epitopes through the prior assessment of polymorphic HCV genomic sites associated with host HLA, in IFNγ-ELISpot assays. CD4+/CD8+ T cell subsets were defined and viral variability at T cell targets was determined through population analysis and viral sequencing. T cell cross-reactivity between genotype-1 and genotype-3 variants was assessed. RESULTS In resolved genotype-3 infection, T cells preferentially targeted non-structural proteins at a high magnitude, whereas in chronic disease T cells were absent or skewed to target structural proteins. Additional responses to wild type but not variant HLA predicted peptides were defined. Major sequence viral variability was observed within genotype-3 and between genotypes 1 and 3 HCV at T cell targets in resolved infection and at dominant epitopes, with limited T cell cross-reactivity between viral variants. Overall 41 CD4/CD8+ genotype-3 T cell targets were identified with minimal overlap with those described for HCV genotype-1. CONCLUSIONS HCV T cell specificity is distinct between genotypes with limited T cell cross-reactivity in resolved and chronic disease. Therefore, viral regions targeted in natural HCV infection may not serve as attractive targets for a vaccine that aims to protect against multiple HCV genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michaela Lucas
- Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia,School of Medicine and Pharmacology, Harry Perkins Institute, University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia,School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | | | - Andrea L Cox
- John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Silvana Gaudieri
- Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia,School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Bagaglio S, Uberti-Foppa C, Messina E, Merli M, Hasson H, Andolina A, Galli A, Lazzarin A, Morsica G. Distribution of natural resistance to NS3 protease inhibitors in hepatitis C genotype 1a separated into clades 1 and 2 and in genotype 1b of HIV-infected patients. Clin Microbiol Infect 2015; 22:386.e1-386.e3. [PMID: 26706617 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Naturally occurring resistance-associated variants (RAVs) within the protease domain of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (G) 1a separated into clades 1 and 2, and G1b were investigated in 59 HIV/HCV coinfected patients. RAVs were detected in 10/23 G1a/clade 1 and 1/19 G1b (p 0.0059). A similar frequency of RAVs was found when comparing G1a/clade 2 and G1b (p 0.1672). A cross-resistance to the macrocyclic compounds simeprevir and paritaprevir was detected in two G1a/clade 2 and 1 G1b sequences and none of G1a/clade 1 sequences. The simultaneous characterization of subtype and natural RAVs by population analysis of the NS3 domain by may add important information for anti-HCV treatment strategies including protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bagaglio
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Italy; Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy.
| | - C Uberti-Foppa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Italy
| | - E Messina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Italy
| | - M Merli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Italy
| | - H Hasson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Italy
| | - A Andolina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Italy
| | - A Galli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Italy
| | - A Lazzarin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Italy; Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - G Morsica
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Italy
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Pan-genotypic Hepatitis C Virus Inhibition by Natural Products Derived from the Wild Egyptian Artichoke. J Virol 2015; 90:1918-30. [PMID: 26656684 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02030-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the leading cause of chronic liver diseases. Water extracts of the leaves of the wild Egyptian artichoke (WEA) [Cynara cardunculus L. var. sylvestris (Lam.) Fiori] have been used for centuries in the Sinai Peninsula to treat hepatitis symptoms. Here we isolated and characterized six compounds from the water extracts of WEA and evaluated their HCV inhibition capacities in vitro. Importantly, two of these compounds, grosheimol and cynaropicrin, inhibited HCV with half-maximal effective concentrations (EC50s) in the low micromolar range. They inhibited HCV entry into target cells and were active against both cell-free infection as well as cell-cell transmission. Furthermore, the antiviral activity of both compounds was pan-genotypic as HCV genotypes 1a, 1b, 2b, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, and 7a were inhibited. Thus, grosheimol and cynaropicrin are promising candidates for the development of new pan-genotypic entry inhibitors of HCV infection. IMPORTANCE Because there is no preventive HCV vaccine available today, the discovery of novel anti-HCV cell entry inhibitors could help develop preventive measures against infection. The present study describes two compounds isolated from the wild Egyptian artichoke (WEA) with respect to their structural elucidation, absolute configuration, and quantitative determination. Importantly, both compounds inhibited HCV infection in vitro. The first compound was an unknown molecule, and it was designated "grosheimol," while the second compound is the known molecule cynaropicrin. Both compounds belong to the group of sesquiterpene lactones. The mode of action of these compounds occurred during the early steps of the HCV life cycle, including cell-free and cell-cell infection inhibition. These natural compounds present promising candidates for further development into anti-HCV therapeutics.
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Soriano V, Labarga P, de Mendoza C, Fernández-Montero JV, Esposito I, Benítez-Gutiérrez L, Peña JM, Barreiro P. New hepatitis C therapies for special patient populations. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2015; 17:217-29. [PMID: 26595348 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2016.1112790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has become a curable disease. More than 90% sustained virologic response rates have been obtained with 8-24 weeks of treatment with distinct combinations of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) in most registration trials. However, outcomes in real-world patients tend to be lower and treatment of special patient populations is often challenging. AREAS COVERED We address the treatment of chronic hepatitis C with DAA in major special patient populations, such as HIV-positive persons, transplant recipients, patients with advanced cirrhosis, renal insufficiency, hepatitis B or D coinfection, injection drug users (IDUs) and prior DAA failures. EXPERT OPINION Drug interactions between DAA and medications given to persons with HIV infection or transplant recipients can result in treatment failure and adverse events. Severe organ dysfunction as in kidney insufficiency or decompensated cirrhosis may lead to DAA overexposure and toxicities. Dysfunctional social circumstances and behavior are associated to poor drug adherence and increased risk for HCV re-infection in active IDUs. Finally, DAA response might be impaired by viral interference in patients with hepatitis B or D coinfection or drug resistance in HCV either at baseline or after prior DAA failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Soriano
- a Infectious Diseases Unit , La Paz University Hospital , Madrid 28046 , Spain
| | - Pablo Labarga
- b Department of Internal Medicine , La Luz Clinic , Madrid 28035 , Spain
| | - Carmen de Mendoza
- c Department of Internal Medicine , Puerta de Hierro Research Institute & University Hospital , Majadahonda 28035, Spain
| | | | - Isabella Esposito
- a Infectious Diseases Unit , La Paz University Hospital , Madrid 28046 , Spain
| | - Laura Benítez-Gutiérrez
- c Department of Internal Medicine , Puerta de Hierro Research Institute & University Hospital , Majadahonda 28035, Spain
| | - José M Peña
- a Infectious Diseases Unit , La Paz University Hospital , Madrid 28046 , Spain
| | - Pablo Barreiro
- a Infectious Diseases Unit , La Paz University Hospital , Madrid 28046 , Spain
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Low prevalence of hepatitis C co-infection in recently HIV-infected minority men who have sex with men in Los Angeles: a cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:538. [PMID: 26590028 PMCID: PMC4654841 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1279-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Geographic and sociodemographic characterization of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) has been limited. Our aim was to characterize HCV prevalence, risk factors for HCV co-infection, and patterns of HIV and HCV co-transmission and transmitted drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in newly HIV-diagnosed Los Angeles MSM. Methods Viral RNA was extracted from stored plasma samples from a Los Angeles cohort of newly diagnosed HIV-infected MSM with well-characterized substance use and sexual behavioral characteristics via computer-assisted self-interviewing surveys. Samples were screened for HCV by qPCR. HCV E1, E2, core, NS3 protease and NS5B polymerase and HIV-1 protease and reverse transcriptase regions were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis was used to determine relatedness of HCV and HIV-1 isolates within the cohort and viral sequences were examined for DRMs. Results Of 185 newly HIV-diagnosed MSM, the majority (65 %) were of minority race/ethnicity and recently infected (57.8 %), with median age of 28.3 years. A minority (6.6 %) reported injection drug use (IDU), whereas 96 (52.8 %) reported recent substance use, primarily cannabis or stimulant use. High risk sexual behaviors included 132 (74.6 %) with unprotected receptive anal intercourse, 60 (33.3 %) with group sex, and 10 (5.7 %) with fisting. Forty-five (24.3 %) had acute gonorrhea or chlamydia infection. Only 3 (1.6 %) subjects had detectable HCV RNA. Amongst these subjects, HIV and HCV isolates were unrelated by phylogenetic analysis and none possessed clinically relevant NS3 or NS5B HCV DRMs. Conclusions Prevalence of HCV co-infection was low and there was no evidence of HIV-HCV co-transmission in this cohort of relatively young, predominantly minority, newly HIV-diagnosed MSM, most with early HIV infection, with high rates of high risk sexual behaviors, STI, and non-IDU. The low HCV prevalence in a group with high-risk behaviors for non-IDU HCV acquisition suggests an opportune time for targeted HCV prevention measures.
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Arends JE, Lieveld FI, Boeijen LL, de Kanter CTMM, van Erpecum KJ, Salmon D, Hoepelman AIM, Asselah T, Ustianowski A. Natural history and treatment of HCV/HIV coinfection: Is it time to change paradigms? J Hepatol 2015; 63:1254-62. [PMID: 26186987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Evidence over the past decades have shown that HIV/HCV coinfected patients did not respond as well to HCV therapy as HCV mono-infected patients. However, these paradigms are being recently reassessed with the improvements of care for HIV and HCV patients. This article reviews these original paradigms and how the new data is impacting upon them. Treatment efficacy now appears comparable for HIV/HCV coinfected and HCV mono-infected patients, while liver fibrosis progression is increasingly similar in optimally managed patients. Additional importance of therapy is directed to drug-drug interactions and the impact of HCV reinfection, as well as the possibility of transmitted drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joop E Arends
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Faydra I Lieveld
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lauke L Boeijen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Clara T M M de Kanter
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karel J van Erpecum
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dominique Salmon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Andy I M Hoepelman
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tarik Asselah
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon, AP-HP, Clichy, and INSERM, UMR1149, Labex INFLAMEX, Université Denis Diderot Paris 7, France
| | - Andrew Ustianowski
- Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Substitutions at NS3 Residue 155, 156, or 168 of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes 2 to 6 Induce Complex Patterns of Protease Inhibitor Resistance. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:7426-36. [PMID: 26392503 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01953-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Various protease inhibitors (PIs) currently are becoming available for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV). For genotype 1, substitutions at NS3 protease positions 155, 156, and 168 are the main determinants of PI resistance. For other genotypes, similar substitutions were selected during PI treatment but were not characterized systematically. To elucidate the impact of key PI resistance substitutions on genotypes 2 to 6, we engineered the substitutions R155A/E/G/H/K/Q/T, A156G/S/T/V, and D/Q168A/E/G/H/N/V into HCV recombinants expressing genotype 2 to 6 proteases. We evaluated viral fitness and sensitivity to nine PIs (telaprevir, boceprevir, simeprevir, asunaprevir, vaniprevir, faldaprevir, paritaprevir, deldeprevir, and grazoprevir) in Huh7.5 cells. We found that most variants showed decreased fitness compared to that of the original viruses. Overall, R155K, A156G/S, and D/Q168A/E/H/N/V variants showed the highest fitness; however, genotype 4 position 168 variants showed strong fitness impairment. Most variants tested were resistant to several PIs. Resistance levels varied significantly depending on the specific substitution, genotype, and PI. For telaprevir and boceprevir, specific 155 and 156, but not 168, variants proved resistant. For the remaining PIs, most genotype 2, 4, 5, and 6, but not genotype 3, variants showed various resistance levels. Overall, grazoprevir (MK-5172) had the highest efficacy against original viruses and variants. This is the first comprehensive study revealing the impact of described key PI resistance substitutions on fitness and PI resistance of HCV genotypes 2 to 6. In conclusion, the studied substitutions induced resistance to a panel of clinically relevant PIs, including the newer PIs paritaprevir, deldeprevir, and grazoprevir. We discovered complex patterns of resistance, with the impact of substitutions varying from increased sensitivity to high resistance.
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Cuypers L, Li G, Libin P, Piampongsant S, Vandamme AM, Theys K. Genetic Diversity and Selective Pressure in Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes 1-6: Significance for Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment and Drug Resistance. Viruses 2015; 7:5018-39. [PMID: 26389941 PMCID: PMC4584301 DOI: 10.3390/v7092857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 08/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment with pan-genotypic direct-acting antivirals, targeting different viral proteins, is the best option for clearing hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in chronically infected patients. However, the diversity of the HCV genome is a major obstacle for the development of antiviral drugs, vaccines, and genotyping assays. In this large-scale analysis, genome-wide diversity and selective pressure was mapped, focusing on positions important for treatment, drug resistance, and resistance testing. A dataset of 1415 full-genome sequences, including genotypes 1-6 from the Los Alamos database, was analyzed. In 44% of all full-genome positions, the consensus amino acid was different for at least one genotype. Focusing on positions sharing the same consensus amino acid in all genotypes revealed that only 15% was defined as pan-genotypic highly conserved (≥99% amino acid identity) and an additional 24% as pan-genotypic conserved (≥95%). Despite its large genetic diversity, across all genotypes, codon positions were rarely identified to be positively selected (0.23%-0.46%) and predominantly found to be under negative selective pressure, suggesting mainly neutral evolution. For NS3, NS5A, and NS5B, respectively, 40% (6/15), 33% (3/9), and 14% (2/14) of the resistance-related positions harbored as consensus the amino acid variant related to resistance, potentially impeding treatment. For example, the NS3 variant 80K, conferring resistance to simeprevir used for treatment of HCV1 infected patients, was present in 39.3% of the HCV1a strains and 0.25% of HCV1b strains. Both NS5A variants 28M and 30S, known to be associated with resistance to the pan-genotypic drug daclatasvir, were found in a significant proportion of HCV4 strains (10.7%). NS5B variant 556G, known to confer resistance to non-nucleoside inhibitor dasabuvir, was observed in 8.4% of the HCV1b strains. Given the large HCV genetic diversity, sequencing efforts for resistance testing purposes may need to be genotype-specific or geographically tailored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lize Cuypers
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Guangdi Li
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.
| | - Pieter Libin
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
- Artificial Intelligence Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels 1050, Belgium.
| | - Supinya Piampongsant
- Department of Electrical Engineering ESAT, STADIUS Center for Dynamical Systems, Signal Processing and Data Analytics, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 10, Heverlee 3001, Belgium.
| | - Anne-Mieke Vandamme
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
- Center for Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Microbiology Unit, Institute for Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University Nova of Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira 100, Lisbon 1349-008, Portugal.
| | - Kristof Theys
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Minderbroedersstraat 10, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
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Boesecke C, Rockstroh JK. How will we manage acute HCV in men having sex with men in the era of all oral therapy? J Viral Hepat 2015; 22:2-7. [PMID: 25333810 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (CHC) has been revolutionized. Modern interferon- and potentially also ribavirin-free combinations consisting of 2 or 3 direct-acting antivirals (DAA) promise sustained virological response rates (SVR) of above 90%. This coincides with much shorter treatment durations and a much more favorable toxicity profile. Some DAAs even work across all HCV genotypes (pangenotypic) [BMJ, 349, 2014, g3308]. And lastly, HCV treatment in HIV-coinfected patients will no longer differ from HCV-monoinfected patients as response rates under DAA in the setting of HCV-HIV coinfection have been as good as in HCV-monoinfected patients [J Hepatol, 61, 2014, 373]. Only drug-drug interactions with the new DAAs and concomitant antiretroviral therapy have to be accounted for due to shared metabolization pathways via the cytochrome p450 system.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Boesecke
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Bonn University Hospital, Bonn, Germany
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