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Tepjanta P, Fujiyama K, Misaki R, Kimkong I. The N-linked glycosylation modifications in the hepatitis B surface protein impact cellular autophagy, HBV replication, and HBV secretion. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299403. [PMID: 38489292 PMCID: PMC10942060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
N-linked glycosylation is a pivotal post-translational modification that significantly influences various aspects of protein biology. Autophagy, a critical cellular process, is instrumental in cell survival and maintenance. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) has evolved mechanisms to manipulate this process to ensure its survival within host cells. Significantly, post-translational N-linked glycosylation in the large surface protein of HBV (LHBs) influences virion assembly, infectivity, and immune evasion. This study investigated the role of N-linked glycosylation of LHBs in autophagy, and its subsequent effects on HBV replication and secretion. LHBs plasmids were constructed by incorporating single-, double-, and triple-mutated N-linked glycosylation sites through amino acid substitutions at N4, N112, and N309. In comparison to the wild-type LHBs, N-glycan mutants, including N309Q, N4-309Q, N112-309Q, and N4-112-309Q, induced autophagy gene expression and led to autophagosome accumulation in hepatoma cells. Acridine orange staining of cells expressing LHBs mutations revealed impaired lysosomal acidification, suggesting potential blockage of autophagic flux at later stages. Furthermore, N-glycan mutants increased the mRNA expression of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). Notably, N309Q significantly elevated HBx oncogene level. The LHBs mutants, particularly N309Q and N112-309Q, significantly enhanced HBV replication, whereas N309Q, N4-309Q, and N4-112-309Q markedly increased HBV progeny secretion. Remarkably, our findings demonstrated that autophagy is indispensable for the impact of N-linked glycosylation mutations in LHBs on HBV secretion, as evidenced by experiments with a 3-methyladenine (3-MA) inhibitor. Our study provides pioneering insights into the interplay between N-linked glycosylation mutations in LHBs, host autophagy, and the HBV life cycle. Additionally, we offer a new clue for further investigation into carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These findings underscore the potential of targeting either N-linked glycosylation modifications or the autophagic pathway for the development of innovative therapies against HBV and/or HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patcharin Tepjanta
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kazuhito Fujiyama
- International Center for Biotechnology (ICBiotech), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryo Misaki
- International Center for Biotechnology (ICBiotech), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ingorn Kimkong
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Advanced Studies in Tropical Natural Resources, National Research University – Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Lazarevic I, Banko A, Miljanovic D, Cupic M. Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Isoforms: Their Clinical Implications, Utilisation in Diagnosis, Prevention and New Antiviral Strategies. Pathogens 2024; 13:46. [PMID: 38251353 PMCID: PMC10818932 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a multifunctional glycoprotein composed of large (LHB), middle (MHB), and small (SHB) subunits. HBsAg isoforms have numerous biological functions during HBV infection-from initial and specific viral attachment to the hepatocytes to initiating chronic infection with their immunomodulatory properties. The genetic variability of HBsAg isoforms may play a role in several HBV-related liver phases and clinical manifestations, from occult hepatitis and viral reactivation upon immunosuppression to fulminant hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Their immunogenic properties make them a major target for developing HBV vaccines, and in recent years they have been recognised as valuable targets for new therapeutic approaches. Initial research has already shown promising results in utilising HBsAg isoforms instead of quantitative HBsAg for correctly evaluating chronic infection phases and predicting functional cures. The ratio between surface components was shown to indicate specific outcomes of HBV and HDV infections. Thus, besides traditional HBsAg detection and quantitation, HBsAg isoform quantitation can become a useful non-invasive biomarker for assessing chronically infected patients. This review summarises the current knowledge of HBsAg isoforms, their potential usefulness and aspects deserving further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Lazarevic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.B.); (D.M.); (M.C.)
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Mak LY, Hui RWH, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Novel Drug Development in Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: Capsid Assembly Modulators and Nucleic Acid Polymers. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:877-893. [PMID: 37778775 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Currently approved treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection is insufficient to achieve functional cure. Numerous new compounds are identified, and among many, capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) and nucleic acid polymers (NAPs) are 2 classes of virus-directing agents in clinical development. CAMs interfere with viral pregenomic RNA encapsidation and are effective in viral load reduction but have limited effects on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). NAPs prevent HBsAg release from hepatocytes and induce intracellular degradation, leading to potent suppression of serum HBsAg when combined with nucleoside analogues and pegylated interferon demonstrated by initial data, but awaiting further confirmation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, 7/F, HK Jockey Club Building of Interdisciplinary Research, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, 7/F, HK Jockey Club Building of Interdisciplinary Research, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, 7/F, HK Jockey Club Building of Interdisciplinary Research, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
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Gao N, Guan G, Zhao Q, Gao Z. Editorial: HBsAg seroclearance after pegylated interferon treatment-The beginning of the end. Authors' reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 58:1105-1106. [PMID: 37885165 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Gao et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17670 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17690
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guiwen Guan
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiyi Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiliang Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Urmi UL, Vijay AK, Kuppusamy R, Islam S, Willcox MDP. A Review of the Antiviral Activity of Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides. Peptides 2023; 166:171024. [PMID: 37172781 PMCID: PMC10170872 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Viral epidemics are occurring frequently, and the COVID-19 viral pandemic has resulted in at least 6.5 million deaths worldwide. Although antiviral therapeutics are available, these may not have sufficient effect. The emergence of resistant or novel viruses requires new therapies. Cationic antimicrobial peptides are agents of the innate immune system that may offer a promising solution to viral infections. These peptides are gaining attention as possible therapies for viral infections or for use as prophylactic agents to prevent viral spread. This narrative review examines antiviral peptides, their structural features, and mechanism of activity. A total of 156 cationic antiviral peptides were examined for information of their mechanism of action against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Antiviral peptides can be isolated from various natural sources or can be generated synthetically. The latter tend to be more specific and effective and can be made to have a broad spectrum of activity with minimal side effects. Their unique properties of being positively charges and amphipathic enable their main mode of action which is to target and disrupt viral lipid envelopes, thereby inhibiting viral entry and replication. This review offers a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of antiviral peptides, which could potentially aid in the design and creation of novel antiviral medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umme Laila Urmi
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Ajay Kumar Vijay
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Rajesh Kuppusamy
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Salequl Islam
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh.
| | - Mark D P Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Mak LY, Hui RWH, Cheung KS, Fung J, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Advances in determining new treatments for hepatitis B infection by utilizing existing and novel biomarkers. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:401-416. [PMID: 36943183 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2192920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is a major global health threat and accounts for significant liver-related morbidity and mortality. An improved understanding of how hepatitis B virus (HBV) interacts with the host immune system allows the discovery of novel biomarkers and new treatment options. Viral biomarkers including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and newer ones like HBV RNA and hepatitis B core-related antigen appear to be useful to select patients who are likely to benefit from cessation of long-term antiviral therapy. These markers can also help to confirm target engagement for novel compounds, and efficacy in HBsAg reduction and seroclearance is deemed essential as this is how the current treatment endpoint of functional cure is defined. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors discuss the current standard of care and the gaps between such standard and the ideal goals for treatment in CHB. The authors highlight novel viral and immunological biomarkers that are potentially useful to evaluate treatment response. Novel treatment approaches in relation to these novel biomarkers are also evaluated. EXPERT OPINION Novel serum viral biomarkers and immunological markers are indispensable in the HBV functional cure program. These will likely become part of standard monitoring soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Ka-Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
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Sato K, Inoue J, Akahane T, Kobayashi T, Sato S, Kisara N, Ninomiya M, Iwata T, Sano A, Tsuruoka M, Onuki M, Masamune A. Switching to tenofovir alafenamide versus continued therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients who were treated with entecavir: A prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30630. [PMID: 36181074 PMCID: PMC9524959 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) have been used widely to treat patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, but it is still unclear how best to use these drugs. Although some studies compared the efficacies of treatment switch from ETV to TAF, there has been no randomized study. METHODS We performed a prospective multicenter randomized controlled study in which subjects were enrolled from April 2018 to June 2019 and observed for 2 years until March 2021 to clarify the efficacy and safety of switching from ETV to TAF. RESULTS Thirty-three patients were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups, and a total of 30 patients were evaluated; a TAF-switching group (n = 16) and an ETV-continuing group (n = 14). The mean age of the 30 patients was 61 years old and 18 patients (60%) were male. The serum HBV DNA in all patients were below detection limit. The mean change in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels after 2 years was not significantly different between the TAF and ETV groups (-0.08 vs -0.20 log IU/mL, P = .07). Comparing the group with a HBsAg decline (≤ -0.1 log IU/mL) and a group without a HBsAg decline in an overall analysis, the prior ETV duration was significantly shorter in the HBsAg-declined group (49 vs 92 months, P = .03). Although the eGFR levels tended to decrease in the TAF group compared to ETV (-6.15 vs -2.26 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = .09), no significant differences were observed in patients with baseline eGFR < 60 (-2.49 vs 0.40 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = .25). CONCLUSION The efficacy and safety were comparable in the TAF-switching group and the ETV-continuing group. Because the present study was conducted in limited patients, a larger study will be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Jun Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- * Correspondence: Jun Inoue, Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan (e-mail: )
| | - Takehiro Akahane
- Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Ishinomaki Hospital, Ishinomaki, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tomoo Kobayashi
- Department of Hepatology, Tohoku Rosai Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Shuichi Sato
- Department of Internal medicine, Kurihara Central Hospital, Kurihara, Miyagai, Japan
| | - Norihiro Kisara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Japan Community Health Care Organization Sendai Minami Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Masashi Ninomiya
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Iwata
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Sano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mio Tsuruoka
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Masazumi Onuki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
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Non-Achievement of Alanine Aminotransferase Normalization Associated with the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma during Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Therapies: A Multicenter Retrospective Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092354. [PMID: 35566481 PMCID: PMC9101732 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with a chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection who are treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are still at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and it has been clinically questioned whether patients with a high risk of HCC can be identified efficiently. We aimed to clarify the risk factors associated with the development of HCC during NA therapies. A total of 611 chronically HBV-infected patients without a history of HCC, who were treated with NAs for more than 6 months (median 72 months), from 2000 to 2021, were included from 16 hospitals in the Tohoku district in Japan. Incidences of HCC occurrence were analyzed with clinical factors, including on-treatment responses. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization, based on the criteria of three guidelines, was analyzed with other parameters, including the age−male−ALBI−platelets (aMAP) risk score. During the observation period, 48 patients developed HCC, and the cumulative HCC incidence was 10.6% at 10 years. Non-achievement of ALT normalization at 1 year of therapy was mostly associated with HCC development when ALT ≤ 30 U/L was used as the cut-off (cumulative incidence, 19.9% vs. 5.3% at 10 years, p < 0.001). The effectiveness of the aMAP risk score at the start of treatment was validated in this cohort. A combination of an aMAP risk score ≥ 50 and non-achievement of ALT normalization could stratify the risk of HCC significantly, and notably, there was no HCC development in 103 patients without these 2 factors. In conclusion, non-achievement of ALT normalization (≤30 U/L) at 1 year might be useful in predicting HCC during NA therapies and, in combination with the aMAP risk score, could stratify the risk more precisely.
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