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Gozman L, Perry K, Nikogosov D, Klabukov I, Shevlyakov A, Baranova A. A Role of Variance in Interferon Genes to Disease Severity in COVID-19 Patients. Front Genet 2021; 12:709388. [PMID: 34603376 PMCID: PMC8484761 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.709388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid rise and global consequences of the novel coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) have again brought the focus of the scientific community on the possible host factors involved in patient response and outcome to exposure to the virus. The disease severity remains highly unpredictable, and individuals with none of the aforementioned risk factors may still develop severe COVID-19. It was shown that genotype-related factors like an ABO Blood Group affect COVID-19 severity, and the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 was higher for patients with blood type A and lower for patients with blood type O. Currently it is not clear which specific genes are associated with COVID-19 severity. The comparative analysis of COVID-19 and other viral infections allows us to predict that the variants within the interferon pathway genes may serve as markers of the magnitude of immune response to specific pathogens. In particular, various members of Class III interferons (lambda) are reviewed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid Gozman
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Kellie Perry
- School of System Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | | | - Ilya Klabukov
- Department of Regenerative Technologies and biofabrication, National Medical Research Radiological Center of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Obninsk, Russia
| | | | - Ancha Baranova
- School of System Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
- Atlas Biomed Group Limited, London, United Kingdom
- Research Center for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
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2
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Chen Q, Coto-Llerena M, Suslov A, Teixeira RD, Fofana I, Nuciforo S, Hofmann M, Thimme R, Hensel N, Lohmann V, Ng CKY, Rosenberger G, Wieland S, Heim MH. Interferon lambda 4 impairs hepatitis C viral antigen presentation and attenuates T cell responses. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4882. [PMID: 34385466 PMCID: PMC8360984 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25218-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variants of the interferon lambda (IFNL) gene locus are strongly associated with spontaneous and IFN treatment-induced clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Individuals with the ancestral IFNL4-dG allele are not able to clear HCV in the acute phase and have more than a 90% probability to develop chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Paradoxically, the IFNL4-dG allele encodes a fully functional IFNλ4 protein with antiviral activity against HCV. Here we describe an effect of IFNλ4 on HCV antigen presentation. Only minor amounts of IFNλ4 are secreted, because the protein is largely retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where it induces ER stress. Stressed cells are significantly weaker activators of HCV specific CD8+ T cells than unstressed cells. This is not due to reduced MHC I surface presentation or extracellular IFNλ4 effects, since T cell responses are restored by exogenous loading of MHC with HCV antigens. Rather, IFNλ4 induced ER stress impairs HCV antigen processing and/or loading onto the MHC I complex. Our results provide a potential explanation for the IFNλ4-HCV paradox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Aleksei Suslov
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Isabel Fofana
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sandro Nuciforo
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maike Hofmann
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nina Hensel
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Lohmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Centre for Integrative Infectious Disease Research (CIID), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Charlotte K Y Ng
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Oncogenomics Lab, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Stefan Wieland
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus H Heim
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Clarunis, University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Basel, Switzerland.
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3
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Huschka H, Mihm S. Hepatic IFNL4 Gene Activation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Regard to Etiology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157803. [PMID: 34360569 PMCID: PMC8345952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with a leading lethality. The etiology is quite diverse, ranging from viral infections to metabolic disorders or intoxications, and associates with specific somatic mutational patterns and specific host immunological phenotypes. Particularly, hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected liver is featured by an activation of interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs; IFN signature), which we suppose is driven by type III IFNL4. Taking advantage of the TCGA collection of HCC patients of various different etiologies, this study aimed at validating our previous findings on hepatic IFNL4 gene activation in HCV infection in an independent and larger cohort of patients with advanced liver disease. In a cohort of n = 377 cases, the entirety of the sequencing data was used to assess the IFNL genotypes, and the cases were stratified for etiology. The number of IFNL4 transcripts within nonmalignant and malignant tissues was found to be more abundant in patients with HCV or HCV/HBV infections when compared to other risk factors. Moreover, in patients with HCV infection as a risk factor, a close, positive relationship was found between ISG activation and the number of functional IFNL4 transcripts. Data on this independent TCGA sample support the concept of an IFNL4-dependent HCV-driven activation of hepatic ISGs. In addition to that, they add to the understanding of etiology-related host immunological phenotypes in HCC.
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Ansari MA, Marchi E, Ramamurthy N, Aschenbrenner D, Morgan S, Hackstein CP, Lin SK, Bowden R, Sharma E, Pedergnana V, Venkateswaran S, Kugathasan S, Mo A, Gibson G, Cooke GS, McLauchlan J, Baillie JK, Teichmann S, Mentzer A, Knight J, Todd JA, Hinks T, Barnes EJ, Uhlig HH, Klenerman P. In vivo negative regulation of SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE2, by interferons and its genetic control. Wellcome Open Res 2021. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16559.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a receptor for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and differences in its expression may affect susceptibility to infection. Methods: We performed a genome-wide expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis using hepatitis C virus-infected liver tissue from 190 individuals. Results: We discovered that polymorphism in a type III interferon gene (IFNL4), which eliminates IFN-λ4 production, is associated with a two-fold increase in ACE2 RNA expression. Conversely, among genes negatively correlated with ACE2 expression, IFN-signalling pathways were highly enriched and ACE2 was downregulated after IFN-α treatment. Negative correlation was also found in the gastrointestinal tract where inflammation driven IFN-stimulated genes were negatively correlated with ACE2 expression and in lung tissue from a murine model of SARS-CoV-1 infection suggesting conserved regulation of ACE2 across tissue and species. Conclusions: We conclude that ACE2 is likely a negatively-regulated interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) and carriage of IFNL4 gene alleles which modulates ISGs expression in viral infection may play a role in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis with implications for therapeutic interventions.
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5
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The IFNL4 Gene Is a Noncanonical Interferon Gene with a Unique but Evolutionarily Conserved Regulation. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.01535-19. [PMID: 31776283 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01535-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon lambda 4 (IFN-λ4) is a recently identified enigmatic member of the interferon (IFN) lambda family. Genetic data suggest that the IFNL4 gene acts in a proviral and anti-inflammatory manner in patients. However, the protein is indistinguishable in vitro from the other members of the interferon lambda family. We have investigated the gene regulation of IFNL4 in detail and found that it differs radically from that of canonical antiviral interferons. Being induced by viral infection is a defining characteristic of interferons, but viral infection or overexpression of members of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family of transcription factors only leads to a minute induction of IFNL4 This behavior is evolutionarily conserved and can be reversed by inserting a functional IRF3 binding site into the IFNL4 promoter. Thus, the regulation of the IFNL4 gene is radically different and might explain some of the atypical phenotypes associated with the IFNL4 gene in humans.IMPORTANCE Recent genetic evidence has highlighted how the IFNL4 gene acts in a counterintuitive manner, as patients with a nonfunctional IFNL4 gene exhibit increased clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) but also increased liver inflammation. This suggests that the IFNL4 gene acts in a proviral and anti-inflammatory manner. These surprising but quite clear genetic data have prompted an extensive examination of the basic characteristics of the IFNL4 gene and its gene product, interferon lambda 4 (IFN-λ4). We have investigated the expression of the IFNL4 gene and found it to be poorly induced by viral infections. A thorough investigation of the IFNL4 promoter revealed a highly conserved and functional promoter, but also one that lacks the defining characteristic of interferons (IFNs), i.e., the ability to be effectively induced by viral infections. We suggest that the unique function of the IFNL4 gene is related to its noncanonical transcriptional regulation.
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6
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Bhushan A, Chinnaswamy S. Identifying causal variants at the interferon lambda locus in case-control studies: Utilizing non-synonymous variant rs117648444 to probe the role of IFN-λ4. Gene 2018; 664:168-180. [PMID: 29705128 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.04.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Genetic variants at the interferon lambda (IFNL) locus have been associated with several human phenotypes in both disease and health. In chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, where the IFNL variants were first identified to be associated with response to interferon-α-ribavirin therapy, the available data clearly suggests that the causal variant could be the dinucleotide polymorphism rs368234815 that causes an open reading frame-shift in the IFNL4 gene resulting in expression of a functional IFN-λ4, a new type III IFN. In other human diseases/phenotypes where IFNL variants have been recently associated with, the causal mechanism remains unclear. In vitro evidence has shown that other IFNL variants (rs28416813, rs4803217) may regulate expression of another type III IFN, IFN-λ3. Therefore, expression of a functional IFN-λ4 and quantitative differences in IFN-λ3 expression are two potential causal mechanisms behind the observed phenotypes. Since these two potential causal mechanisms involve features of mutual exclusivity and overlapping functions, it is difficult to differentiate one from the other, in vivo, in absence of other implicating evidences. In addition, the strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) observed in many populations at the IFNL locus makes it difficult to tease out the actual functional/causal variants responsible for the phenotypes. The non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism rs117648444 that alters the activity of IFN-λ4 and the LD structure in the IFNL region which leads to a confounding effect of rs117648444 on other IFNL variants, provide us with additional tools in case-control studies to probe the role of IFN-λ4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Bhushan
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, P.O.:N.S.S., Kalyani, West Bengal 741251, India
| | - Sreedhar Chinnaswamy
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, P.O.:N.S.S., Kalyani, West Bengal 741251, India.
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7
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Galmozzi E, Facchetti F, Grossi G, Loglio A, Viganò M, Lunghi G, Colombo M, Lampertico P. IFNL4 rs368234815 and rs117648444 variants predict off-treatment HBsAg seroclearance in IFN-treated HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients. Liver Int 2018; 38:417-423. [PMID: 28732143 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM Robust baseline predictors of interferon (IFN) response in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients are not currently available. The recently described rs368234815 TT/ΔG dinucleotide and rs117648444 nonsynonymous P70S polymorphisms in IFN lambda 4 (IFNL4) gene, which are strongly associated with response to IFN in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, could be also useful in IFN-treated CHB patients. Here we assessed whether IFNL4 rs368234815 and rs117648444 polymorphisms predict IFN-induced HBsAg clearance in CHB patients. METHODS We sequenced the IFNL4 gene on genomic DNA collected from 126 HBeAg-negative CHB patients treated with IFN and followed up for a median of 11 (1-23) years. RESULTS The 15-year cumulative probability of HBsAg loss in the 62 carriers of the rs368234815 TT/TT genotype, which abolishes the IFNλ4 protein production, was comparable to that of 19 patients carrying the rs117648444 T allele predicted to produce an impaired IFNλ4-S70 protein (39% vs 42%, P = .827). In contrast, these 81 patients, either not producing IFNλ4 or producing an impaired IFNλ4-S70 protein, had a significantly higher 15-year probability of HBsAg loss compared to the 45 subjects predicted to encode only the fully functional IFNλ4-P70 (42% vs 11% P = .003). At multivariate analysis, combination of the rs368234815 and rs117648444 genotypes strongly predicted HBsAg clearance (HR 5.90, 95% CI 1.70-20.9, P = .006) together with pretreatment serum HBV DNA levels (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39-0.83, P = .003). CONCLUSION IFNL4 rs368234815 and rs117648444 functional variants are worth to be investigated as pretreatment combined predictors of IFN response in HBeAg-negative CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Galmozzi
- A. M. e A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Floriana Facchetti
- A. M. e A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Glenda Grossi
- A. M. e A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Loglio
- A. M. e A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Viganò
- Liver Unit, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lunghi
- Virology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Colombo
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- A. M. e A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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8
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Obajemu AA, Rao N, Dilley KA, Vargas JM, Sheikh F, Donnelly RP, Shabman RS, Meissner EG, Prokunina-Olsson L, Onabajo OO. IFN-λ4 Attenuates Antiviral Responses by Enhancing Negative Regulation of IFN Signaling. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 199:3808-3820. [PMID: 29070670 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Type III IFNs are important mediators of antiviral immunity. IFN-λ4 is a unique type III IFN because it is produced only in individuals who carry a dG allele of a genetic variant rs368234815-dG/TT. Counterintuitively, those individuals who can produce IFN-λ4, an antiviral cytokine, are also less likely to clear hepatitis C virus infection. In this study, we searched for unique functional properties of IFN-λ4 that might explain its negative effect on hepatitis C virus clearance. We used fresh primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) treated with recombinant type III IFNs or infected with Sendai virus to model acute viral infection and subsequently validated our findings in HepG2 cell line models. Endogenous IFN-λ4 protein was detectable only in Sendai virus-infected PHHs from individuals with the dG allele, where it was poorly secreted but highly functional, even at concentrations < 50 pg/ml. IFN-λ4 acted faster than other type III IFNs in inducing antiviral genes, as well as negative regulators of the IFN response, such as USP18 and SOCS1 Transient treatment of PHHs with IFN-λ4, but not IFN-λ3, caused a strong and sustained induction of SOCS1 and refractoriness to further stimulation with IFN-λ3. Our results suggest unique functional properties of IFN-λ4 that can be important in viral clearance and other clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeola A Obajemu
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Nina Rao
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Kari A Dilley
- Virology Group, J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Joselin M Vargas
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Faruk Sheikh
- Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993; and
| | - Raymond P Donnelly
- Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993; and
| | - Reed S Shabman
- Virology Group, J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Eric G Meissner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Ludmila Prokunina-Olsson
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Olusegun O Onabajo
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892;
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9
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Kotenko SV, Durbin JE. Contribution of type III interferons to antiviral immunity: location, location, location. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:7295-7303. [PMID: 28289095 PMCID: PMC5418032 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r117.777102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-α/β) and the more recently identified type III IFNs (IFN-λ) function as the first line of defense against virus infection and regulate the development of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Type III IFNs were originally identified as a novel ligand-receptor system acting in parallel with type I IFNs, but subsequent studies have provided increasing evidence for distinct roles for each IFN family. In addition to their compartmentalized antiviral actions, these two systems appear to have multiple levels of cross-regulation and act coordinately to achieve effective antimicrobial protection with minimal collateral damage to the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei V Kotenko
- From the Departments of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics and
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, and
- University Hospital Cancer Center, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, Newark, New Jersey 07103
| | - Joan E Durbin
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, and
- University Hospital Cancer Center, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, Newark, New Jersey 07103
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
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10
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Wróblewska A, Bernat A, Woziwodzka A, Markiewicz J, Romanowski T, Bielawski KP, Smiatacz T, Sikorska K. Interferon lambda polymorphisms associate with body iron indices and hepatic expression of interferon-responsive long non-coding RNA in chronic hepatitis C. Clin Exp Med 2017; 17:225-232. [PMID: 27125837 PMCID: PMC5403869 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-016-0423-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within DNA region containing interferon lambda 3 (IFNL3) and IFNL4 genes are prognostic factors of treatment response in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Iron overload, frequently diagnosed in CHC, is associated with unfavorable disease course and a risk of carcinogenesis. Its etiology and relationship with the immune response in CHC are not fully explained. Our aim was to determine whether IFNL polymorphisms in CHC patients associate with body iron indices, and whether they are linked with hepatic expression of genes involved in iron homeostasis and IFN signaling. For 192 CHC patients, four SNPs within IFNL3-IFNL4 region (rs12979860, rs368234815, rs8099917, rs12980275) were genotyped. In 185 liver biopsies, histopathological analyses were performed. Expression of five mRNAs and three long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) was determined with qRT-PCR in 105 liver samples. Rs12979860 TT or rs8099917 GG genotypes as well as markers of serum and hepatocyte iron overload associated with higher activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and liver steatosis. The presence of two minor alleles in any of the tested SNPs predisposed to abnormally high serum iron concentration and correlated with higher hepatic expression of lncRNA NRIR. On the other hand, homozygosity in any major allele associated with higher viral load. Patients bearing rs12979860 CC genotype had lower hepatic expression of hepcidin (HAMP; P = 0.03). HAMP mRNA level positively correlated with serum iron indices and degree of hepatocyte iron deposits. IFNL polymorphisms influence regulatory pathways of cellular response to IFN and affect body iron balance in chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wróblewska
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG, Abrahama 58, 80-307, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Bernat
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG, Abrahama 58, 80-307, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Woziwodzka
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG, Abrahama 58, 80-307, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Joanna Markiewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pomeranian Center of Infectious Diseases, Smoluchowskiego 18, 80-214, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Romanowski
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG, Abrahama 58, 80-307, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Krzysztof P Bielawski
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG, Abrahama 58, 80-307, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Smiatacz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Gdansk, Smoluchowskiego 18, 80-214, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Sikorska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Gdansk, Smoluchowskiego 18, 80-214, Gdańsk, Poland.
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Powstania Styczniowego 9b, 81-519, Gdynia, Poland.
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11
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Murakawa M, Asahina Y, Kawai-Kitahata F, Nakagawa M, Nitta S, Otani S, Nagata H, Kaneko S, Asano Y, Tsunoda T, Miyoshi M, Itsui Y, Azuma S, Kakinuma S, Tanaka Y, Iijima S, Tsuchiya K, Izumi N, Tohda S, Watanabe M. Hepatic IFNL4 expression is associated with non-response to interferon-based therapy through the regulation of basal interferon-stimulated gene expression in chronic hepatitis C patients. J Med Virol 2017; 89:1241-1247. [PMID: 28036111 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within or near interferon lambda 4 (IFNL4) gene located upstream of IFNL3 are associated with response to anti-HCV therapy both in interferon (IFN)-based and IFN-free regimens. IFNL4 encodes IFNλ4, a newly discovered type III IFN, and its expression is controlled by rs368234815-TT/ΔG, which is in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) with other tag SNPs within or near IFNL4 such as rs12979860 and rs8099917. Intrahepatic expression levels of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) affect the responsiveness to IFNα and are also associated with IFNL4 genotype. However, IFNL4 expressions and its role in intrinsic antiviral innate immunity remain unclear. This study evaluated the effect of IFNL4 on intrahepatic ISG expression and investigated its relationship with treatment outcomes in liver samples obtained from 49 chronic hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated (PEG)-IFN/ribavirin therapy. IFNL4 mRNA was detected in 11 of 22 patients with IFNL4-unfavorable SNPs but not in patients with favorable genotypes. IFNL4 expression was associated with non-response to PEG-IFN/ribavirin therapy. Intrahepatic expression of antiviral ISGs (ISG15 and MX1) was significantly higher in IFNL4-unfavorable patients with detectable IFNL4 mRNA than in patients with undetectable IFNL4 mRNA, whereas the expression of suppressive ISGs (RNF125, SOCS1, SOCS3, and RNF11) was lower in patients with detectable IFNL4 mRNA. In summary, intrahepatic expression of IFNL4 was associated with increased antiviral ISG expression and decreased suppressive ISG expression at baseline, resulting in poor responsiveness to IFNα-based therapy in HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyako Murakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Medical Hospital, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Asahina
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Liver Disease Control, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fukiko Kawai-Kitahata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mina Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayuri Nitta
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Otani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Nagata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu Asano
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Tsunoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Miyoshi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Itsui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seishin Azuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sei Kakinuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Medical Hospital, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Sayuki Iijima
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kaoru Tsuchiya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Namiki Izumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuji Tohda
- Department of Liver Disease Control, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mamoru Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Li Y, Yang L, Sha K, Liu T, Zhang L. Correlation of interferon-lambda 4 ss469415590 with the hepatitis C virus treatment response and its comparison with interleukin 28b polymorphisms in predicting a sustained virological response: a meta-analysis. Int J Infect Dis 2016; 53:52-58. [PMID: 27810523 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interferon-lambda 4 (IFNL4) ss469415590 is a newly discovered polymorphism that could predict the treatment response in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. This meta-analysis was performed in order to clarify its specific effect on the treatment response and to compare it with interleukin 28b (IL28B). METHOD The commonly used literature databases were searched. Meta-analyses were performed with fixed/random-effects models using Stata 12.0. The sustained virological response (SVR) rate was summarized using R software. Publication bias was examined through Egger's test. RESULTS A total of seven studies were finally included in this meta-analysis. IFNL4 ss469415590 was demonstrated to be associated with SVR (odds ratio (OR) 3.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.22-4.56, p<0.001). Asians had a higher likelihood of achieving SVR than Caucasians (OR=7.36 vs. 3.54). When stratifying all the patients according to HCV genotype, a significant association was observed in HCV genotype 1 patients (OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.91-6.95, p<0.001). In HCV genotype 2/3 patients, the favorable TT/TT genotype patients tended to have a statistically higher SVR rate than the non-TT/TT genotype patients (84.4% vs. 78.3%, p=0.058). Compared with IL28B rs12979860 (OR 3.45) and rs8099917 (OR 3.50), ss469415590 TT/TT genotype patients showed a slightly higher probability of achieving a SVR (OR 3.61 calculated from studies investigating both IFNL4 and rs12979860; OR 4.86 for studies investigating both IFNL4 and rs8099917). Furthermore, ss469415590 showed a slightly higher predictive value than rs12979860 using the diagnostic test tool (area under the curve=0.71 vs. 0.70). IFNL4 was also correlated with rapid virological response (RVR) (OR 4.35, 95% CI 1.43-13.20, p=0.01), viral clearance (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.24-0.39, p<0.001), and HCV susceptibility (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65-0.89, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS IFNL4 ss469415590 is significantly associated with SVR in HCV genotype 1 patients, irrespective of race; there is a tendency towards an association in HCV genotype 2/3 patients. Comparable to IL28B, IFNL4 is correlated with natural viral clearance and HCV susceptibility, additionally IFNL4 ss469415590 has a slightly higher predictive performance over IL28B polymorphisms in regard to SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhua Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, No. 661 Huanghe 2(nd) Road, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China.
| | - Luhua Yang
- Binzhou Medical University Hospital Outpatient Department, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Kaihui Sha
- Binzhou Medical University School of Nursing, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Tonggang Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, No. 661 Huanghe 2(nd) Road, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China
| | - Liguo Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, No. 661 Huanghe 2(nd) Road, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, China
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13
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Type-III interferons (IFN-λ), the most recently discovered family of IFNs, shares common features with other family members, but also has many distinctive activities. IFN-λ uniquely has a different receptor complex, and a more focused pattern of tissue expression and signaling effects, from other classes of IFNs. Multiple genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and subsequent validation reports suggest a pivotal role for polymorphisms near the IFNL3 gene in hepatitis C clearance and control, as also for several other epithelial cell tropic viruses. Apart from its antiviral activity, IFN-λ possesses anti-tumor, immune-inflammatory and homeostatic functions. The overlapping effects of IFN-λ with type I IFN, with a restricted tissue expression pattern renders IFN-λ an attractive therapeutic target for viral infection, cancer and autoimmune diseases, with limited side effects. Areas covered: This review will summarize the current and future therapeutic opportunities offered by this most recently discovered family of interferons. Expert opinion: Our knowledge on IFN-λ is rapidly expanding. Though there are many remaining questions and challenges that require elucidation, the unique characteristics of IFN-λ increases enthusiasm that multiple therapeutic options will emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Eslam
- a Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research , Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Jacob George
- a Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research , Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
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14
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Aiken T, Garber A, Thomas D, Hamon N, Lopez R, Konjeti R, McCullough A, Zein N, Fung J, Askar M, John BV. Donor IFNL4 Genotype Is Associated with Early Post-Transplant Fibrosis in Recipients with Hepatitis C. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166998. [PMID: 27875564 PMCID: PMC5119817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Early post-transplant hepatic fibrosis is associated with poor outcomes and may be influenced by donor/recipient genetic factors. The rs368234815 IFNL4 polymorphism is related to the previously described IL28B polymorphism, which predicts etiology-independent hepatic fibrosis. The aim of this study was to identify the impact of donor and/or recipient IFNL4 genotype on early fibrosis among patients transplanted for hepatitis C (HCV). METHODS Clinical data were collected for 302 consecutive patients transplanted for HCV. 116 patients who had available liver biopsies and donor/recipient DNA were included. 28% of these patients with stage 2 fibrosis or greater were compared to patients without significant post-transplant fibrosis with respect to clinical features as well as donor/recipient IFNL4 genotype. RESULTS The IFNL4 TT/TT genotype was found in 26.0% of recipients and 38.6% of donors. Patients who developed early post-transplant fibrosis had a 3.45 adjusted odds of having donor IFNL4 TT/TT genotype (p = 0.012). Donor IFNL4 TT/TT genotype also predicted decreased overall survival compared to non-TT/TT genotypes (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS Donor IFNL4 TT/TT genotype, a favorable predictor of spontaneous HCV clearance pre-transplant, is associated with increased early post-transplant fibrosis and decreased survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Aiken
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ari Garber
- Digestive Diseases Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Dawn Thomas
- Allogen Laboratories, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Nicole Hamon
- Allogen Laboratories, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Rocio Lopez
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Rajesh Konjeti
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Arthur McCullough
- Digestive Diseases Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Nizar Zein
- Digestive Diseases Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - John Fung
- Digestive Diseases Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Medhat Askar
- Transplant Immunology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Binu V. John
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Hong M, Schwerk J, Lim C, Kell A, Jarret A, Pangallo J, Loo YM, Liu S, Hagedorn CH, Gale M, Savan R. Interferon lambda 4 expression is suppressed by the host during viral infection. J Exp Med 2016; 213:2539-2552. [PMID: 27799623 PMCID: PMC5110018 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20160437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon (IFN) lambdas are critical antiviral effectors in hepatic and mucosal infections. Although IFNλ1, IFNλ2, and IFNλ3 act antiviral, genetic association studies have shown that expression of the recently discovered IFNL4 is detrimental to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection through a yet unknown mechanism. Intriguingly, human IFNL4 harbors a genetic variant that introduces a premature stop codon. We performed a molecular and biochemical characterization of IFNλ4 to determine its role and regulation of expression. We found that IFNλ4 exhibits similar antiviral activity to IFNλ3 without negatively affecting antiviral IFN activity or cell survival. We show that humans deploy several mechanisms to limit expression of functional IFNλ4 through noncoding splice variants and nonfunctional protein isoforms. Furthermore, protein-coding IFNL4 mRNA are not loaded onto polyribosomes and lack a strong polyadenylation signal, resulting in poor translation efficiency. This study provides mechanistic evidence that humans suppress IFNλ4 expression, suggesting that immune function is dependent on other IFNL family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- MeeAe Hong
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Johannes Schwerk
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Chrissie Lim
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Alison Kell
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Abigail Jarret
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Joseph Pangallo
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Yueh-Ming Loo
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Shuanghu Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
| | - Curt H Hagedorn
- Department of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205
- Genetics Program, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205
| | - Michael Gale
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Ram Savan
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
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16
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Kucherenko AM, Pampukha VM, Romanchuk KY, Chernushyn SY, Bobrova IA, Moroz LV, Livshits LA. IFNL4 polymorphism as a predictor of chronic hepatitis C treatment efficiency in Ukrainian patients. CYTOL GENET+ 2016; 50:330-333. [PMID: 32214544 PMCID: PMC7089495 DOI: 10.3103/s0095452716050066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine association between IFNL4 gene ss469415590 and treatment efficiency in group of Ukrainian PEG-interferon/ribavirin-treated chronic hepatitis C patients. Study group consisted of 92 unrelated hepatitis C virus genotype 1 mono-infected patients: case group-29 patients with late or absent virological response; control group-63 patients with sustained virological response. Study material was genomic DNA. Genotyping was performed using amplification-refractory mutation system PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using GenePop and OpenEpi statistical packages. Obtained results show that ss469415590 ΔG/ΔG genotype is associated with poor virological response (OR = 3.62; CI 95%: 1.12-11.67) in PEG-interferon/ribavirin-treated chronic hepatitis C patients from Ukraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Kucherenko
- Department of Human Genomics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150 Zabolotnogo str., 03680 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - V. M. Pampukha
- Department of Human Genomics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150 Zabolotnogo str., 03680 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - K. Yu. Romanchuk
- Department of Infectious Diseases with Epidemiology Course, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, 56 Pyrogova str., 21018 Vinnytsya, Ukraine
| | - S. Yu. Chernushyn
- Department of Human Genomics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150 Zabolotnogo str., 03680 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - I. A. Bobrova
- Ukrainian Treatment and Diagnostic Center, 6D Mykilsko-Slobidska Str., 02002 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - L. V. Moroz
- Department of Infectious Diseases with Epidemiology Course, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, 56 Pyrogova str., 21018 Vinnytsya, Ukraine
| | - L. A. Livshits
- Department of Human Genomics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 150 Zabolotnogo str., 03680 Kyiv, Ukraine
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17
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Heim MH, Bochud PY, George J. Host - hepatitis C viral interactions: The role of genetics. J Hepatol 2016; 65:S22-S32. [PMID: 27641986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic viral hepatitis that can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Only a minority of patients can clear the virus spontaneously. Elimination of HCV during acute infection correlates with a rapid induction of innate, especially interferon (IFN)-induced genes, and a delayed induction of adaptive immune responses. There is a strong association between genetic variants in the IFNλ (IL28B) locus with the rate of spontaneous clearance. Individuals with the ancestral IFNλ4 allele capable of producing a fully active IFNλ4 are paradoxically not able to clear HCV in the acute phase and develop chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with more than 90% probability. In the chronic phase of HCV infection, the wild-type IFNλ4 genotype is strongly associated with an induction of hundreds of classical type I/type III IFN stimulated genes in hepatocytes. However, the activation of the endogenous IFN system in the liver is ineffective in clearing HCV, and is even associated with impaired therapeutic responses to pegylated (Peg)IFNα containing treatments. While the role of genetic variation in the IFNλ locus to the outcome of CHC treatment has declined, it is clear that variation not only at this locus, but also at other loci, modulate clinically important liver phenotypes, including inflammation, fibrosis progression and the development of hepatocellular cancer. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the role of genetics in the host response to viral hepatitis and the potential future evolution of knowledge in understanding host-viral interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus H Heim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Pierre-Yves Bochud
- Infectious Diseases Service, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne-CHUV, Switzerland.
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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18
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Monteleone K, Scheri GC, Statzu M, Selvaggi C, Falasca F, Giustini N, Mezzaroma I, Turriziani O, d'Ettorre G, Antonelli G, Scagnolari C. IFN-stimulated gene expression is independent of the IFNL4 genotype in chronic HIV-1 infection. Arch Virol 2016; 161:3263-8. [PMID: 27558125 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-016-3016-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the association between the IFNL4 rs368234815 (ΔG/TT) dinucleotide polymorphism and the IFN response during chronic HIV-1 infection. We carried out genotyping analysis and measured the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) (myxovirus resistance protein A [MxA], ISG15, ISG56, apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like [APOBEC] 3F and APOBEC3G) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from naïve and HAART-treated HIV-1-infected patients. There were no statistically significant differences in endogenous ISGs mRNA levels among HIV-1-positive patients bearing different IFNL4 genotypes, suggesting that ISG expression is independent of the IFNL4 genotype in HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Monteleone
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur Italia-Cenci Bolognetti Fondazione, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale di Porta Tiburtina n° 28, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Corano Scheri
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur Italia-Cenci Bolognetti Fondazione, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale di Porta Tiburtina n° 28, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Maura Statzu
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur Italia-Cenci Bolognetti Fondazione, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale di Porta Tiburtina n° 28, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Selvaggi
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur Italia-Cenci Bolognetti Fondazione, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale di Porta Tiburtina n° 28, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Falasca
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur Italia-Cenci Bolognetti Fondazione, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale di Porta Tiburtina n° 28, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Noemi Giustini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivano Mezzaroma
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ombretta Turriziani
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur Italia-Cenci Bolognetti Fondazione, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale di Porta Tiburtina n° 28, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella d'Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur Italia-Cenci Bolognetti Fondazione, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale di Porta Tiburtina n° 28, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur Italia-Cenci Bolognetti Fondazione, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale di Porta Tiburtina n° 28, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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19
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Chinnaswamy S. Gene-disease association with human IFNL locus polymorphisms extends beyond hepatitis C virus infections. Genes Immun 2016; 17:265-75. [PMID: 27278127 PMCID: PMC7091887 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2016.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Interferon (IFN) lambda (IFN-λ or type III IFN) gene polymorphisms were discovered in the year 2009 to have a strong association with spontaneous and treatment-induced clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in human hosts. This landmark discovery also brought renewed interest in type III IFN biology. After more than half a decade since this discovery, we now have reports that show that genetic association of IFNL gene polymorphisms in humans is not limited only to HCV infections but extends beyond, to include varied diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, allergy and several other viral diseases including that caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. Notably, all these conditions have strong involvement of host innate immune responses. After the discovery of a deletion polymorphism that leads to the expression of a functional IFN-λ4 as the prime 'functional' variant, the relevance of other polymorphisms regulating the expression of IFN-λ3 is in doubt. Herein, I seek to critically address these issues and review the current literature to provide a framework to help further understanding of IFN-λ biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Chinnaswamy
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal India
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rheumatology and Allergy, Healthy Ageing Research Centre, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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20
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Meissner EG, Kohli A, Virtaneva K, Sturdevant D, Martens C, Porcella SF, McHutchison JG, Masur H, Kottilil S. Achieving sustained virologic response after interferon-free hepatitis C virus treatment correlates with hepatic interferon gene expression changes independent of cirrhosis. J Viral Hepat 2016; 23:496-505. [PMID: 26840694 PMCID: PMC5021171 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can now be treated with oral directly acting antiviral agents, either with or without ribavirin (RBV). Virologic relapse after treatment can occur, and in some studies was more common in cirrhotic subjects. We previously observed changes in hepatic immunity during interferon (IFN)-free therapy that correlated with favourable outcome in subjects with early liver disease. Here, we compared changes in endogenous IFN pathways during IFN-free, RBV-free therapy between cirrhotic and noncirrhotic subjects. mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression analyses were performed on paired pre- and post-treatment liver biopsies from genotype-1 HCV subjects treated with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) for 12 weeks (n = 4, 3 cirrhotics) or SOF/LDV combined with GS-9669 or GS-9451 for 6 weeks (n = 6, 0 cirrhotics). Nine of ten subjects achieved a sustained virologic response (SVR), while one noncirrhotic subject relapsed. Hepatic IFN-stimulated gene expression decreased with treatment in the liver of all subjects, with no observable impact of cirrhosis. Hepatic gene expression of type III IFNs (IFNL1, IFNL3, IFNL4-ΔG) similarly decreased with treatment, while IFNA2 expression, undetectable in all subjects pretreatment, was detected post-treatment in three subjects who achieved a SVR. Only the subject who relapsed had detectable IFNL4-ΔG expression in post-treatment liver. Other IFNs had no change in gene expression (IFNG, IFNB1, IFNA5) or could not be detected. Although expression of multiple hepatic miRNAs changed with treatment, many miRNAs previously implicated in HCV replication and IFN signalling had unchanged expression. In conclusion, favourable treatment outcome during IFN-free HCV therapy is associated with changes in the host IFN response regardless of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. G. Meissner
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDepartment of Microbiology and ImmunologyMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA,Laboratory of ImmunoregulationNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMDUSA,Critical Care Medicine DepartmentNIH Clinical CenterBethesdaMDUSA
| | - A. Kohli
- Laboratory of ImmunoregulationNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMDUSA,St Joseph's Hospital and Medical CenterDepartment of HepatologyCreighton University School of MedicinePhoenixAZUSA
| | - K. Virtaneva
- Genomics UnitResearch Technologies SectionRocky Mountain LaboratoriesNIAID, NIHHamiltonMTUSA
| | - D. Sturdevant
- Genomics UnitResearch Technologies SectionRocky Mountain LaboratoriesNIAID, NIHHamiltonMTUSA
| | - C. Martens
- Genomics UnitResearch Technologies SectionRocky Mountain LaboratoriesNIAID, NIHHamiltonMTUSA
| | - S. F. Porcella
- Genomics UnitResearch Technologies SectionRocky Mountain LaboratoriesNIAID, NIHHamiltonMTUSA
| | | | - H. Masur
- St Joseph's Hospital and Medical CenterDepartment of HepatologyCreighton University School of MedicinePhoenixAZUSA
| | - S. Kottilil
- Laboratory of ImmunoregulationNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMDUSA,Division of Clinical Care and ResearchInstitute of Human VirologyUniversity of MarylandBaltimoreMDUSA
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21
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Fan W, Xie S, Zhao X, Li N, Chang C, Li L, Yu G, Chi X, Pan Y, Niu J, Zhong J, Sun B. IFN-λ4 desensitizes the response to IFN-α treatment in chronic hepatitis C through long-term induction of USP18. J Gen Virol 2016; 97:2210-2220. [PMID: 27302182 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The recently discovered interferon lambda 4 (IFN-λ4) is a new member of the human type III interferons which could induce a strong antiviral effect through the JAK-STAT cascade. However, hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients who are capable of expressing IFN-λ4 usually have poor response to IFN-α treatment, and the mechanism behind this paradox remains unknown. Here, we reported that IFN-λ4 desensitized IFN-α-stimulated JAK-STAT signalling. Microarray analysis revealed that IFN-λ4 could induce ubiquitin specific peptidase 18 (USP18), a known inhibitor of the type I IFN signalling pathway, in a more sustained pattern compared with type I interferon induction. Moreover, only HCV genotype 1b but not 2a replicon cells pretreated with IFN-λ4 had an attenuated response to type I IFN treatment, which might be due to the different level of USP18 expression. Consistently, knockdown of USP18 in HCV genotype 1b-containing replicon cells reversed the resistance induced by IFN-λ4 and promoted viral clearance. Finally, IFN-λ4 is also strongly associated with the poor response to IFN-α in a Chinese HCV genotype 1b cohort. In conclusion, these data indicate that IFN-λ4 attenuates the response of HCV genotype 1b to IFN-α therapy and inhibits the JAK-STAT signalling pathway by inducing USP18 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiguo Fan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, PR China
| | - Shiqi Xie
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, PR China
| | - Xinhao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, PR China
| | - Nan Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, PR China.,School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 200031, PR China
| | - Chong Chang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, PR China
| | - Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, PR China
| | - Ge Yu
- Hepatology Section, First Hospital, University of Jilin, Changchun 130021, Jilin, PR China
| | - Xiumei Chi
- Hepatology Section, First Hospital, University of Jilin, Changchun 130021, Jilin, PR China
| | - Yu Pan
- Hepatology Section, First Hospital, University of Jilin, Changchun 130021, Jilin, PR China
| | - Junqi Niu
- Hepatology Section, First Hospital, University of Jilin, Changchun 130021, Jilin, PR China
| | - Jin Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, PR China
| | - Bing Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, PR China
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22
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Yu D, Zhao M, Dong L, Zhao L, Zou M, Sun H, Zhang M, Liu H, Zou Z. Design and evaluation of novel interferon lambda analogs with enhanced antiviral activity and improved drug attributes. Drug Des Devel Ther 2016; 10:163-82. [PMID: 26792983 PMCID: PMC4708225 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s91455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Type III interferons (IFNs) (also called IFN-λ: IFN-λ1, IFN-λ2, IFN-λ3, and IFN-λ4) are critical players in the defense against viral infection of mucosal epithelial cells, where the activity of type I IFNs is weak, and unlike type I IFNs that are associated with severe and diverse side effects, type III IFNs cause minimal side effects due to the highly restricted expression of their receptors, and thus appear to be promising agents for the treatment and prevention of respiratory and gastrointestinal viral infection. However, the antiviral potency of natural type III IFNs is weak compared to type I and, although IFN-λ3 possesses the highest bioactivity among the type III IFNs, IFN-λ1, instead of IFN-λ3, is being developed as a therapeutic drug due to the difficulty to express IFN-λ3 in the prokaryotic expression system. Here, to develop optimal IFN-λ molecules with improved drug attributes, we designed a series of IFN-λ analogs by replacing critical amino acids of IFN-λ1 with the IFN-λ3 counterparts, and vice versa. Four of the designed analogs were successfully expressed in Escherichia coli with high yield and were easily purified from inclusion bodies. Interestingly, all four analogs showed potent activity in inducing the expression of the antiviral genes MxA and OAS and two of them, analog-6 and -7, displayed an unexpected high potency that is higher than that of type I IFN (IFN-α2a) in activating the IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE)-luciferase reporter. Importantly, both analog-6 and -7 effectively inhibited replication of hepatitis C virus in Huh-7.5.1 cells, with an IC50 that is comparable to that of IFN-α2a; and consistent with the roles of IFN-λ in mucosal epithelia, both analogs potently inhibited replication of H3N2 influenza A virus in A549 cells. Together, these studies identified two IFN-λ analogs as candidates to be developed as novel antiviral biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debin Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingzhi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Engineering Research Center for Protein Drugs, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liwei Dong
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingwei Zou
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hetong Sun
- Prosit Sole Biotechnology, Co., Ltd., Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengying Zhang
- Prosit Sole Biotechnology, Co., Ltd., Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Prosit Sole Biotechnology, Co., Ltd., Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihua Zou
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
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23
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Implications of Pharmacogenetics for Antimicrobial Prescribing. Mol Microbiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1128/9781555819071.ch43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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24
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Frankova S, Jirsa M, Merta D, Neroldova M, Urbanek P, Senkerikova R, Spicak J, Sperl J. USP18 downregulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells predicts nonresponse to interferon-based triple therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1: a pilot study. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2015; 11:1853-61. [PMID: 26719699 PMCID: PMC4687952 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s94010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Patients with advanced liver fibrosis owing to chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 represent a difficult-to-treat group even if a protease inhibitor is added to pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin. Therefore, only patients with a high chance of cure should be treated with interferon-based treatment. Patients and methods Expression of IFNG, IFNLR1, and interferon-sensitive genes CXCL9, IFI16, IFI27, ISG15, and USP18 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was assessed before and during the initial 12 weeks of treatment. The studied group consisted of 26 treatment-experienced patients of average age of 50 years with advanced liver fibrosis compared to seven healthy volunteers. Fourteen patients were treated with pegylated interferon alpha 2b, ribavirin, and boceprevir and 12 patients with telaprevir. The overall sustained virological response (SVR) rate was 69% (18/26). Results A significant difference in the initial expression (median, interquartile range [IQR]) of CXCL9 2.9×, IQR: 1.7–12.4 vs 1.2×, IQR: 0.5–1.8; (P=0.01) IFNG 7.3×, IQR: 1.7–32.6 vs 0.7×, IQR: 0.4–1.3; P=0.002 and USP18 3.7×, IQR: 2.1–7.7 vs 1.4×, IQR: 0.9–1.6; (P=0.03) was found between the SVR and non-SVR groups. Expression of all analyzed genes was progressively increasing during the first 12 weeks of therapy, but a significant difference between SVR and non-SVR group was found only in USP18 expression at week 12 (P=0.001). Initial expression of four genes predicted SVR in univariate analysis (CXCL9 [OR: 12.00, 95% CI: 1.21–118.89], IFI27 [OR: 12.00, 95% CI: 1.21–118.89], IFNG [OR: 10.50, 95% CI: 1.50–73.67], USP18 [OR: 21.00, 95% CI: 2.05–215.18]). In multivariate analysis, only the initial expression of USP18 was identified as a predictor of SVR (P=0.047). Conclusion Initial expression of USP18 and the course of its activation could be a reliable predictor of SVR achievement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sona Frankova
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jirsa
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dusan Merta
- Department of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Neroldova
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Urbanek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Central Military Hospital, First Medical School, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Renata Senkerikova
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Julius Spicak
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Sperl
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
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25
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Abstract
Despite advances in therapy, hepatitis C virus infection remains a major global health issue with 3 to 4 million incident cases and 170 million prevalent chronic infections. Complex, partially understood, host-virus interactions determine whether an acute infection with hepatitis C resolves, as occurs in approximately 30% of cases, or generates a persistent hepatic infection, as occurs in the remainder. Once chronic infection is established, the velocity of hepatocyte injury and resultant fibrosis is significantly modulated by immunologic as well as environmental factors. Immunomodulation has been the backbone of antiviral therapy despite poor understanding of its mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E. Kaplan
- Medicine and Research Services, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia PA,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
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26
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Amanzada A, Reinhardt L, Fey D, Zeisberg EM, Mihm S. Hepatic Interferon-λ3 (IFNL3) Gene Expression Reveals Not to Be Attenuated in Non-Favorable IFNL3 rs4803217 or IFNL4 rs368234815 Minor Allele Carriers in Chronic Hepatitis C. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143783. [PMID: 26606750 PMCID: PMC4659612 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms in the region of the interferon-λ genes (IFNL) associate with clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. One of these polymorphisms, IFNL4 rs368234815, determines loss or gain of function of the IFNL4 gene by frameshift variation. The very same and a second one, IFNL3 rs4803217, are supposed to impact the expression of IFNL3: while IFNL4 rs368234815 is suggested to modulate IFNL3 transcription, IFNL3 rs4803217 is thought to alter IFNL3 mRNA stability. The latter process is believed to be partially driven by an HCV-induced ectopic expression of myosin heavy chain genes 7B and 7 and their co-expressed microRNAs mir499 and mir208B. These ideas are evidenced by functional investigations on peripheral blood mononuclear and hepatoma cells in culture. Our study aimed at exploring IFNL3 gene expression in clinical samples, i.e., in ex vivo derived liver tissue from patients with chronic hepatitis C (n = 57) and various other diseases (n = 56). By applying an assay designed to specifically quantify IFNL3 and discriminating paralogous IFNL2 transcripts, IFNL3 mRNA expression was not found to differ significantly between chronic hepatitis C and control samples. Among patients with chronic HCV infection, moreover, IFNL3 rs4803217 or IFNL4 rs368234815 minor alleles did not associate with reduced IFNL3 gene expression. Finally, myosin heavy chain genes 7B and 7 and corresponding microRNAs mir499 and mir208B were not found activated in liver in chronic HCV infection. Of note, detectability of MYH7 mRNA related to the procedure of liver biopsy sampling, as tissue obtained by direct punctation of the liver during laparoscopic inspection was less likely to contain MYH7 transcripts than samples acquired by percutaneous punctation. In conclusion, data on ex vivo derived liver tissue samples argue against an attenuating impact of IFNL3 rs4803217 or IFNL4 rs368234815 minor alleles on hepatic IFNL3 gene expression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Amanzada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Lars Reinhardt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Dorothea Fey
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth M. Zeisberg
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Goettingen, Germany
| | - Sabine Mihm
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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27
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Abstract
The interferon system protects mammals against virus infections. There are several types of interferons, which are characterized by their ability to inhibit virus replication and resultant pathogenesis by triggering both innate and cell-mediated immune responses. Virus infection is sensed by a variety of cellular pattern-recognition receptors and triggers the synthesis of interferons, which are secreted by the infected cells. In uninfected cells, cell surface receptors recognize the secreted interferons and activate intracellular signaling pathways that induce the expression of interferon-stimulated genes; the proteins encoded by these genes inhibit different stages of virus replication. To avoid extinction, almost all viruses have evolved mechanisms to defend themselves against the interferon system. Consequently, a dynamic equilibrium of survival is established between the virus and its host, an equilibrium that can be shifted to the host's favor by the use of exogenous interferon as a therapeutic antiviral agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Fensterl
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195;
| | - Saurabh Chattopadhyay
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195;
| | - Ganes C Sen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195;
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28
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Aung AK, Haas DW, Hulgan T, Phillips EJ. Pharmacogenomics of antimicrobial agents. Pharmacogenomics 2015; 15:1903-30. [PMID: 25495412 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.14.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity varies between individuals owing to multiple factors. Genetic variants that affect drug-metabolizing enzymes may influence antimicrobial pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, thereby determining efficacy and/or toxicity. In addition, many severe immune-mediated reactions have been associated with HLA class I and class II genes. In the last two decades, understanding of pharmacogenomic factors that influence antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity has rapidly evolved, leading to translational success such as the routine use of HLA-B*57:01 screening to prevent abacavir hypersensitivity reactions. This article examines recent advances in the field of antimicrobial pharmacogenomics that potentially affect treatment efficacy and toxicity, and challenges that exist between pharmacogenomic discovery and translation into clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ar Kar Aung
- Department of General Medicine & Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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29
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Onabajo OO, Porter-Gill P, Paquin A, Rao N, Liu L, Tang W, Brand N, Prokunina-Olsson L. Expression of Interferon Lambda 4 Is Associated with Reduced Proliferation and Increased Cell Death in Human Hepatic Cells. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2015; 35:888-900. [PMID: 26134097 PMCID: PMC4642834 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2014.0161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon lambda 4 (IFN-λ4) is a novel type-III interferon that can be generated only in individuals carrying a ΔG frame-shift allele of an exonic genetic variant (rs368234815-ΔG/TT). The rs368234815-ΔG allele is strongly associated with decreased clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Here, we further explored the biological function of IFN-λ4 expressed in human hepatic cells—a hepatoma cell line HepG2 and fresh primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). We performed live confocal imaging, cell death and proliferation assays, mRNA expression profiling, protein detection, and antibody blocking assays using transient and inducible stable in vitro systems. Not only did we observe significant intracellular retention of IFN-λ4 but also detected secreted IFN-λ4 in the culture media of expressing cells. Secreted IFN-λ4 induced strong activation of the interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in IFN-λ4-expressing and surrounding cells in transwell assays. Specifically, in PHHs, secreted IFN-λ4 induced expression of the CXCL10 transcript and a corresponding pro-inflammatory chemokine, IP-10. In IFN-λ4-expressing HepG2 cells, we also observed decreased proliferation and increased cell death. All IFN-λ4-induced phenotypes—activation of ISGs, decreased proliferation, and increased cell death—could be inhibited by an anti-IFN-λ4-specific antibody. Our study offers new insights into biology of IFN-λ4 and its possible role in HCV clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olusegun O Onabajo
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Patricia Porter-Gill
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ashley Paquin
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nina Rao
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Luyang Liu
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Wei Tang
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nathan Brand
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ludmila Prokunina-Olsson
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
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30
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Murakawa M, Asahina Y, Nakagawa M, Sakamoto N, Nitta S, Kusano-Kitazume A, Watanabe T, Kawai-Kitahata F, Otani S, Taniguchi M, Goto F, Nishimura-Sakurai Y, Itsui Y, Azuma S, Kakinuma S, Watanabe M. Impaired induction of interleukin 28B and expression of interferon λ 4 associated with nonresponse to interferon-based therapy in chronic hepatitis C. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 30:1075-84. [PMID: 25611696 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Interferon (IFN) λ plays an important role in innate immunity to protect against hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near IL28B (IFNλ3) are strongly associated with treatment response to IFNα therapy in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. Recently, IFNλ4 related to IL28B-unfavorable allele was discovered. However, the impact of IFNλs on CHC is unknown. We aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying responsiveness to IFN-based therapy in CHC associated with SNPs near IL28B. METHODS We evaluated the basal mRNA levels and ex-vivo induction of IFNλ expression including IFNλ4 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 50 CHC patients treated with pegylated-IFNα/RBV. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of IFNλ4 on induction of IL28B in vitro. RESULTS When PBMCs were stimulated with IFNα and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, IL28B induction was significantly lower in patients with IL28B-unfavorable genotype (rs12979860 CT/TT) than those with IL28B-favorable genotype (rs12979860 CC; P=0.049). IL28B induction was lower in nonresponders than in relapsers (P = 0.04), and it was also lower in nonsustained virological responder patients for triple therapy including NS3 protease inhibitors. IFNλ4 mRNA was detected in 12 of 26 patients with IL28B-unfavorable SNP, and IFNλ4 expression was associated with lower IL28B induction in patients with IL28B-unfavorable genotype (P=0.04) and nonresponse to IFNα therapy (P=0.003). Overexpression of IFNλ4 suppressed IL28B induction and promoter activation. CONCLUSIONS Impaired induction of IL28B, related to IFNλ4 expression in PBMCs of IL28B-unfavorable patients, is associated with nonresponse to IFNα-based therapy for hepatitis C viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyako Murakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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31
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Hepatic expression levels of interferons and interferon-stimulated genes in patients with chronic hepatitis C: A phenotype-genotype correlation study. Genes Immun 2015; 16:321-9. [PMID: 26020282 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2015.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
IFNL4 is linked to hepatitis C virus treatment response and type III interferons (IFNs). We studied the functional associations among hepatic expressions of IFNs and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), and treatment response to peginterferon and ribavirin. Type I IFNs (IFNA1, IFNB1), type II (IFNG), type III (IFNL1, IFNL2/3), IFNL4 and ISG hepatic expressions were measured by qPCR from in 65 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients whose IFNL4-associated rs368234815 and IFNL3-associated rs12989760 genotype were determined. There was a robust correlation of hepatic expression within type I and type III IFNs and between type III IFNs and IFNL4 but no correlation between other IFN types. Expression of ISGs correlated with type III IFNs and IFNL4 but not with type I IFNs. Levels of ISGs and IFNL2/3 mRNAs were lower in IFNL3 rs12979860 CC patients compared with non-CC patients, and in treatment responders, compared with nonresponders. IFNL4-ΔG genotype was associated with high ISG levels and nonresponse. Hepatic levels of ISGs in CHC are associated with IFNL2/3 and IFNL4 expression, suggesting that IFNLs, not other types of IFNs, drive ISG expression. Hepatic IFNL2/3 expression is functionally linked to IFNL4 and IFNL3 polymorphisms, potentially explaining the tight association among ISG expression and treatment response.
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32
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Buchanan R, Hydes T, Khakoo SI. Innate and adaptive genetic pathways in HCV infection. TISSUE ANTIGENS 2015; 85:231-40. [PMID: 25708172 DOI: 10.1111/tan.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) leads to a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. This heterogeneity is underpinned by the host immune response and the genetic factors that govern it. Polymorphisms affecting both the innate and adaptive immunity determine the outcome of exposure. However the innate immune system appears to play a greater role in determining treatment-associated responses. Overall the effects of IFNL3/4 appear dominant over other polymorphic genes. Understanding how host genetics determines the disease phenotype has not been as intensively studied. This review summarizes our current understanding of innate and adaptive immunogenetic factors in the outcome of HCV infection. It focuses on how they relate to resolution and the progression of HCV-related liver disease, in the context of current and future treatment regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Buchanan
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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33
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Mihm S. Activation of Type I and Type III Interferons in Chronic Hepatitis C. J Innate Immun 2015; 7:251-259. [PMID: 25766746 DOI: 10.1159/000369973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) results in chronic and progressive liver disease. Persistency rates add up to 85%. Despite recognition of the virus by the human host in peripheral blood and in the liver, immune response appears to be ineffective in clearing infection. The ability to spontaneously eradicate the virus as well as the outcome of infection upon therapy with human recombinant interferon-α (IFN-α) was found to correlate most closely with genetic variations within the region encoding the IFN-λ genes, as revealed by genome-wide association studies on main ethnic populations in 2009. This review summarizes the induction of type I and type III IFN genes and their effectors, the IFN-stimulated genes. It focusses on the in vivo situation in chronic HCV infection in man both in the peripheral blood compartment and in the liver. It also addresses the impact of genetic polymorphisms in the region of type III IFN genes on their activation. Finally, it discusses how antiviral drugs (i.e. IFN-α, ribavirin and the direct-acting antivirals) may complementarily control the activation of endogenous IFNs and succeed in combatting infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Mihm
- Department of Gastroenterology II, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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34
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Interferon-λ4 is a cell-autonomous type III interferon associated with pre-treatment hepatitis C virus burden. Virology 2015; 476:334-340. [PMID: 25577150 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2014.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Genetic variants surrounding the interferon-λ3 (IFNL3) gene are strongly associated with clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV). A variant (rs368234815 TT/ΔG) upstream of IFNL3 was recently implicated to control expression of a novel gene termed IFNL4. We conducted genetic analysis of rs368234815 in a chronic HCV patient cohort and molecular studies of IFNL4 in primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). Analysis of PHHs that are heterozygous at rs368234815 revealed that the IFNL4 transcript isoform is rare, accounting for 2% of transcripts arising from the IFNL4 locus. Nevertheless, IFNL4 over-expression inhibited replication of multiple Flaviviridae and IFNL4 anti-viral potency required the IFNL receptor. In contrast to IFNL3, IFNL4 was inefficiently secreted and appeared to act in a cell-autonomous manner. Genetic analysis revealed associations of rs368234815 with sustained virological response and pre-treatment viral load. The findings suggest that IFNL4 is an atypical IFNL whose activity may be maladaptive to clearance of HCV infection.
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35
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Twenty-five years of type I interferon-based treatment: a critical analysis of its therapeutic use. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2014; 26:121-31. [PMID: 25578520 PMCID: PMC7108252 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2014.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The clinical exploitation of type I interferon (IFN) as an antiviral and antineoplastic agent is based on the properties originally attributed to this cytokine family, with schedules reflecting only their antiviral and antiproliferative activities. Nevertheless, type I IFN has emerged as a central activator of the innate immunity. As current schedules of treatment for chronic hepatitis C and for hematological and solid tumors, based on the continuous administration of recombinant type I IFN or pegylated formulations, disregard viral resistance, host genetic variants predicting treatment outcome and mechanisms of refractoriness, new administration schedules, the combination of type I IFN with new drugs and the increased monitoring of patients’ susceptibility to type I IFN are expected to provide a new life to this valuable cytokine.
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36
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Riva E, Scagnolari C, Turriziani O, Antonelli G. Hepatitis C virus and interferon type III (interferon-λ3/interleukin-28B and interferon-λ4): genetic basis of susceptibility to infection and response to antiviral treatment. Clin Microbiol Infect 2014; 20:1237-45. [PMID: 25273834 DOI: 10.1111/1469-0691.12797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There has been a significant increase in our understanding of the host genetic determinants of susceptibility to viral infections in recent years. Recently, two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs12979860 T/C and rs8099917 T/G, upstream of the interleukin (IL)-28B/interferon (IFN)-λ3 gene have been clearly associated with spontaneous and treatment-induced viral clearance in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Because of their power in predicting the response to IFN/ribavirin therapy, the above SNPs have been used as a diagnostic tool, even though their relevance in the management of HCV infection will be blunt in the era of IFN-free regimens. The recent discovery of a new genetic variant, ss469415590 TT/ΔG, upstream of the IL-28B gene, which generates the novel IFN-λ4 protein, has opened up a new and alternative scenario to understand the functional architecture of type III IFN genomic regions and to improve our knowledge of the pathogenetic mechanism of HCV infection. A role of ss469415590 in predicting responsiveness to antiviral therapy has also been observed in HCV-infected patients receiving direct antiviral agents. The underlying biological mechanism that links the above IL-28B polymorphisms (in both IFN-λ3 and IFN-λ4) to spontaneous and treatment-induced clearance of HCV infection remains to be discovered. Despite this, shedding some light on this issue, which is the main aim of this review, may provide new insights into the general topic of 'host genetics and viral infections'.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Riva
- Department of Integrated Research, Virology Section, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Heim MH, Thimme R. Innate and adaptive immune responses in HCV infections. J Hepatol 2014; 61:S14-25. [PMID: 25443342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 06/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus has been identified a quarter of a decade ago as a leading cause of chronic viral hepatitis that can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Only a minority of patients can clear the virus spontaneously during acute infection. Elimination of HCV during acute infection correlates with a rapid induction of innate, especially interferon (IFN) induced genes, and a delayed induction of adaptive immune responses. However, the majority of patients is unable to clear the virus and develops viral persistence in face of an ongoing innate and adaptive immune response. The virus has developed several strategies to escape these immune responses. For example, to escape innate immunity, the HCV NS3/4A protease can efficiently cleave and inactivate two important signalling molecules in the sensory pathways that react to HCV pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to induce IFNs, i.e., the mitochondrial anti-viral signalling protein (MAVS) and the Toll-IL-1 receptor-domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β (TRIF). Despite these escape mechanisms, IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) are induced in a large proportion of patients with chronic infection. Of note, chronically HCV infected patients with constitutive IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression have a poor response to treatment with pegylated IFN-α (PegIFN-α) and ribavirin. The mechanisms that protect HCV from IFN-mediated innate immune reactions are not entirely understood, but might involve blockade of ISG protein translation at the ribosome, localization of viral replication to cell compartments that are not accessible to anti-viral IFN-stimulated effector systems, or direct antagonism of effector systems by viral proteins. Escape from adaptive immune responses can be achieved by emergence of viral escape mutations that avoid recognition by antibodies and T cells. In addition, chronic infection is characterized by the presence of functionally and phenotypically altered NK and T cell responses that are unable to clear the virus but most likely contribute to the ongoing liver disease. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge about the role of innate and adaptive immune responses in determining the outcome of HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus H Heim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine, Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Laidlaw SM, Dustin LB. Interferon lambda: opportunities, risks, and uncertainties in the fight against HCV. Front Immunol 2014; 5:545. [PMID: 25400636 PMCID: PMC4215632 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity is key to the fight against the daily onslaught from viruses that our bodies are subjected to. Essential to this response are the interferons (IFNs) that prime our cells to block viral pathogens. Recent evidence suggests that the Type III (λ) IFNs are intimately associated with the immune response to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Genome-wide association studies have identified polymorphisms within the IFN-λ gene locus that correlate with response to IFNα-based antiviral therapy and with spontaneous clearance of HCV infection. The mechanisms for these correlations are incompletely understood. Restricted expression of the IFN-λ receptor, and the ability of IFN-λ to induce IFN-stimulated genes in HCV-infected cells, suggest potential roles for IFN-λ in HCV therapy even in this era of directly acting antivirals. This review summarizes our current understanding of the IFN-λ family and the role of λ IFNs in the natural history of HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M. Laidlaw
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lynn B. Dustin
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Mechie NC, Röver C, Cameron S, Amanzada A. Predictability of IL-28B-polymorphism on protease-inhibitor-based triple-therapy in chronic HCV-genotype-1 patients: A meta-analysis. World J Hepatol 2014; 6:759-765. [PMID: 25349647 PMCID: PMC4209421 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v6.i10.759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the predictability of interleukin-28B single nucleotide polymorphism rs12979860 with respect to sustained virological response (SVR) in chronically hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype-1 patients treated with a protease-inhibitor and pegylated interferon-α (Peg-INF-α) based triple-therapy.
METHODS: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Web of Knowledge for studies regarding the interleukin 28B (IL-28B)-genotype and protease-inhibitor based triple-therapy. Ten studies with 2707 patients were included into this meta-analysis. We used regression methods in order to investigate determinants of SVR.
RESULTS: IL-28B-CC-genotype patients achieved higher SVR rates (odds 5.34, 95%CI: 3.81-7.49) than IL-28B-non-CC-genotype patients (1.88, 95%CI: 1.43-2.48) receiving triple-therapy. The line of therapy (treatment-naïve or -experienced for Peg-INF-α) did not affect the predictive value of IL-28B (P = 0.1). IL-28B-CC-genotype patients treated with protease inhibitor-based triple-therapy consisting of Boceprevir, Simeprevir, Telaprevir or Vaniprevir showed odds of 3.38, 14.66, 7.84 and 2.91, respectively. The odds for CC genotype patients treated with Faldaprevir cannot be quantified, as only a single study with a 100% SVR rate was available.
CONCLUSION: IL-28B-SNP predicts the outcome for chronic HCV genotype-1 patients receiving protease inhibitor-based triple-therapy. The predictive value varies between the different protease inhibitors.
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Fernández-Carrillo C, Coto-Llerena M, González P, Crespo G, Mensa L, Caro-Pérez N, Gambato M, Navasa M, Forns X, Pérez-del-Pulgar S. IFNL4 polymorphism predicts response to hepatitis C treatment after liver transplantation. J Clin Virol 2014; 61:282-5. [PMID: 25130512 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2014.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies in chronic hepatitis C patients have shown that rs368234815 polymorphism nearby IL28B is a better predictor of response to antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin than IL28B polymorphisms (rs12979860 and rs8099917). Its effect could be related to interferon lambda 4 (IFNL4), a protein which seems to confer some paradoxical disadvantages in hepatitis C virus (HCV) immune response. OBJECTIVES To assess the role of IFNL4 rs368234815 polymorphism on the response to antiviral treatment after liver transplantation (LT). STUDY DESIGN IFNL4 and IL28B polymorphisms were genotyped in 86 HCV-infected LT recipients and in their donors; all patients had undergone antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin after LT. RESULTS IFNL4 polymorphism strongly correlated with IL28B ones (p < 0.001). The favorable IFNL4 genotype (TT/TT) was significantly more frequent among donors than recipients (60% donors vs. 22% recipients, p <0.001). Recipient TT/TT genotype was associated with a higher sustained virological response rate after LT (p = 0.024). Nevertheless, the highest sustained virological response frequency was found when both donors and recipients had favorable genotypes (73% vs. 25%, p = 0.002), suggesting a role for donor genotype. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that IFNL4 rs368234815 polymorphism is an important predictor of response to antiviral treatment in the LT setting. These findings warrant further studies on IFNL4 role in immune response against HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gonzalo Crespo
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laura Mensa
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Martina Gambato
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Miquel Navasa
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Xavier Forns
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain.
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Mihm S, Spengler U, Amanzada A, Ramadori G. Does the interferon-lambda rather than the interferon-alpha pathway determine the outcome of hepatitis C virus infection? Hepatology 2014; 60:1437-9. [PMID: 25078395 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Mihm
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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Meissner EG, Wu D, Osinusi A, Bon D, Virtaneva K, Sturdevant D, Porcella S, Wang H, Herrmann E, McHutchison J, Suffredini AF, Polis M, Hewitt S, Prokunina-Olsson L, Masur H, Fauci AS, Kottilil S. Endogenous intrahepatic IFNs and association with IFN-free HCV treatment outcome. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:3352-63. [PMID: 24983321 PMCID: PMC4109554 DOI: 10.1172/jci75938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects approximately 170 million people worldwide and may lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in chronically infected individuals. Treatment is rapidly evolving from IFN-α-based therapies to IFN-α-free regimens that consist of directly acting antiviral agents (DAAs), which demonstrate improved efficacy and tolerability in clinical trials. Virologic relapse after DAA therapy is a common cause of treatment failure; however, it is not clear why relapse occurs or whether certain individuals are more prone to recurrent viremia. METHODS. We conducted a clinical trial using the DAA sofosbuvir plus ribavirin (SOF/RBV) and performed detailed mRNA expression analysis in liver and peripheral blood from patients who achieved either a sustained virologic response (SVR) or relapsed. RESULTS. On-treatment viral clearance was accompanied by rapid downregulation of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in liver and blood, regardless of treatment outcome. Analysis of paired pretreatment and end of treatment (EOT) liver biopsies from SVR patients showed that viral clearance was accompanied by decreased expression of type II and III IFNs, but unexpectedly increased expression of the type I IFN IFNA2. mRNA expression of ISGs was higher in EOT liver biopsies of patients who achieved SVR than in patients who later relapsed. CONCLUSION. These results suggest that restoration of type I intrahepatic IFN signaling by EOT may facilitate HCV eradication and prevention of relapse upon withdrawal of SOF/RBV. TRIAL REGISTRATION. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01441180.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric G. Meissner
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - David Wu
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anu Osinusi
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dimitra Bon
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kimmo Virtaneva
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dan Sturdevant
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Steve Porcella
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Honghui Wang
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Eva Herrmann
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John McHutchison
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anthony F. Suffredini
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael Polis
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen Hewitt
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ludmila Prokunina-Olsson
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Henry Masur
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anthony S. Fauci
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shyamasundaran Kottilil
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA. Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA. Department of Pathology, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Dustin LB, Cashman SB, Laidlaw SM. Immune control and failure in HCV infection--tipping the balance. J Leukoc Biol 2014; 96:535-48. [PMID: 25015956 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.4ri0214-126r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the development of potent antiviral drugs, HCV remains a global health problem; global eradication is a long way off. In this review, we discuss the immune response to HCV infection and particularly, the interplay between viral strategies that delay the onset of antiviral responses and host strategies that limit or even eradicate infected cells but also contribute to pathogenesis. Although HCV can disable some cellular virus-sensing machinery, IFN-stimulated antiviral genes are induced in the infected liver. Whereas epitope evolution contributes to escape from T cell-mediated immunity, chronic high antigen load may also blunt the T cell response by activating exhaustion or tolerance mechanisms. The evasive maneuvers of HCV limit sterilizing humoral immunity through rapid evolution of decoy epitopes, epitope masking, stimulation of interfering antibodies, lipid shielding, and cell-to-cell spread. Whereas the majority of HCV infections progress to chronic hepatitis with persistent viremia, at least 20% of patients spontaneously clear the infection. Most of these are protected from reinfection, suggesting that protective immunity to HCV exists and that a prophylactic vaccine may be an achievable goal. It is therefore important that we understand the correlates of protective immunity and mechanisms of viral persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn B Dustin
- University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Siobhán B Cashman
- University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen M Laidlaw
- University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Oxford, United Kingdom
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O'Brien TR, Prokunina-Olsson L, Donnelly RP. IFN-λ4: the paradoxical new member of the interferon lambda family. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2014; 34:829-38. [PMID: 24786669 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2013.0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) are generally considered antiviral cytokines, yet the newly discovered IFN-λ4 is linked with the failure to clear hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection either spontaneously or in response to treatment. IFN-λ4 can be generated only by individuals who carry the IFNL4-ΔG allele (rs368234815), which is the strongest known host factor for predicting clearance of HCV. The ancestral IFNL4-ΔG allele is the major variant in Africans while the minor variant in Asians, suggesting very strong negative genetic selection for this allele-most likely driven by an infectious agent other than HCV. IFN-λ4 most closely resembles IFN-λ3, but these proteins share only 29% amino-acid identity, and, in contrast to IFN-λ3, IFN-λ4 is only weakly secreted. Nevertheless, IFN-λ4 signals through the IFN-λ receptor complex and induces expression of IFN-stimulated genes via the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway. Although the IFNL4-ΔG variant is strongly associated with the failure to clear HCV infection, HCV-infected patients who carry this allele have lower baseline HCV RNA levels in the absence of treatment. Resolving the paradoxical functions of IFN-λ4, which appears to induce antiviral activity yet impair effective clearance of HCV, may yield critical new insights into the immunologic response to HCV infection and IFN biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R O'Brien
- 1 Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute , National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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