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Neo SY, Shuen TWH, Khare S, Chong J, Lau M, Shirgaonkar N, Chua L, Zhao J, Lee K, Tan C, Ba R, Lim J, Chua J, Cheong HS, Chai HM, Chan CY, Chung AYF, Cheow PC, Jeyaraj PR, Teo JY, Koh YX, Chok AY, Chow PKH, Goh B, Wan WK, Leow WQ, Loh TJZ, Tang PY, Karunanithi J, Ngo NT, Lim TKH, Xu S, Dasgupta R, Toh HC, Lam KP. Atypical memory B cells acquire Breg phenotypes in hepatocellular carcinoma. JCI Insight 2025; 10:e187025. [PMID: 39998891 PMCID: PMC11981623 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.187025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open
Abstract
The functional plasticity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte B-cells (TIL-B) spans from antitumor responses to noncanonical immune suppression. Yet, how the tumor microenvironment (TME) influences TIL-B development is still underappreciated. Our current study integrated single-cell transcriptomics and B cell receptor (BCR) sequencing to profile TIL-B phenotypes and clonalities in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Using trajectory and gene regulatory network analysis, we were able to characterize plasma cells and memory and naive B cells within the HCC TME and further revealed a downregulation of BCR signaling genes in plasma cells and a subset of inflammatory TNF+ memory B cells. Within the TME, a nonswitched memory B cell subset acquired an age-associated B cell phenotype (TBET+CD11c+) and expressed higher levels of PD-L1, CD25, and granzyme B. We further demonstrated that the presence of HCC tumor cells could confer suppressive functions on peripheral blood B cells that in turn, dampen T cell costimulation. To the best of our knowledge, these findings represent novel mechanisms of noncanonical immune suppression in HCC. While previous studies identified atypical memory B cells in chronic hepatitis and across several solid cancer types, we further highlighted their potential role as regulatory B cells (Bregs) within both the TME and peripheral blood of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Yong Neo
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Shruti Khare
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Joni Chong
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Maichan Lau
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Niranjan Shirgaonkar
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Levene Chua
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Junzhe Zhao
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Keene Lee
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Charmaine Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rebecca Ba
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Janice Lim
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joelle Chua
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hui Shi Cheong
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hui Min Chai
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chung Yip Chan
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Alexander Yaw Fui Chung
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Peng Chung Cheow
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Prema Raj Jeyaraj
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Jin Yao Teo
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Ye Xin Koh
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Aik Yong Chok
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Pierce Kah Hoe Chow
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
- Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Brian Goh
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Wei Keat Wan
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Wei Qiang Leow
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Tracy Jie Zhen Loh
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Po Yin Tang
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Nye Thane Ngo
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Tony Kiat Hon Lim
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Shengli Xu
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ramanuj Dasgupta
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Han Chong Toh
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kong-Peng Lam
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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2
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Zhu D, Du Y, Zhao M, Ablikim D, Huang H, Pan W, Zeng X, Xu C, Lu M, Sutter K, Dittmer U, Zheng X, Yang D, Liu J. Functional B cell deficiency promotes intrahepatic HBV replication and impairs the development of anti-HBV T cell responses. Hepatol Int 2025; 19:93-105. [PMID: 39630171 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10753-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 11/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pivotal role of antibody-producing B cells in controlling hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is well-established. However, the antiviral role of B cells extends beyond antibody production, which has been insufficiently studied for HBV infection. METHODS Using an HBV hydrodynamic injection (HDI) mouse model with B cell depletion or functional blockade, we detected HBV infection markers and assessed T cell function through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, RT-PCR and flow cytometry. RESULTS We observed significantly delayed serum and intrahepatic HBV clearance in permanently B cell-deficient and transiently B cell-depleted mice as well as mice with a functional B cell blockade. Blocking B cell function prior to or soon after HBV HDI resulted in delayed HBV clearance indicating that B cells contribute to initiating anti-HBV immune responses after following HBV exposure. Additionally, we also found an early activation of B cells following HBV exposure, characterized by an upregulation of MHC-II, CXCR5, and PD-1. Critically, the proliferation and activation of both CD4 + and CD8 + T cells were impaired after B cell depletion prior to HBV challenge. Consistently, depleting B cells reduced the generation of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells in the spleen and hindered HBV-specific CD8 + T cell responses in the liver. Along these lines, the HBV-exposed B cells were more efficient in inducing HBcAg-specific CD8 + T cell responses in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data indicate that B cells, in addition to antibody production, are essential for the development of anti-HBV cellular responses and intrahepatic HBV clearance during the early stage of HBV antigen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yanqin Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Mengxiao Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Dilhumare Ablikim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Hongming Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wen Pan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chunli Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Xin Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Lobaina Y, Musacchio A, Ai P, Chen R, Suzarte E, Chinea G, Zhang M, Zhou Z, Lan Y, Silva R, Guillén G, Yang K, Li W, Perera Y, Hermida L. Obtaining HBV core protein VLPs carrying SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid conserved fragments as vaccine candidates. Virol J 2024; 21:310. [PMID: 39609857 PMCID: PMC11606075 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02583-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 11/18/2024] [Indexed: 11/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) has been used as a carrier of several heterologous protein fragments based on its capacity to form virus-like particles (VLPs) and to activate innate and adaptive immune responses. In the present work, two chimeric proteins were designed as potential pancorona vaccine candidates, comprising the N- or C- terminal domain of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein fused to HBcAg. The recombinant proteins, obtained in E. coli, were named CN-1 and CND-1, respectively. The final protein preparations were able to form 10-25 nm particles, visualized by TEM. Both proteins were recognized by sera from COVID-19 convalescent donors; however, the antigenicity of CND-1 tends to be higher. The immunogenicity of both proteins was studied in Balb/C mice by intranasal route without adjuvant. After three doses, only CND-1 elicited a positive immune response, systemic and mucosal, against SARS-CoV-2 N protein. CND-1 was evaluated in a second experiment mixed with the CpG ODN-39 M as nasal adjuvant. The induced anti-N immunity was significantly enhanced, and the antibodies generated were cross-reactive with N protein from Omicron variant, and SARS-CoV-1. Also, an anti-N broad cellular immune response was detected in spleen, by IFN-γ ELISpot. The nasal formulation composed by CND-1 and ODN-39 M constitutes an attractive component for a second generation coronavirus vaccine, increasing the scope of S protein-based vaccines, by inducing mucosal immunity and systemic broad humoral and cellular responses against Sarbecovirus N protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadira Lobaina
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC) Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, 425000, Hunan, China
- R&D Department, Yongzhou Zhong Gu Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yangjiaqiao Street, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, 425000, Hunan, China
| | - Alexis Musacchio
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC) Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, 425000, Hunan, China
- R&D Department, Yongzhou Zhong Gu Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yangjiaqiao Street, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, 425000, Hunan, China
- Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), 10600, Havana, Cuba
| | - Panchao Ai
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC) Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, 425000, Hunan, China
- Yongzhou Development and Construction Investment Co. Ltd. (YDCI), Yongzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, Changfeng Industry Park, No. 1 Liebao Road, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Rong Chen
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC) Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, 425000, Hunan, China
- Yongzhou Development and Construction Investment Co. Ltd. (YDCI), Yongzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, Changfeng Industry Park, No. 1 Liebao Road, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Edith Suzarte
- Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), 10600, Havana, Cuba
| | - Glay Chinea
- Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), 10600, Havana, Cuba
| | - Miaohong Zhang
- Hunan PRIMA Drug Research Center Co., Ltd., National Liuyang Economic and Technological Development Zone, 123 Kangtian Road, Changsha City, Hunan, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhou
- Hunan PRIMA Drug Research Center Co., Ltd., National Liuyang Economic and Technological Development Zone, 123 Kangtian Road, Changsha City, Hunan, China
| | - Yaqin Lan
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC) Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, 425000, Hunan, China
- Yongzhou Development and Construction Investment Co. Ltd. (YDCI), Yongzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, Changfeng Industry Park, No. 1 Liebao Road, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ricardo Silva
- Science and Innovation Directorate, BioCubaFarma, Independence Avenue, No. 8126, Corner 100 Street, 10800, Havana, Cuba
| | - Gerardo Guillén
- Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), 10600, Havana, Cuba
| | - Ke Yang
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC) Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, 425000, Hunan, China
- Yongzhou Development and Construction Investment Co. Ltd. (YDCI), Yongzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, Changfeng Industry Park, No. 1 Liebao Road, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wen Li
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC) Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, 425000, Hunan, China.
- Yongzhou Development and Construction Investment Co. Ltd. (YDCI), Yongzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, Changfeng Industry Park, No. 1 Liebao Road, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Yasser Perera
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC) Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, 425000, Hunan, China.
- R&D Department, Yongzhou Zhong Gu Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yangjiaqiao Street, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, 425000, Hunan, China.
- Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), 10600, Havana, Cuba.
| | - Lisset Hermida
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC) Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, 425000, Hunan, China.
- Yongzhou Development and Construction Investment Co. Ltd. (YDCI), Yongzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, Changfeng Industry Park, No. 1 Liebao Road, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province, China.
- Science and Innovation Directorate, BioCubaFarma, Independence Avenue, No. 8126, Corner 100 Street, 10800, Havana, Cuba.
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4
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Shen S, Cai D, Liang H, Zeng G, Liu W, Yan R, Yu X, Zhang H, Liu S, Li W, Deng R, Lu X, Liu Y, Sun J, Guo H. NEDD4 family ubiquitin ligase AIP4 interacts with Alix to enable HBV naked capsid egress in an Alix ubiquitination-independent manner. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012485. [PMID: 39259704 PMCID: PMC11389946 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) exploits the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT)/multivesicular body (MVB) pathway for virion budding. In addition to enveloped virions, HBV-replicating cells nonlytically release non-enveloped (naked) capsids independent of the integral ESCRT machinery, but the exact secretory mechanism remains elusive. Here, we provide more detailed information about the existence and characteristics of naked capsid, as well as the viral and host regulations of naked capsid egress. HBV capsid/core protein has two highly conserved Lysine residues (K7/K96) that potentially undergo various types of posttranslational modifications for subsequent biological events. Mutagenesis study revealed that the K96 residue is critical for naked capsid egress, and the intracellular egress-competent capsids are associated with ubiquitinated host proteins. Consistent with a previous report, the ESCRT-III-binding protein Alix and its Bro1 domain are required for naked capsid secretion through binding to intracellular capsid, and we further found that the ubiquitinated Alix binds to wild type capsid but not K96R mutant. Moreover, screening of NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligase family members revealed that AIP4 stimulates the release of naked capsid, which relies on AIP4 protein integrity and E3 ligase activity. We further demonstrated that AIP4 interacts with Alix and promotes its ubiquitination, and AIP4 is essential for Alix-mediated naked capsid secretion. However, the Bro1 domain of Alix is non-ubiquitinated, indicating that Alix ubiquitination is not absolutely required for AIP4-induced naked capsid secretion. Taken together, our study sheds new light on the mechanism of HBV naked capsid egress in viral life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Dawei Cai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Hongyan Liang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ge Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wendong Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ran Yan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Xiaoyang Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Hu Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Shi Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanying Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingyu Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanjie Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
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Yue H, Bai L. Progress, implications, and challenges in using humanized immune system mice in CAR-T therapy-Application evaluation and improvement. Animal Model Exp Med 2024; 7:3-11. [PMID: 37823214 PMCID: PMC10961865 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, humanized immune system (HIS) mice have been gradually used as models for preclinical research in pharmacotherapies and cell therapies with major breakthroughs in tumor and other fields, better mimicking the human immune system and the tumor immune microenvironment, compared to traditional immunodeficient mice. To better promote the application of HIS mice in preclinical research, we selectively summarize the current prevalent and breakthrough research and evaluation of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) -T cells in various antiviral and antitumor treatments. By exploring its application in preclinical research, we find that it can better reflect the actual clinical patient condition, with the advantages of providing high-efficiency detection indicators, even for progressive research and development. We believe that it has better clinical patient simulation and promotion for the updated design of CAR-T cell therapy than directly transplanted immunodeficient mice. The characteristics of the main models are proposed to improve the use defects of the existing models by reducing the limitation of antihost reaction, combining multiple models, and unifying sources and organoid substitution. Strategy study of relapse and toxicity after CAR-T treatment also provides more possibilities for application and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwei Yue
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencesCAMS and PUMCChao‐yang District, BeijingChina
| | - Lin Bai
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencesCAMS and PUMCChao‐yang District, BeijingChina
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6
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Shi Y, Wang Z, Ge S, Xia N, Yuan Q. Hepatitis B Core Antibody Level: A Surrogate Marker for Host Antiviral Immunity in Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infections. Viruses 2023; 15:1111. [PMID: 37243197 PMCID: PMC10221631 DOI: 10.3390/v15051111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus core protein (HBcAg) is a highly immunogenic particulate antigen. Nearly all patients with persistent or resolved hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection show seropositivity for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), which appears in the early stage of infection and is mostly present for life. Traditionally, the anti-HBc is regarded as an evidential serological marker of HBV infections. In the last ten years, several studies revealed the predictive value of quantitative anti-HBc (qAnti-HBc) level in the treatment response and clinical outcome of chronic HBV infections, implying new insights into this classic marker. Overall, qAnti-HBc should be regarded as an indicator of the host's immune response specific to HBV, which correlates with HBV-related hepatitis activity and liver pathology. This review summarized the latest understanding of the clinical values of qAnti-HBc for differentiating the CHB phase, predicting treatment response, and providing disease prognosis. Moreover, we also discussed the possible mechanism of qAnti-HBc regulation during different courses of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Vaccine Development, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.S.); (Z.W.); (S.G.); (N.X.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, National Institute of Diagnostics Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zihan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Vaccine Development, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.S.); (Z.W.); (S.G.); (N.X.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, National Institute of Diagnostics Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Shengxiang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Vaccine Development, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.S.); (Z.W.); (S.G.); (N.X.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, National Institute of Diagnostics Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Vaccine Development, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.S.); (Z.W.); (S.G.); (N.X.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, National Institute of Diagnostics Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Vaccine Development, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Y.S.); (Z.W.); (S.G.); (N.X.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, National Institute of Diagnostics Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen 361102, China
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7
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Brunetti JE, Kitsera M, Muñoz-Fontela C, Rodríguez E. Use of Hu-PBL Mice to Study Pathogenesis of Human-Restricted Viruses. Viruses 2023; 15:228. [PMID: 36680271 PMCID: PMC9866769 DOI: 10.3390/v15010228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Different humanized mouse models have been developed to study human diseases such as autoimmune illnesses, cancer and viral infections. These models are based on the use of immunodeficient mouse strains that are transplanted with human tissues or human immune cells. Among the latter, mice transplanted with hematopoietic stem cells have been widely used to study human infectious diseases. However, mouse models built upon the transplantation of donor-specific mature immune cells are still under development, especially in the field of viral infections. These models can retain the unique immune memory of the donor, making them suitable for the study of correlates of protection upon natural infection or vaccination. Here, we will review some of these models and how they have been applied to virology research. Moreover, the future applications and the potential of these models to design therapies against human viral infections are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maksym Kitsera
- Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - César Muñoz-Fontela
- Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Estefanía Rodríguez
- Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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8
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Burton AR, Maini MK. Human antiviral B cell responses: Emerging lessons from hepatitis B and COVID-19. Immunol Rev 2021; 299:108-117. [PMID: 33559128 PMCID: PMC8014162 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Humoral immunity is a critical component of the coordinated response required to resolve viral infections and mediate protection following pathogen clearance or vaccination. A better understanding of factors shaping the memory B cell response will allow tailored development of efficient preventative vaccines against emerging acute viral infections, therapeutic vaccines, and immunotherapies for chronic viral infections. Here, we use recent data obtained by profiling antigen-specific B cell responses in hepatitis B as a framework to explore lessons that can be learnt from different viral infections about the diverse influences on humoral immunity. Hepatitis B provides a paradigm where successful B cell responses in resolved or vaccinated individuals can be contrasted to the failed response in chronic infection, while also exemplifying the degree to which B cell responses within infected individuals can differ to two antigens from the same virus. Drawing on studies in other human and murine infections, including emerging data from COVID-19, we consider the influence of antigen quantity and structure on the quality of the B cell response, the role of differential CD4 help, the importance of germinal center vs extrafollicular responses and the emerging concept that responses residing in non-lymphoid organs can participate in B cell memory.
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9
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Cai Y, Yin W. The Multiple Functions of B Cells in Chronic HBV Infection. Front Immunol 2020; 11:582292. [PMID: 33381113 PMCID: PMC7767983 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.582292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the main causes of liver diseases, of which the natural history and clinical outcomes are associated with the role of B cells. As humoral immune cells, B cells play a critical role in the process of anti-HBV antibody production. In addition, some studies have also characterized other B cell subsets involved in antigen presentation and regulating the immune response beyond antibody secretion. However, not all B cell subsets play a positive role in the immune response to chronic HBV infection, and various B cell subsets jointly mediate persistent HBV infection, tolerance, and liver damage. Thus, we further sought to elucidate the multiple functions of B cells to gain novel insight into the understanding of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) pathogenesis. We also reviewed the current immunotherapies targeting B cells to explore novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenwei Yin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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10
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Le Bert N, Salimzadeh L, Gill US, Dutertre CA, Facchetti F, Tan A, Hung M, Novikov N, Lampertico P, Fletcher SP, Kennedy PTF, Bertoletti A. Comparative characterization of B cells specific for HBV nucleocapsid and envelope proteins in patients with chronic hepatitis B. J Hepatol 2020; 72:34-44. [PMID: 31348999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Knowledge about the regulation of anti-HBV humoral immunity during natural HBV infection is limited. We recently utilized dual fluorochrome-conjugated HBsAg to demonstrate, in patients with chronic HBV (CHB) infection, the functional impairment of their HBsAg-specific B cells. However, the features of their HBcAg-specific B cells are unknown. Here we developed a method to directly visualize, select and characterize HBcAg-specific B cells in parallel with HBsAg-specific B cells. METHODS Fluorochrome-conjugated HBcAg reagents were synthesized and utilized to directly detect ex vivo HBcAg-specific B cells in 36 patients with CHB. The frequency, phenotype, functional maturation and transcriptomic profile of HBcAg-specific B cells was studied by flow cytometry, in vitro maturation assays and NanoString-based detection of expression of immune genes, which we compared with HBsAg-specific B cells and total B cells. RESULTS HBcAg-specific B cells are present at a higher frequency than HBsAg-specific B cells in patients with CHB and, unlike HBsAg-specific B cells, they mature efficiently into antibody-secreting cells in vitro. Their phenotypic and transcriptomic profiles show that HBcAg-specific B cells are preferentially IgG+ memory B cells. However, despite their phenotypic and functional differences, HBcAg- and HBsAg-specific B cells from patients with CHB share an mRNA expression pattern that differs from global memory B cells and is characterized by high expression of genes indicative of cross-presentation and innate immune activity. CONCLUSIONS During chronic HBV infection, a direct relation exists between serological detection of anti-HBs and anti-HBc antibodies, and the quantity and function of their respective specific B cells. However, the transcriptomic analysis performed in HBsAg- and HBcAg-specific B cells suggests additional roles of HBV-specific B cells beyond the production of antibodies. LAY SUMMARY Protection of viral infection necessitates the production of antibodies that are generated by specialized cells of the immune system called B cells. During chronic HBV infection, antibodies against the internal part of the virus (core or HBcAg) are detectable while the antibodies directed against the virus envelope (surface or HBsAg) are not present. Here we developed a method that allows us to directly visualize ex vivo the B cells specific for these 2 viral components, highlighting their differences and similarities, and showing how 2 components of the same virus can have different impacts on the function of antiviral B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Le Bert
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Loghman Salimzadeh
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Upkar Singh Gill
- Barts Liver Centre, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Charles-Antoine Dutertre
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Singapore Immunology Network, Singapore Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Floriana Facchetti
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anthony Tan
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Magdeleine Hung
- Gilead Sciences, Department of Biology, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Nikolai Novikov
- Gilead Sciences, Department of Biology, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonio Bertoletti
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Singapore Immunology Network, Singapore Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.
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11
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Bai L, Zhang X, Kozlowski M, Li W, Wu M, Liu J, Chen L, Zhang J, Huang Y, Yuan Z. Extracellular Hepatitis B Virus RNAs Are Heterogeneous in Length and Circulate as Capsid-Antibody Complexes in Addition to Virions in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients. J Virol 2018; 92:e00798-18. [PMID: 30282709 PMCID: PMC6258948 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00798-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular HBV RNA has been detected in both HBV-replicating cell culture media and sera from chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, but its exact origin and composition remain controversial. Here, we demonstrated that extracellular HBV RNA species were of heterogeneous lengths, ranging from the length of pregenomic RNA to a few hundred nucleotides. In cell models, these RNAs were predominantly associated with naked capsids, although virions also harbored a minority of them. Moreover, HBV RNAs in hepatitis B patients' blood circulation were localized in unenveloped capsids in the form of capsid-antibody complexes (CACs) and in virions. Furthermore, we showed that extracellular HBV RNAs could serve as the template for viral DNA synthesis. In conclusion, extracellular HBV RNAs mainly consist of pgRNA or the pgRNA species degraded by the RNase H domain of the polymerase in the process of viral DNA synthesis and circulate as CACs and virions. Their presence in blood circulation of CHB patients may be exploited to develop novel biomarkers for HBV persistence.IMPORTANCE Although increasing evidence suggests the presence of extracellular HBV RNA species, their origin and molecular forms are still under debate. In addition to the infectious virions, HBV is known to secrete several species of incomplete viral particles, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) particles, naked capsids, and empty virions, during its replication cycle. Here, we demonstrated that extracellular HBV RNAs were associated with naked capsids and virions in HepAD38 cells. Interestingly, we found that unenveloped capsids circulate in the blood of hepatitis B patients in the form of CACs and, together with virions, serve as vehicles carrying these RNA molecules. Moreover, extracellular HBV RNAs are heterogeneous in length and represent either pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) or products of incomplete reverse transcription during viral replication. These findings provide a conceptual basis for further application of extracellular RNA species as novel biomarkers for HBV persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Bai
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Maya Kozlowski
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weixia Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Wu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangxia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxian Huang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Poonia B, Ayithan N, Nandi M, Masur H, Kottilil S. HBV induces inhibitory FcRL receptor on B cells and dysregulates B cell-T follicular helper cell axis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15296. [PMID: 30333570 PMCID: PMC6193006 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33719-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous or treatment induced seroconversion in chronic HBV infection is rare and generation of anti-HBs antibodies is the current goal of HBV therapeutics. Here we investigated B and follicular T helper (Tfh) cell defects that persist in HBV infection despite long-term nucleos(t)ide analog (NUC) treatment and possible mechanisms behind them. RNA sequencing revealed that patient B cells have upregulated expression of multiple inhibitory receptors including members of FcRL family and downregulation of genes involved in antigen presentation. An expansion of atypical memory CD19+CD10−CD27−CD21− subset of B cells, that express high levels of FcRL5, is persistently present in patients. HBs antigen specific IgG response is concentrated in classical memory and not in atypical memory subset, confirming dysfunction of this subset. Activated Tfh, which expressed excessive CD40L upon polyclonal stimulation, were present in patients. Incubation of B cells from healthy individuals with HBV core (HBc) or CD40L resulted in induction of inhibitory receptors FcRL4, FcRL5 and PD-1 on CD19+ cells and resulted in altered B cell phenotypes. Mechanistically, HBc binds B cells and causes proliferation specifically of FcRL5+ B cell subset. Our results provide evidence that HBV directly causes upregulation of inhibitory pathways in B cells resulting in an accumulation of atypical B cells that lack anti-HBs function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhawna Poonia
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | - Natarajan Ayithan
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Madhuparna Nandi
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Henry Masur
- Critical Care Medicine Department, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Shyam Kottilil
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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13
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Tadmor T, Welslau M, Hus I. A review of the infection pathogenesis and prophylaxis recommendations in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2017; 11:57-70. [DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2018.1407645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Tadmor
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Hematology Unit, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Manfred Welslau
- Haemato-Onkologische Schwerpunktpraxis am Klinikum Aschaffenburg, Aschaffenburg, Germany
| | - Iwona Hus
- Department of Clinical Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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14
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Bajpai V, Gupta E, Kundu N, Sharma S, Shashtry SM. Hepatitis B Core Antibody Negativity in a Chronic Hepatitis B Infected Patient: Report of an Unusual Serological Pattern. J Clin Diagn Res 2017; 11:DD04-DD06. [PMID: 28969126 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2017/26821.10498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosis of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is established by the presence of various hepatitis B serological and molecular markers. Expression of these serological markers may vary in natural course of HBV infection. We report a case of an unusual HBV serological pattern in a Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) infected patient demonstrating absence of Hepatitis B core Antibody (Anti-HBc) in spite of presence of Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA. Since, anti-HBc represents a reliable serological marker for past exposure of HBV infection, therefore we emphasize on the presence of such unusual serological pattern which could lead to doubts in the interpretation of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijeta Bajpai
- Senior Resident, Department of Clinical Virology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ekta Gupta
- Additional Professor, Department of Clinical Virology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Naveen Kundu
- Senior Resident, Department of Clinical Virology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shvetank Sharma
- Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Research, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - S M Shashtry
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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15
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Muraro E, Merlo A, Martorelli D, Cangemi M, Dalla Santa S, Dolcetti R, Rosato A. Fighting Viral Infections and Virus-Driven Tumors with Cytotoxic CD4 + T Cells. Front Immunol 2017; 8:197. [PMID: 28289418 PMCID: PMC5327441 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T cells have been and are still largely regarded as the orchestrators of immune responses, being able to differentiate into distinct T helper cell populations based on differentiation signals, transcription factor expression, cytokine secretion, and specific functions. Nonetheless, a growing body of evidence indicates that CD4+ T cells can also exert a direct effector activity, which depends on intrinsic cytotoxic properties acquired and carried out along with the evolution of several pathogenic infections. The relevant role of CD4+ T cell lytic features in the control of such infectious conditions also leads to their exploitation as a new immunotherapeutic approach. This review aims at summarizing currently available data about functional and therapeutic relevance of cytotoxic CD4+ T cells in the context of viral infections and virus-driven tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Muraro
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Traslational Research Department, IRCCS, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Anna Merlo
- Department of Immunology and Blood Transfusions, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Debora Martorelli
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Traslational Research Department, IRCCS, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Michela Cangemi
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Traslational Research Department, IRCCS, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Traslational Research Department, IRCCS, C.R.O. National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
- Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Antonio Rosato
- Istituto Oncologico Veneto IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Oncology and Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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16
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Pumpens P, Grens E. The true story and advantages of the famous Hepatitis B virus core particles: Outlook 2016. Mol Biol 2016; 50:489-509. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893316040099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2025]
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17
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Tavakolpour S, Alavian SM, Sali S. Hepatitis B Reactivation During Immunosuppressive Therapy or Cancer Chemotherapy, Management, and Prevention: A Comprehensive Review-Screened. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2016; 16:e35810. [PMID: 27257429 PMCID: PMC4887960 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.35810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2015] [Revised: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Due to the close relationship between the immune system and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, it is essential to monitor patients with current or past HBV infection under any type of immunosuppression. Cancer chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapies in autoimmune diseases, and immunosuppression in solid organ and stem cell transplant recipients are the major reasons for hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr). In this review, the challenges associated with HBVr are discussed according to the latest studies and guidelines. We also discuss the role of treatments with different risks, including anti-CD20 agents, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, and other common immunosuppressive agents in various conditions. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Through an electronic search of the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases, we selected the studies associated with HBVr in different conditions. The most recent recommendations were collected in order to reach a consensus on how to manage patients at risk of HBVr. RESULTS It was found that the positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), the high baseline HBV DNA level, the positive hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg), and an absent or low hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titer prior to starting treatment are the most important viral risk factors. Furthermore, rituximab, anthracycline, and different types of TNF-α inhibitors were identified as the high-risk therapies. By analyzing the efficiency of prophylaxis on the prevention of HBVr, it was concluded that those with a high risk of antiviral resistance should not be used in long-term immunosuppressants. Receiving HBV antiviral agents at the commencement of immunosuppressant therapy or chemotherapy was demonstrated to be effective in decreasing the risk of HBVr. Prophylaxis could also be initiated before the start of therapy. For most immune suppressive regimes, antiviral therapy should be kept up for at least 6 months after the cessation of immunosuppressive drugs. However, the optimal time of prophylaxis keeping should be increased in cases associated with rituximab or hematopoietic stem cell transplants. According to the latest studies and guidelines from different bodies, recommendations regarding screening, monitoring, and management of HBVr are outlined. CONCLUSIONS Identification of patients at the risk of HBVr before immunosuppressive therapy is an undeniable part of treatment. Starting the antiviral therapy, based on the type of immunosuppressive drugs and the underlying disease, could lead to better management of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheil Tavakolpour
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqyiatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqyiatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Author: Seyed Moayed Alavian, Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqyiatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2181264070, E-mail:
| | - Shahnaz Sali
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
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18
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Preparation by alkaline treatment and detailed characterisation of empty hepatitis B virus core particles for vaccine and gene therapy applications. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11639. [PMID: 26113394 PMCID: PMC4650659 DOI: 10.1038/srep11639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core (HBc) virus-like particles (VLPs) are one of the most powerful protein engineering tools utilised to expose immunological epitopes and/or cell-targeting signals and for the packaging of genetic material and immune stimulatory sequences. Although HBc VLPs and their numerous derivatives are produced in highly efficient bacterial and yeast expression systems, the existing purification and packaging protocols are not sufficiently optimised and standardised. Here, a simple alkaline treatment method was employed for the complete removal of internal RNA from bacteria- and yeast-produced HBc VLPs and for the conversion of these VLPs into empty particles, without any damage to the VLP structure. The empty HBc VLPs were able to effectively package the added DNA and RNA sequences. Furthermore, the alkaline hydrolysis technology appeared efficient for the purification and packaging of four different HBc variants carrying lysine residues on the HBc VLP spikes. Utilising the introduced lysine residues and the intrinsic aspartic and glutamic acid residues exposed on the tips of the HBc spikes for chemical coupling of the chosen peptide and/or nucleic acid sequences ensured a standard and easy protocol for the further development of versatile HBc VLP-based vaccine and gene therapy applications.
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19
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Development of a candidate influenza vaccine based on virus-like particles displaying influenza M2e peptide into the immunodominant region of hepatitis B core antigen: Broad protective efficacy of particles carrying four copies of M2e. Vaccine 2015; 33:3398-406. [PMID: 25976545 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.04.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A long-term objective when designing influenza vaccines is to create one with broad cross-reactivity that will provide effective control over influenza, no matter which strain has caused the disease. Here we summarize the results from an investigation into the immunogenic and protective capacities inherent in variations of a recombinant protein, HBc/4M2e. This protein contains four copies of the ectodomain from the influenza virus protein M2 (M2e) fused within the immunodominant loop of the hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBc). Variations of this basic design include preparations containing M2e from the consensus human influenza virus; the M2e from the highly pathogenic avian A/H5N1 virus and a combination of two copies from human and two copies from avian influenza viruses. Intramuscular delivery in mice with preparations containing four identical copies of M2e induced high IgG titers in blood sera and bronchoalveolar lavages. It also provoked the formation of memory T-cells and antibodies were retained in the blood sera for a significant period of time post immunization. Furthermore, these preparations prevented the death of 75-100% of animals, which were challenged with lethal doses of virus. This resulted in a 1.2-3.5 log10 decrease in viral replication within the lungs. Moreover, HBc particles carrying only "human" or "avian" M2e displayed cross-reactivity in relation to human (A/H1N1, A/H2N2 and A/H3N2) or A/H5N1 and A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses, respectively; however, with the particles carrying both "human" and "avian" M2e this effect was much weaker, especially in relation to influenza virus A/H5N1. It is apparent from this work that to quickly produce vaccine for a pandemic it would be necessary to have several variations of a recombinant protein, containing four copies of M2e (each one against a group of likely influenza virus strains) with these relevant constructs housed within a comprehensive collection Escherichia coli-producers and maintained ready for use.
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Song L, Zhuo M, Tang Y, Chen X, Yu Y, Tang Z, Zang G. Ubiquitin-modified hepatitis B virus core antigen effectively facilitates antigen presentation and enhances cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity via the cytoplasmic transduction peptide in vitro. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:289-96. [PMID: 25684256 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cluster of differentiation (CD)8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) have a key role in the elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected cells. Ubiquitin (Ub) functions as a marker for protein degradation, which may promote the generation of peptides appropriate for major histocompatibility complex class I presentation, while the HBV core antigen (HBcAg) possesses marked immunogenic properties. However, it remains to be elucidated whether Ub-modified HBcAg is able to effectively elicit significant CD8+ CTL activity. In order to address this issue, a prokaryotic vector was constructed to express the Ub-HBcAg-cytoplasmic transduction peptide (CTP). The fusion protein was successfully expressed and subsequently pulsed into bone-marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs). It was confirmed that with assistance from the cell‑penetrating properties of CTP, the fusion protein was able to directly penetrate into the cytoplasm of DCs. The results revealed that the Ub-HBcAg-CTP fusion protein not only increased the expression of surface molecules in DCs and cytokine secretion from proliferating T cells, but also induced T cells to differentiate into specific CTLs and enhanced their antiviral ability. In conclusion, the Ub-HBcAg-CTP fusion protein promoted DC maturation, enhanced the presentation of targeting antigens and efficiently induced HBcAg‑specific CTL immune responses in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Song
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai JiaoTong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Meng Zhuo
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai JiaoTong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Yuyan Tang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai JiaoTong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai JiaoTong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Yongsheng Yu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai JiaoTong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Zhenghao Tang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai JiaoTong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Guoqing Zang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai JiaoTong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
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Skrastina D, Petrovskis I, Lieknina I, Bogans J, Renhofa R, Ose V, Dishlers A, Dekhtyar Y, Pumpens P. Silica nanoparticles as the adjuvant for the immunisation of mice using hepatitis B core virus-like particles. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114006. [PMID: 25436773 PMCID: PMC4250084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in nanotechnology and nanomaterials have facilitated the development of silicon dioxide, or Silica, particles as a promising immunological adjuvant for the generation of novel prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. In the present study, we have compared the adjuvanting potential of commercially available Silica nanoparticles (initial particles size of 10–20 nm) with that of aluminium hydroxide, or Alum, as well as that of complete and incomplete Freund's adjuvants for the immunisation of BALB/c mice with virus-like particles (VLPs) formed by recombinant full-length Hepatitis B virus core (HBc) protein. The induction of B-cell and T-cell responses was studied after immunisation. Silica nanoparticles were able to adsorb maximally 40% of the added HBc, whereas the adsorption capacity of Alum exceeded 90% at the same VLPs/adjuvant ratio. Both Silica and Alum formed large complexes with HBc VLPs that sedimented rapidly after formulation, as detected by dynamic light scattering, spectrophotometry, and electron microscopy. Both Silica and Alum augmented the humoral response against HBc VLPs to the high anti-HBc level in the case of intraperitoneal immunisation, whereas in subcutaneous immunisation, the Silica-adjuvanted anti-HBc level even exceeded the level adjuvanted by Alum. The adjuvanting of HBc VLPs by Silica resulted in the same typical IgG2a/IgG1 ratios as in the case of the adjuvanting by Alum. The combination of Silica with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) led to the same enhancement of the HBc-specific T-cell induction as in the case of the Alum and MPL combination. These findings demonstrate that Silica is not a weaker putative adjuvant than Alum for induction of B-cell and T-cell responses against recombinant HBc VLPs. This finding may have an essential impact on the development of the set of Silica-adjuvanted vaccines based on a long list of HBc-derived virus-like particles as the biological component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dace Skrastina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Ilva Lieknina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Janis Bogans
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Regina Renhofa
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Velta Ose
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Yuri Dekhtyar
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanotechnologies, Riga Technical University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Paul Pumpens
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
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22
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Yang C, Li N, Wang Y, Zhang P, Zhu Q, Li F, Han Q, Lv Y, Yu L, Wei P, Liu Z. Serum levels of B-cell activating factor in chronic hepatitis B virus infection: association with clinical diseases. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2014; 34:787-794. [PMID: 24811691 PMCID: PMC4186800 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2014.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
B-lymphocyte activation is a common characteristic of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. B cell-activating factor (BAFF) plays a crucial role in the development and activation of B lymphocytes. This study investigated serum BAFF levels in 232 patients with different clinical diseases of chronic HBV infection [33 chronic asymptomatic HBV carrier (ASC), 53 chronic hepatitis (CH), 72 liver cirrhosis (LC), and 74 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)] and 61 gender- and age-matched healthy controls. Serum BAFF levels in HBV patients were significantly elevated compared with healthy controls (P<0.001). HCC patients had significantly higher levels of serum BAFF than ASC, CH, and LC (all P<0.001). Serum levels of BAFF in LC were significantly higher than in ASC (P<0.001) and CH (P=0.002). Serum level of BAFF was an independent variable associated with the presence of HCC in comparison with other disease groups in multivariate analysis. The area under receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) value of BAFF levels was 0.914 for HCC versus ASC, 0.825 for HCC versus CH, and 0.607 for HCC versus LC, respectively. The AUC value of BAFF levels was 0.854 for LC versus ASC and 0.748 for LC versus CH, respectively. The AUC value of BAFF (0.888) for HCC was higher than that of alpha-fetoprotein (0.776). We first demonstrate that serum BAFF levels in chronic HBV infection are elevated, correlated with clinical diseases, and could be used as a biomarker for indicating disease mechanisms, activity, and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiling Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yawen Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Pingping Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qianqian Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qunying Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ling Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ping Wei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhengwen Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Ubiquitin-hepatitis B core antigen-cytoplasmic transduction peptide enhances HBV-specific humoral and CTL immune responses in vivo. Int Immunopharmacol 2014; 23:1-7. [PMID: 25135878 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Revised: 08/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic strategies based on an enhanced hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity may eradicate HBV. We previously verified that a fusion protein ubiquitin (Ub)-hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg)-cytoplasmic transduction peptide (CTP) can enter the cytoplasm of dendritic cells and enhance T cell response to generate HBV-specific CTLs efficiently in vitro. Ub, a marker of protein degradation, may promote the generation of peptides appropriate for major histocompatibility complex class I presentation. In the present study, the specific immune responses of the fusion protein Ub-HBcAg-CTP in BALB/c mice were evaluated and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. Results showed that Ub-HBcAg-CTP increased the anti-HBcAg titer and produced the cytokines IFN-γ and IL-2. This fusion protein also induced higher percentages of IFN-γ(+)CD8(+) cells and specific CTL responses. Ub-HBcAg-CTP could also upregulate the expressions of Jak2, Tyk2, STAT1, and STAT4 in T lymphocytes. In conclusion, Ub-HBcAg-CTP enhanced cellular and humoral immune responses and induced robust HBV-specific CTL activities in BALB/c mice.
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Sun H, Lv J, Tu Z, Hu X, Yan H, Pan Y, Xu D, Lian Z, Chi X, Niu J. Antiviral treatment improves disrupted peripheral B lymphocyte homeostasis in chronic hepatitis B virus-infected patients. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2013; 238:1275-83. [PMID: 24085784 DOI: 10.1177/1535370213502626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of peripheral blood B-cell homeostasis and variation of surface receptors occur with certain infections and autoimmune diseases. However, the impact of antiviral therapy on B-cell alteration during chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection remains unclear. Our study aims to document the effects of B-cell alteration in CHB patients treated with tenofovir or adefovir. A total of 21 CHB patients and 10 healthy donors were recruited into the study. We identified B-cell subsets by flow cytometry and observed changes in the B-cell repertoire of CHB patients upon tenofovir or adefovir antiviral treatment. The total and percent of B cells and CD5 + B-cell subsets were significantly increased in CHB patients compared to healthy donors. Total and percent of CD5 + B cells gradually decreased following the diminution of the HBV DNA load after tenofovir and adefovir treatment. Upon tenofovir treatment, the percent of memory CD27 + B cells was increased but the absolute number declined, whereas naïve CD27- B cells declined in both percent and absolute number. In the adefovir treatment group, neither naïve nor memory B cells were altered by the treatment. Furthermore, CHB patients displayed higher levels of activation markers (CD69 and CD24) and trended towards restored B-cell homeostasis after antiviral treatment. In conclusion, disrupted B-cell homeostasis is an important feature of CHB patients and is partially restored after control of viral replication by antiviral treatment. B-cell antiviral immunity is improved by restoring B-cell homeostasis and activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Sun
- Department of Hepatology, the First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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25
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Sominskaya I, Skrastina D, Petrovskis I, Dishlers A, Berza I, Mihailova M, Jansons J, Akopjana I, Stahovska I, Dreilina D, Ose V, Pumpens P. A VLP library of C-terminally truncated Hepatitis B core proteins: correlation of RNA encapsidation with a Th1/Th2 switch in the immune responses of mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75938. [PMID: 24086668 PMCID: PMC3781094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
An efficient pBR327- and Ptrp-based E. coli expression system was used to generate a large-scale library of virus like particles (VLP) formed by recombinant hepatitis B virus (HBV) core (HBc) protein derivatives. To construct the library, the gene of HBc protein of the genotype D/subtype ayw2 virus was gradually truncated from the 3`-end and twenty-two HBc variants (with truncation up to 139 aa) were expressed at high levels. The proteins were purified by salt precipitation and gel filtration. Background RNA binding was observed for VLPs formed by HBc1-149, which lacked all C-terminal Arg blocks, and the addition of three Arg residues (HBc1-152) only slightly increased RNA binding. The presence of two Arg blocks (proteins HBc1-162 and HBc1-163) resulted in approximately half of the typical level of RNA binding, and the presence of three blocks (protein HBc1-171) led to approximately 85% of the typical level of binding. Only a small increase in the level of RNA binding was found for the HBc1-175 VLPs, which contained all four Arg blocks but lacked the last 8 aa of the full-length HBc protein. VLPs containing high levels of RNA had higher antigenicity according to an ELISA with anti-HBc mAbs than the VLPs formed by HBc variants without C-terminal Arg blocks and lacking RNA. The results indicate that the VLPs were stabilised by nucleic acids. The immunogenicity in BALB/c mice was comparable for VLPs formed by different HBc proteins, but a clear switch from a Th1 response to a Th2 response occurred after the loss of encapsidated RNA. We did not observe significant differences in lymphocyte proliferation in vitro for the tested VLP variants; however, the loss of RNA encapsidation correlated with a decreased level of IFN-γ induction, which is a measure of the potential CTL activity of immunogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Sominskaya
- Protein Engineering Department, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Dace Skrastina
- Protein Engineering Department, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ivars Petrovskis
- Protein Engineering Department, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Andris Dishlers
- Protein Engineering Department, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ieva Berza
- Protein Engineering Department, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Maria Mihailova
- Protein Engineering Department, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Juris Jansons
- Protein Engineering Department, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Inara Akopjana
- Protein Engineering Department, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Irina Stahovska
- Protein Engineering Department, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Dzidra Dreilina
- Protein Engineering Department, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Velta Ose
- Protein Engineering Department, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Paul Pumpens
- Protein Engineering Department, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
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Iglesias E. Is there any room for therapeutic vaccination against the HIV-1/AIDS? Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 9:1539-44. [PMID: 23571171 DOI: 10.4161/hv.24405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Any therapeutic vaccination approach against HIV-1 must induce CTL and Th1 cells. But, therapeutic vaccination is more than that. For extensive application of a therapeutic vaccine several questions need to be solved in advance to achieve a global impact. In this commentary some of them are addressed. We analyze the epidemiology, sociology, economy and immunopathology related to the HIV/AIDS disease. Also, important technical issues and real possibilities to overcome at least some of the major limitation of the antiretroviral treatments in the pursuit of an effective vaccine are considered. From the integration of previous analyses some conclusions are drawn. Because it is just a commentary some arguments are not unveiled into their full extension. At the end, we discuss some issues in relation to the development of the vaccine candidate TERAVAC-HIV-1 as a case study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Iglesias
- Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología (CIGB); Havana, Cuba
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27
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Chen JH, Yu YS, Liu HH, Chen XH, Xi M, Zang GQ, Tang ZH. Ubiquitin conjugation of hepatitis B virus core antigen DNA vaccine leads to enhanced cell-mediated immune response in BALB/c mice. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2011. [PMID: 22140385 DOI: 10.5812/kowsar.1735143x.1372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly 350 million persons worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Ubiquitin (Ub) is a highly conserved small regulatory protein, ubiquitous in eukaryotes, that usually serves as a signal for the target protein that is recognised and degraded in proteasomes . The Ub-mediated processing of antigens is rapid and efficient and stimulates cell-mediated immune responses. Accordingly, Ub-mediated processing of antigens has been widely used in chronic-infection and cancer studies to improve immune response. OBJECTIVES Many clinical trials have shown that DNA vaccine potency needs to be greatly enhanced. Here, we report a new strategy for designing an HBV DNA vaccine using the ubiquitin (Ub) sequence. The aim of this study was to investigate a novel DNA vaccination, based on the expression of HBV core antigen (HBcAg), fused to Ub to enhance DNA vaccine potency. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mouse ubiquitin fused to the HBcAg gene and cloned into the eukaryotic vector pcDNA3.1 (-). BALB/c mice were immunized with recombinant pUb-HBcAg or pHBcAg DNA vaccine. Lymphocyte proliferation assay, intracellular IFN-γ assay, CTL cytotoxicity assay, and antibody assay were performed to analyze the cellular and humoral immune responses to our DNA constructs. RESULTS HBcAg was expressed effectively in the COS-7 cells that were transiently transfected with pUb-HBcAg. Strong anti-HBc IgG responses were elicited in mice that were immunized with pUb-HBcAg. The endpoint titers of anti-HBc peaked at 1:656100 on the 42nd day after the third immunization. pUb-HBcAg stimulated greater lymphocyte proliferation and induced higher levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ and a greater percentage of HBcAg-specific CD8+ T cells in mice than pHBcAg. In the CTL assay, the specific lysis rate reached 56.5% at an effector:target ratio of 50:1 in mice that were immunized with pUb-HBcAg. CONCLUSIONS pUb-HBcAg elicits specific anti-HBc responses and induces HBc-specific CTL responses in immunized BALB/c mice. Our results imply that Ub can be used as a molecular adjuvant that enhances the potency of DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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Chen JH, Yu YS, Liu HH, Chen XH, Xi M, Zang GQ, Tang ZH. Ubiquitin conjugation of hepatitis B virus core antigen DNA vaccine leads to enhanced cell-mediated immune response in BALB/c mice. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2011; 11:620-8. [PMID: 22140385 PMCID: PMC3227483 DOI: 10.5812/kowsar.1735143x.689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2011] [Revised: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly 350 million persons worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Ubiquitin (Ub) is a highly conserved small regulatory protein, ubiquitous in eukaryotes, that usually serves as a signal for the target protein that is recognised and degraded in proteasomes . The Ub-mediated processing of antigens is rapid and efficient and stimulates cell-mediated immune responses. Accordingly, Ub-mediated processing of antigens has been widely used in chronic-infection and cancer studies to improve immune response. OBJECTIVES Many clinical trials have shown that DNA vaccine potency needs to be greatly enhanced. Here, we report a new strategy for designing an HBV DNA vaccine using the ubiquitin (Ub) sequence. The aim of this study was to investigate a novel DNA vaccination, based on the expression of HBV core antigen (HBcAg), fused to Ub to enhance DNA vaccine potency. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mouse ubiquitin fused to the HBcAg gene and cloned into the eukaryotic vector pcDNA3.1 (-). BALB/c mice were immunized with recombinant pUb-HBcAg or pHBcAg DNA vaccine. Lymphocyte proliferation assay, intracellular IFN-γ assay, CTL cytotoxicity assay, and antibody assay were performed to analyze the cellular and humoral immune responses to our DNA constructs. RESULTS HBcAg was expressed effectively in the COS-7 cells that were transiently transfected with pUb-HBcAg. Strong anti-HBc IgG responses were elicited in mice that were immunized with pUb-HBcAg. The endpoint titers of anti-HBc peaked at 1:656100 on the 42nd day after the third immunization. pUb-HBcAg stimulated greater lymphocyte proliferation and induced higher levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ and a greater percentage of HBcAg-specific CD8+ T cells in mice than pHBcAg. In the CTL assay, the specific lysis rate reached 56.5% at an effector:target ratio of 50:1 in mice that were immunized with pUb-HBcAg. CONCLUSIONS pUb-HBcAg elicits specific anti-HBc responses and induces HBc-specific CTL responses in immunized BALB/c mice. Our results imply that Ub can be used as a molecular adjuvant that enhances the potency of DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Sheng Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Hong Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Xi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Qing Zang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng-Hao Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Corresponding author at: Zheng-Hao Tang, Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, 200233, Shanghai, China. Tel.: +86-21643691818673, Fax: +86-2164701361, E-mail:
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29
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Apoptosis of hepatitis B virus-infected hepatocytes prevents release of infectious virus. J Virol 2010; 84:11994-2001. [PMID: 20719950 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00653-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis of infected cells is critically involved in antiviral defense. Apoptosis, however, may also support the release and spread of viruses. Although the elimination of infected hepatocytes is required to combat hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, it is still unknown which consequences hepatocyte apoptosis has for the virus and whether or not it is advantageous to the virus. To study this, we designed a cell culture model consisting of both HBV-producing cell lines and primary human hepatocytes serving as an infection model. We showed that the release of mature, enveloped virions was 80% to 90% reduced 24 h after the induction of apoptosis in HBV-replicating hepatoma cells or HBV-infected hepatocytes. Importantly, HBV particles released from apoptotic hepatocytes were immature and nonenveloped and proved not to be infectious. We found an inverse correlation between the strength of an apoptotic stimulus and the infectivity of the virus particles released: the more potent the apoptotic stimulus, the higher the ratio of nonenveloped capsids to virions and the lower their infectivity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that HBV replication and, particularly, the expression of the HBx protein transcribed from the viral genome during replication do not sensitize cells to apoptosis. Our data clearly reject the hypothesis that the apoptosis of infected hepatocytes facilitates the propagation of HBV. Rather, these data indicate that HBV needs to prevent the apoptosis of its host hepatocyte to ensure the release of infectious progeny and, thus, virus spread in the liver.
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Chen X, Lai J, Pan Q, Tang Z, Yu Y, Zang G. The delivery of HBcAg via Tat-PTD enhances specific immune response and inhibits Hepatitis B virus replication in transgenic mice. Vaccine 2010; 28:3913-9. [PMID: 20394723 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.03.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2009] [Revised: 02/19/2010] [Accepted: 03/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that the therapeutic vaccine based on enhancement of HBV-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity may lead to viral clearance in chronically infected individuals. It is demonstrated that protein transduction domains (PTD) from HIV-1-Tat protein is able to enter cells when combined with exogenous antigens and induce specific CTL responses. We have previously testified that the expressed and purified fusion protein containing Tat-PTD47-57 and HBcAg could enter cytoplasm of dendritic cells, and enhance T cells response to generate HBcAg-specific CTLs efficiently in vitro. In the present study, we evaluated HBcAg-specific immune responses of PTD-HBcAg fusion protein in BALB/c mice and antiviral immunity in HBV transgenic mice. The studies showed that PTD-HBcAg not only induced significantly higher antibody responses, but also increased production of cytokine (IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10) compared to HBcAg alone and PBS. Moreover, PTD-HBcAg fusion protein increased significantly the percentages of IFN-gamma+CD8+ T cells and HBcAg-specific (CTL) responses. Also, enhancement of immune response induced by fusion protein reduced HBV DNA and HBsAg levels and decreased the expression of HBsAg in liver tissue of HBV transgenic mice. In conclusion, PTD-HBcAg fusion protein could enhance not only cell immune response but also humoral immune response, and induce robust specific CTL activity and therapeutic effects in HBV transgenic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai No.6 People's Hospital, College of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai 200233, China
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31
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Chen XH, Pan QC, Tang ZH, Yu YS, Zang GQ. Protein transduction domain-hepatitis B virus core antigen fusion protein-induced specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response inhibits hepatitis B virus replication in hepatitis B virus-transgenic mice. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2009; 17:2972-2977. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v17.i29.2972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effect of protein transduction domain-hepatitis B virus core antigen (PTD-HBcAg) fusion protein-induced specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response on hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in HBV-transgenic mice.
METHODS: Twenty HBV-transgenic mice were randomly divided into two groups: mice subcutaneously immunized with PTD-HBcAg fusion protein (PTD-HbcAg group) and those immunized with HBcAg (HBcAg group). The immunizations were given once a week for three weeks. Cytokine expression in splenocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry. Serum HBsAg and HBV DNA levels were determined by microparticle enzyme immunoassay and real-time fluorescent PCR assay, respectively. The expression of HBsAg in hepatic tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS: Following immunization with PTD-HBcAg fusion protein, the proportions of CTLs in the spleen and inflammatory cells in hepatic tissue of HBV transgenic mice were upregulated remarkably. Serum HBsAg and HBV DNA levels in the PTD-HbcAg group were significantly lower than those in the HBcAg group. The mean absorbance values of HBsAg staining in hepatic tissue in the PTD-HBcAg group (50 µg: 127.77 ± 4.92; 100 µg: 117.71 ± 5.18) were significantly lower than those in the blank control group (156.84 ± 4.94) and HBcAg group (50 µg: 138.70 ± 5.92)(all P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Immunization with PTD-HBcAg fusion protein significantly increases the number of specific CTLs in the spleen, decreases serum HBsAg and HBV DNA levels, and downregulates HbsAg expression in hepatic tissue in HBV-transgenic mice, suggesting that PTD-HBcAg fusion protein has anti-HBV activity.
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Alexopoulou A, Baltayiannis G, Eroglu C, Nastos T, Dourakis SP, Archimandritis AJ, Karayiannis P. Core mutations in patients with acute episodes of chronic HBV infection are associated with the emergence of new immune recognition sites and the development of high IgM anti-HBc index values. J Med Virol 2008; 81:34-41. [PMID: 19031457 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Acute exacerbations in HBeAg negative patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are invariably associated with concurrent increases in the index of IgM class antibodies against the core protein (anti-HBc) of the virus. This study aimed to investigate whether this was related to the clearance of variants from the quasispecies pool and the appearance of new ones, with aminoacid substitutions in well recognized B-cell epitopes. In this study, 5 HBeAg negative patients (A to E) with 13 sequential serum samples (A1-A2, B1-B2-B3, C1-C2, D1-D2-D3, E1-E2-E3) were investigated after amplification of the entire core encoding region followed by cloning/sequencing studies. The sequences at different time points were compared with those from a single HBeAg positive patient with no apparent acute exacerbations. The results from sequence comparison showed that virus variants emerged in all (A2, B3, C2, D3, E2, and E3) but two (B2 and D2) subsequent sera with amino-acid substitutions affecting B-cell epitopes. It is concluded that the rise in the values of IgM anti-HBc may be attributed to the alteration of the antigenic epitopes leading to new antibody production in the majority of the cases. However, it appears that increases in IgM anti-HBc indexes in a few cases may relate to other possible mechanisms which are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Alexopoulou
- 2nd Department of Medicine, Athens Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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Schmidt MR, Appel MC, Giassi LJ, Greiner DL, Shultz LD, Woodland RT. Human BLyS facilitates engraftment of human PBL derived B cells in immunodeficient mice. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3192. [PMID: 18784835 PMCID: PMC2527131 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/20/2008] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The production of fully immunologically competent humanized mice engrafted with peripheral lymphocyte populations provides a model for in vivo testing of new vaccines, the durability of immunological memory and cancer therapies. This approach is limited, however, by the failure to efficiently engraft human B lymphocytes in immunodeficient mice. We hypothesized that this deficiency was due to the failure of the murine microenvironment to support human B cell survival. We report that while the human B lymphocyte survival factor, B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS/BAFF) enhances the survival of human B cells ex vivo, murine BLyS has no such protective effect. Although human B cells bound both human and murine BLyS, nuclear accumulation of NF-κB p52, an indication of the induction of a protective anti-apoptotic response, following stimulation with human BLyS was more robust than that induced with murine BLyS suggesting a fundamental disparity in BLyS receptor signaling. Efficient engraftment of both human B and T lymphocytes in NOD rag1−/− Prf1−/− immunodeficient mice treated with recombinant human BLyS is observed after adoptive transfer of human PBL relative to PBS treated controls. Human BLyS treated recipients had on average 40-fold higher levels of serum Ig than controls and mounted a de novo antibody response to the thymus-independent antigens in pneumovax vaccine. The data indicate that production of fully immunologically competent humanized mice from PBL can be markedly facilitated by providing human BLyS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn R Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America.
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34
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Watts NR, Cardone G, Vethanayagam JG, Cheng N, Hultgren C, Stahl SJ, Steven AC, Sällberg M, Wingfield PT. Non-canonical binding of an antibody resembling a naïve B cell receptor immunoglobulin to hepatitis B virus capsids. J Mol Biol 2008; 379:1119-29. [PMID: 18486949 PMCID: PMC2474722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2008.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2008] [Revised: 04/01/2008] [Accepted: 04/03/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus capsid (core antigen) is able to bind to and activate naïve B cells and these become efficient primary antigen-presenting cells for the priming of T cells. We have investigated this interaction by using cryo-electron microscopy, three-dimensional image reconstruction, and molecular modeling to visualize capsids decorated with Fab fragments of a receptor immunoglobulin, and surface plasmon resonance to measure the binding affinity. By both criteria, the mode of binding differs from those of the six monoclonal anti-core antigen antibodies previously characterized. The Fab interacts with two sites approximately 30 A apart. One interaction is canonical, whereby the CDR loops engage the tip of one of the 25 A spikes that protrude from the capsid surface. The second interaction is non-canonical; in it, the Fab framework contacts the tip of an adjacent spike. The binding affinity of this Fab for capsids, K(D) approximately 4 x 10(-7) M, is relatively low for an antibody-antigen interaction, but is approximately 150-fold lower still ( approximately 2.5 x 10(-5) M) for unassembled capsid protein dimers. The latter observation indicates that both of the observed interactions are required to achieve stable binding of capsids by this receptor immunoglobulin. Considerations of conserved sequence motifs in other such molecules suggest that other naïve B cells may interact with HBV capsids in much the same way.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Antibody Affinity
- Antigen-Antibody Complex
- Antigen-Antibody Reactions
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Capsid/immunology
- Hepatitis B Antibodies/chemistry
- Hepatitis B Antibodies/genetics
- Hepatitis B Antibodies/metabolism
- Hepatitis B virus/immunology
- Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
- Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments/chemistry
- Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments/genetics
- Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments/metabolism
- Immunoglobulin Variable Region/chemistry
- Immunoglobulin Variable Region/genetics
- Immunoglobulin Variable Region/metabolism
- Kinetics
- Mice
- Models, Immunological
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Multiprotein Complexes
- Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell/chemistry
- Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell/metabolism
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Surface Plasmon Resonance
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman R Watts
- Protein Expression Laboratory, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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35
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Nassal M, Skamel C, Vogel M, Kratz PA, Stehle T, Wallich R, Simon MM. Development of hepatitis B virus capsids into a whole-chain protein antigen display platform: new particulate Lyme disease vaccines. Int J Med Microbiol 2007; 298:135-42. [PMID: 17888729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2007.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunogenicity of peptides and small protein fragments can be considerably enhanced by their presentation on particulate carriers such as capsid-like particles (CLPs) from hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV CLPs are icosahedral nanoparticles formed by 90 or 120 core protein dimers. Insertions into the immunodominant c/e1 B cell epitope, a surface-exposed loop on the HBV capsid protein, are especially immunogenic. Here we investigated whether the HBV core protein can be exploited as a vaccine carrier for whole-chain protein antigens, using two clinically relevant proteins derived from a bacterial human pathogen, the Lyme disease agent Borrelia burgdorferi. For this purpose we analyzed CLP formation by core fusions with the entire 255-amino-acid ectodomain of outer surface lipoprotein A (OspA), and with two distinct, 189 amino acid long variants of the dimeric OspC (OspC(a), OspC(b)) of B. burgdorferi. OspA appropriately inserted into the HBV core protein yielded a multimerization-competent fusion protein, termed coreOspA. Although only partially assembling into regular CLPs, coreOspA induced antibodies to OspA, including the Ig isotype profile and specificity for the protective epitope "LA-2", with an efficiency similar to that of recombinant lipidated OspA, the first generation vaccine against Lyme disease. Moreover, coreOspA actively and passively protected mice against subsequent challenge with B. burgdorferi. Fusions with the two OspC variants were found to efficiently form regular CLPs, most probably by OspC dimerization across different core protein dimers. In mice, both coreOspC preparations induced high-titered antibody responses to the homologous but also to the heterologous OspC variant, which conferred protection against challenge with B. burgdorferi. The data demonstrate the principal applicability of HBV CLPs to act as potent immunomodulator even for structurally complex full-length polypeptide chains, and thus open new avenues for novel vaccine designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Nassal
- Department of Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, University Hospital Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany.
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36
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Zhao Q, Wu C. Application of SCID-hu mice model in the research of hepatitis B virus infection. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2007; 15:1110-1114. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v15.i10.1110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to the specific hepatotropic property, the process of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is not able to be repeated in other animal models. As a kind of animals with congenital immunodeficiency of T and B lymphocytes, SCID mice contribute a lot for the study of xenogeneic graft. Following the appearance of SCID-hu mouse models, scientists established the human-mouse chimeric model through transplantations of human hepatocytes and peripheral blood lymphocytes. This model was infected with HBV to investigate the pathogenesis of hepatitis B. The chimeric model simulates the process of HBV infection in human bodies, so the study based on this model is credible. In this article, we reviewed the advances in the applications of SCID-hu mice model in the research of HBV infection.
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37
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Steyaert S, Verhoye L, Beirnaert E, Donners H, Fransen K, Heyndrickx L, Vanham G, Leroux-Roels G, Vanlandschoot P. The intraspleen huPBL NOD/SCID model to study the human HIV-specific antibody response selected in the course of natural infection. J Immunol Methods 2007; 320:49-57. [PMID: 17258763 PMCID: PMC7125539 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2006.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2006] [Revised: 11/23/2006] [Accepted: 12/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The intrasplenic injection of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into severely immune deficient NOD/SCID mice, causes a massive and transient dominant expansion of human B cells in the spleen. This permits the easy isolation of human monoclonal antibodies specific for different antigens by a Kohler and Milstein-based method. Here we studied the human HIV-specific antibody response in the circulation of mice after intrasplenic transfer of PBMC from untreated HIV-infected patients with detectable to high viral load as well as from HAART-treated and from untreated patients, who kept an undetectable viral load (the latter referred to as "natural suppressors"). Excellent B cell expansion was obtained for all PBMC. High level replication of virus was observed after transfer of PBMC of untreated viremic patients only. A strong and multispecific HIV-specific antibody response was observed after transfer of PBMC of untreated viremic patients and natural suppressors. In contrast, only a weak and pauci-specific antibody response was detected in mice reconstituted with PBMC from successfully treated patients. Based on these observations we conclude that the use of the intraspleen mouse model confirmed a) the presence of HIV-specific circulating memory B cells in untreated patients and natural suppressors; b) the nearly complete absence of circulating memory B cells in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy. Using the intraspleen model we generated large numbers of immortalized B cells and isolated two anti-p24 human monoclonal antibodies. We further conclude that the intraspleen huPBL NOD/SCID model is a small animal model useful for the analysis of the antibody response against HIV found in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Steyaert
- Ghent University and Hospital, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Vaccinology, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lieven Verhoye
- Ghent University and Hospital, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Vaccinology, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Els Beirnaert
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Helen Donners
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Katrien Fransen
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Leo Heyndrickx
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guido Vanham
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Geert Leroux-Roels
- Ghent University and Hospital, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Vaccinology, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Vanlandschoot
- Ghent University and Hospital, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Vaccinology, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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38
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Vanlandschoot P, Van Houtte F, Serruys B, Leroux-Roels G. Contamination of a recombinant hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid preparation with a human B-cell activator. J Virol 2006; 81:2535-6. [PMID: 17151106 PMCID: PMC1865924 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02507-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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39
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Gares SL, Fischer KP, Congly SE, Lacoste S, Addison WR, Tyrrell DL, Gutfreund KS. Immunotargeting with CD154 (CD40 ligand) enhances DNA vaccine responses in ducks. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2006; 13:958-65. [PMID: 16893998 PMCID: PMC1539120 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00080-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Engagement of CD154 on activated T cells with CD40 on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) potentiates adaptive immune responses in mammals. Soluble multimeric forms of CD154 have been used as an adjuvant or in immunotargeting strategies to enhance vaccine responses. The objective of our study was to examine the ability of duck CD154 (DuCD154) to enhance DNA vaccine responses in the duck hepatitis B model. Constructs were generated to express the functional domain of DuCD154 (tCD154), truncated duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) core antigen (tcore) and chimera of tcore fused to tCD154 (tcore-tCD154). Expression in LMH cells demonstrated that all proteins were secreted and that tCD154 and tcore-tCD154 formed multimers. Ducks immunized with the plasmid ptcore-tCD154 developed accelerated and enhanced core-specific antibody responses compared to ducks immunized with ptcore or ptcore plus ptCD154. Antibody responses were better sustained in both ptcore-tCD154- and ptcore plus ptCD154-immunized ducks. Core-specific proliferative responses of duck peripheral blood mononuclear cells were enhanced in ducks immunized with ptcore-tCD154 or ptcore alone. This study suggests that the role of CD154 in the regulation of adaptive immune responses had already evolved before the divergence of birds and mammals. Thus, targeting of antigens to APCs with CD154 is an effective strategy to enhance DNA vaccine responses not only in mammalian species but also in avian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl L Gares
- Departments of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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40
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Huang LR, Wu HL, Chen PJ, Chen DS. An immunocompetent mouse model for the tolerance of human chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:17862-7. [PMID: 17095599 PMCID: PMC1635544 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0608578103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An animal model for human hepatitis B virus (HBV) tolerance is needed to investigate the mechanisms. This model will also facilitate therapeutic strategies for the existing 350 million patients with chronic hepatitis B. We established a mouse model by hydrodynamic injection of an engineered, replication-competent HBV DNA into the tail veins of C57BL/6 mice. In 40% of the injected mice, HBV surface antigenemia persisted for > 6 months. Viral replication intermediates, transcripts, and proteins were detected in the liver tissues of the injected mice for up to 1 year. The tolerance toward HBV surface antigen in this model was shown to be due to an insufficient cellular immunity against hepatitis B core antigen, as was documented in humans. This animal model will accelerate further genetic and mechanistic studies of human chronic hepatitis B infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pei-Jer Chen
- *Graduate Institute of Microbiology
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, and
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, 1 Chang-Te Street, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail:
or
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Hepatitis Research Center
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, and
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, 1 Chang-Te Street, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail:
or
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41
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Tan GH, Yusoff K, Seow HF, Tan WS. A phage-displayed single chain variable fragment that interacts with hepatitis B core antigen: library construction, selection and diagnosis. J Clin Virol 2006; 38:49-56. [PMID: 17074533 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2006.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2006] [Revised: 08/11/2006] [Accepted: 09/19/2006] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phage display is an alternative method for constructing and selecting antibodies with desired specificity towards an antigen. OBJECTIVES To construct a library of single chain variable fragment (ScFv) towards hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg). To isolate a ScFv phage clone that interacts with HBcAg and to develop a phage-ELISA for detecting the antigen. STUDY DESIGN Mice were inoculated with HBcAg and RNA was extracted from their spleen cells. The genes encoding heavy (V(H)) and light (V(L)) chains were amplified, linked via PCR and cloned into a phagemid vector. Phage particles displaying ScFv were panned against HBcAg and a selected clone was characterized and employed as a diagnostic reagent for detecting HBcAg in serum samples. RESULTS A phage clone that interacts with HBcAg was selected from the antibody library. The binding of the phage to HBcAg was inhibited by a cyclic peptide bearing the WSFFSNI sequence. A phage-ELISA was established using the recombinant phage and as low as 10ng of HBcAg can be detected by the assay. CONCLUSION The ScFv displayed on the surface of filamentous phage is an alternative choice for diagnosis of HBcAg in serum samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geok Hun Tan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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42
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Salam MA, Nakao R, Yonezawa H, Watanabe H, Senpuku H. Human T-cell responses to oral streptococci in human PBMC-NOD/SCID mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 21:169-76. [PMID: 16626374 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-302x.2006.00272.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We investigated cellular and humoral immune responses to oral biofilm bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus sobrinus, and Streptococcus sanguinis, in NOD/SCID mice immunized with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hu-PBMC-NOD/SCID mice) to explore the pathogenicity of each of those organisms in dental and oral inflammatory diseases. hu-PBMC-NOD/SCID mice were immunized by intraperitoneal injections with the whole cells of the streptococci once a week for 3 weeks. FACS analyses were used to determine the percentages of various hu-T cell types, as well as intracellular cytokine production of interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma. Serum IgG and IgM antibody levels in response to the streptococci were also determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. S. anginosus induced a significant amount of the proinflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma in CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in comparison with the other streptococci. However, there was no significant differences between the streptococci in interleukin-4 production by CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells after inoculation. Further, S. mutans significantly induced human anti-S. mutans IgG, IgG(1), IgG(2), and IgM antibodies in comparison with the other organisms. In conclusion, S. anginosus up-regulated Th1 and Tc1 cells, and S. mutans led to increasing levels of their antibodies, which was associated with the induction of Th2 cells. These results may contribute to a better understanding of human lymphocyte interactions to biofilm bacteria, along with their impact on dental and mucosal inflammatory diseases, as well as endocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Salam
- Department of Bacteriology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
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43
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Oliveira GA, Wetzel K, Calvo-Calle JM, Nussenzweig R, Schmidt A, Birkett A, Dubovsky F, Tierney E, Gleiter CH, Boehmer G, Luty AJF, Ramharter M, Thornton GB, Kremsner PG, Nardin EH. Safety and enhanced immunogenicity of a hepatitis B core particle Plasmodium falciparum malaria vaccine formulated in adjuvant Montanide ISA 720 in a phase I trial. Infect Immun 2005; 73:3587-97. [PMID: 15908388 PMCID: PMC1111818 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.6.3587-3597.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly purified subunit vaccines require potent adjuvants in order to elicit optimal immune responses. In a previous phase I trial, an alum formulation of ICC-1132, a malaria vaccine candidate comprising hepatitis B core (HBc) virus-like particle containing Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite (CS) protein epitopes, was shown to elicit Plasmodium falciparum-specific antibody and cellular responses. The present study was designed as a single-blind, escalating-dose phase I trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of single intramuscular doses of ICC-1132 formulated in the more potent water-in-oil adjuvant Montanide ISA 720 (ICC-1132/ISA 720). The vaccine was safe and well tolerated, with transient injection site pain as the most frequent complaint. All vaccinees that received either 20 mug or 50 mug of ICC-1132/ISA 720 developed antiimmunogen and anti-HBc antibodies. The majority of volunteers in these two groups developed sporozoite-specific antibodies, predominantly of opsonizing immunoglobulin G subtypes. Peak titers and persistence of parasite-specific antibody following a single injection of the ISA 720 formulated vaccine were comparable to those obtained following two to three immunizations with alum-adsorbed ICC-1132. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of ICC-1132/ISA 720 vaccinees proliferated and released cytokines (interleukin 2 and gamma interferon) when stimulated with recombinant P. falciparum CS protein, and CS-specific CD4(+) T-cell lines were established from volunteers with high levels of antibodies to the repeat region. The promising results obtained with a single dose of ICC-1132 formulated in Montanide ISA 720 encourage further clinical development of this malaria vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giane A Oliveira
- Department of Medical Parasitology, New York University School of Medicine, 341 East 25th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA
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44
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Nassal M, Skamel C, Kratz PA, Wallich R, Stehle T, Simon MM. A fusion product of the complete Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein A (OspA) and the hepatitis B virus capsid protein is highly immunogenic and induces protective immunity similar to that seen with an effective lipidated OspA vaccine formula. Eur J Immunol 2005; 35:655-65. [PMID: 15668917 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200425449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The immunogenicity of peptides and protein fragments can be considerably enhanced by their presentation on particulate carriers such as capsid-like particles (CLP) from hepatitis B virus (HBV). Here we tested the suitability of the HBV capsid protein as a carrier for a relevant full-length pathogen-derived protein antigen. The entire 255-amino acid ectodomain of the outer surface protein A (OspA) from Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, was inserted into the major B cell epitope of the HBV capsid, yielding a multimerization-competent fusion protein, termed coreOspA. CoreOspA, consisting only in part of regular CLP, induced antibodies to OspA, including the Ig isotype profile and specificity for the protective epitope LA-2, with an efficiency similar to that of recombinant lipidated OspA, the first generation vaccine against Lyme disease. Moreover, coreOspA actively and passively protected mice against subsequent challenge with B. burgdorferi. The data demonstrate the capacity of the HBV capsid protein to act as a potent immunomodulator even for full-length and structurally complex polypeptide chains and thus opens new avenues for novel vaccine designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Nassal
- Department of Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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45
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Vanlandschoot P, Van Houtte F, Ulrichts P, Tavernier J, Leroux-Roels G. Immunostimulatory potential of hepatitis B nucleocapsid preparations: lipopolysaccharide contamination should not be overlooked. J Gen Virol 2005; 86:323-331. [PMID: 15659751 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.80605-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid of hepatitis B virus (HBV) allows insertions of heterologous peptides and even complete proteins. Because of its outstanding capacity to induce B-cell, T-helper and cytotoxic T-cell responses, this structure is considered to be an important instrument for future vaccine development. Most of the evidence for the unique immunogenic qualities of nucleocapsids has been generated in mice, which are not natural hosts of HBV. Moreover, most nucleocapsid preparations used in these studies were produced in a recombinant manner in Escherichia coli. Such preparations have been shown to contain lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Not unexpectedly, it is shown here that contaminating LPS, rather than the nucleocapsid structure itself, is responsible for the activation of human antigen-presenting cells. Careful examination of the literature dealing with the immunogenicity of HBV nucleocapsids suggests that the possible presence of LPS has been largely ignored or underestimated in several studies. This raises doubts on some of the underlying mechanisms that have been proposed to explain the unique immunogenicity of the HBV nucleocapsid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Vanlandschoot
- Virus Host Interactions Unit, Center for Vaccinology, Department of Clinical Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Freya Van Houtte
- Virus Host Interactions Unit, Center for Vaccinology, Department of Clinical Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Ulrichts
- The Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Department of Medical Protein Research (VIB9), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Tavernier
- The Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Department of Medical Protein Research (VIB9), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Leroux-Roels
- Virus Host Interactions Unit, Center for Vaccinology, Department of Clinical Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Vanlandschoot P, Van Houtte F, Serruys B, Leroux-Roels G. The arginine-rich carboxy-terminal domain of the hepatitis B virus core protein mediates attachment of nucleocapsids to cell-surface-expressed heparan sulfate. J Gen Virol 2005; 86:75-84. [PMID: 15604433 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.80580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Binding of hepatitis B virus nucleocapsids to mouse B cells leads to production of nucleocapsid-specific antibodies, class II presentation of peptides and the generation of T helper-1 immunity. This T-cell-independent activation of B cells is thought to result from cross-linking of cell-surface immunoglobulin molecules, if these contain a specific motif in the framework region 1-complementarity determining region 1 junction. In the present study, it was observed that nucleocapsids bound to different B-cell lines, an interaction that was not dependent on cell-surface-expressed immunoglobulins. Furthermore, binding to several non-B-cell lines was observed. Capsids that lacked the carboxy-terminal protamine-like domains did not bind to cells. Treatment of nucleocapsids with ribonucleases enhanced the attachment of nucleocapsids to cells. Various soluble glycosaminoglycans inhibited attachment of nucleocapsids, while treatment of cells with heparinase I also reduced binding. These observations demonstrated that the arginine-rich protamine-like regions of the core proteins are responsible for the attachment of nucleocapsids to glycosaminoglycans expressed on the plasma membranes of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Vanlandschoot
- Virus Host Interactions Unit, Center for Vaccinology, Department of Clinical Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Freya Van Houtte
- Virus Host Interactions Unit, Center for Vaccinology, Department of Clinical Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Benedikte Serruys
- Virus Host Interactions Unit, Center for Vaccinology, Department of Clinical Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Leroux-Roels
- Virus Host Interactions Unit, Center for Vaccinology, Department of Clinical Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Sällberg M, Hughes J, Jones J, Phillips TR, Milich DR. A malaria vaccine candidate based on a hepatitis B virus core platform. Intervirology 2003; 45:350-61. [PMID: 12602355 DOI: 10.1159/000067928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The recent success of a Plasmodium falciparum malaria vaccine consisting of circumsporozoite (CS) protein (CSP) T and B cell epitopes has rekindled interest in the development of a pre-erythrocytic vaccine. Our goal was to design an efficient delivery system for known neutralizing epitopes. METHODS Well-characterized CSP-specific neutralizing B cell epitopes and a 'universal' T cell epitope were combined with a particulate carrier platform, the hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg), to produce a novel pre-erythrocytic vaccine candidate. RESULTS The vaccine candidate V12.PF3.1 is a potent immunogen in mice, eliciting unprecedented levels (greater than 106 titers) of sporozoite-binding antibodies after only two doses. The antisporozoite antibodies are long-lasting and represent all IgG isotypes, and antibody production is not genetically restricted. CSP-specific CD4+ T cells are also primed by V12.PF3.1 immunization in a majority of murine strains. Furthermore, the hybrid HBcAg-CS particles can be produced inexpensively in bacterial expression systems. CONCLUSION These characteristics suggest that V12.PF3.1 represents an efficient and economical P. falciparum vaccine candidate for use separately or in combination with other formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Sällberg
- Division of Clinical Virology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Lazdina U, Alheim M, Nyström J, Hultgren C, Borisova G, Sominskaya I, Pumpens P, Peterson DL, Milich DR, Sällberg M. Priming of cytotoxic T cell responses to exogenous hepatitis B virus core antigen is B cell dependent. J Gen Virol 2003; 84:139-146. [PMID: 12533710 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.18678-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antigen (HBcAg) has a unique ability to bind a high frequency of naive human and murine B cells. The role of HBcAg-binding naive B cells in the immunogenicity of HBcAg is not clear. The HBcAg-binding properties of naive B cells were characterized using HBcAg particles with mutated spike region (residues 76-85) sequences. Deletion of residues 76-85 (HBcDelta76-85) destroyed naive B cell binding, whereas deletion of residues 79-85 did not. HBcAg particles with an Ile instead of the natural Ala at position 80 did not bind naive B cells, whereas reversion of Ile80-->Ala restored B cell binding. Destroying the B cell-binding ability of HBcAg had a marginal effect on the overall B cell immunogenicity of the different particles, suggesting that they were equally efficient in priming T helper cells. Therefore, the importance of HBcAg-binding B cells is studied with relation to the priming of HBcAg-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs). The role of HBcAg-binding B cells in the priming of HBcAg-specific CTLs was evaluated by immunization with endogenous HBcAg (DNA immunization) and exogenous recombinant HBcAg particles. Endogenous HBcAg primed HBcAg-specific CTLs in wild-type and B cell-deficient mice, whereas exogenous HBcAg primed HBcAg-specific CTLs only in wild-type mice. Importantly, HBcDelta76-85 did not prime CTLs despite the presence of B cells. Thus, the ability of exogenous HBcAg particles to prime specific CTLs is B cell dependent, suggesting a possible role for HBcAg-binding B cells in HBV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Una Lazdina
- Division of Clinical Virology, F68, Karolinska Institutet at Huddinge University Hospital, S 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Alheim
- Division of Clinical Virology, F68, Karolinska Institutet at Huddinge University Hospital, S 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jessica Nyström
- Division of Clinical Virology, F68, Karolinska Institutet at Huddinge University Hospital, S 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Hultgren
- Division of Clinical Virology, F68, Karolinska Institutet at Huddinge University Hospital, S 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gallina Borisova
- Biomedical Research and Study Center, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Irina Sominskaya
- Biomedical Research and Study Center, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Paul Pumpens
- Biomedical Research and Study Center, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - David R Milich
- Vaccine Research Institute of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Matti Sällberg
- Division of Clinical Virology, F68, Karolinska Institutet at Huddinge University Hospital, S 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
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49
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Birkett A, Lyons K, Schmidt A, Boyd D, Oliveira GA, Siddique A, Nussenzweig R, Calvo-Calle JM, Nardin E. A modified hepatitis B virus core particle containing multiple epitopes of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein provides a highly immunogenic malaria vaccine in preclinical analyses in rodent and primate hosts. Infect Immun 2002; 70:6860-70. [PMID: 12438363 PMCID: PMC133050 DOI: 10.1128/iai.70.12.6860-6870.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2002] [Revised: 07/13/2002] [Accepted: 08/24/2002] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive public health efforts, there are presently 200 to 400 million malaria infections and 1 to 2 million deaths each year due to the Plasmodium parasite. A prime target for malaria vaccine development is the circumsporozoite (CS) protein, which is expressed on the extracellular sporozoite and the intracellular hepatic stages of the parasite. Previous studies in rodent malaria models have shown that CS repeat B-cell epitopes expressed in a recombinant hepatitis B virus core (HBc) protein can elicit protective immunity. To design a vaccine for human use, a series of recombinant HBc proteins containing epitopes of Plasmodium falciparum CS protein were assayed for immunogenicity in mice [A. Birkett, B. Thornton, D. Milich, G. A. Oliveira, A. Siddique, R. Nussenzweig, J. M. Calvo-Calle, and E. H. Nardin, abstract from the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2001, Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. 65(Suppl. 3):258, 2001; D. R. Milich, J. Hughes, J. Jones, M. Sallberg, and T. R. Phillips, Vaccine 20:771-788, 2001]. The present paper summarizes preclinical analyses of the optimal P. falciparum HBc vaccine candidate, termed ICC-1132, which contains T- and B-cell epitopes from the repeat region and a universal T-cell epitope from the C terminus of the CS protein. The vaccine was highly immunogenic in mice and in Macaca fascicularis (cynomolgus) monkeys. When formulated in adjuvants suitable for human use, the vaccine elicited antisporozoite antibody titers that were logs higher than those obtained in previous studies. Human malaria-specific CD4(+)-T-cell clones and T cells of ICC-1132-immunized mice specifically recognized malaria T-cell epitopes contained in the vaccine. In addition to inducing strong malaria-specific immune responses in naïve hosts, ICC-1132 elicited potent anamnestic antibody responses in mice primed with P. falciparum sporozoites, suggesting potential efficacy in enhancing the sporozoite-primed immune responses of individuals living in areas where malaria is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Birkett
- Apovia Inc., San Diego, California 92121, USA
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50
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Milich DR, Hughes J, Jones J, Sällberg M, Phillips TR. Conversion of poorly immunogenic malaria repeat sequences into a highly immunogenic vaccine candidate. Vaccine 2001; 20:771-88. [PMID: 11738741 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(01)00400-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The recent success of a Plasmodium falciparum malaria vaccine consisting of circumsporozoite protein (CSP) T and B cell epitopes has rekindled interest in the development of a pre-erythrocytic vaccine. In order to optimize immunogenicity, well-characterized CSP-specific neutralizing B cell epitopes and a universal T cell epitope were combined with an efficient and flexible particulate carrier platform, the hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg), to produce a novel pre-erythrocytic vaccine candidate. The vaccine candidate, V12.PF3.1, is a potent immunogen in mice eliciting unprecedented levels (greater than 10(6) titers) of sporozoite-binding antibodies after only two doses. The anti-sporozoite antibodies are long lasting, represent all IgG isotypes, and antibody production is not genetically restricted. CSP-specific CD4+ T cells are also primed by V12.PF3.1 immunization in a majority of murine strains. Furthermore, the hybrid HBcAg-CS particles can be produced inexpensively in bacterial expression systems. These and other characteristics suggest that V12.PF3.1 represents an efficient and economical P. falciparum vaccine candidate for use separately or in combination with other formulations.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Antibodies, Protozoan/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Protozoan/genetics
- Epitopes/genetics
- Female
- Hepatitis B Core Antigens/genetics
- Kinetics
- Malaria Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Malaria Vaccines/genetics
- Malaria Vaccines/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Plasmodium falciparum/genetics
- Plasmodium falciparum/immunology
- Protozoan Proteins/genetics
- Protozoan Proteins/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Repetitive Sequences, Amino Acid
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Milich
- Vaccine Research Institute of San Diego (VRISD), 3030 Science Park Road, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
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