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Ikeda Y, Murata A, Nago H, Yamaguchi M, Om R, Terai Y, Kita Y, Sato S, Sato S, Shimada Y, Genda T. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) glycan isomer is predictive of HBsAg seroclearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Hepatol Res 2024. [PMID: 38804859 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.14076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
AIM Measurement of O-glycosylated middle hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg glycan isomer, HBsAgGi) has been developed to quantify hepatitis B virus (HBV) infectious virions and distinguish them from subviral particles. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum HBsAg seroclearance and serum HBV virions measured by HBsAgGi in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS Serum HBsAgGi levels were quantified in 232 treatment-naïve patients with CHB genotype C. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for factors associated with HBsAg seroclearance. RESULTS Baseline HBsAgGi levels showed significant differences among HBV phenotypes. During a median follow-up period of 7.4 years, 22 of the 232 patients achieved HBsAg seroclearance. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that quantitative HBsAg, nucleoside/nucleotide analog therapy during the follow-up period, and HBsAgGi levels were independent predictors of seroclearance. The adjusted HR indicated that the HBsAg seroclearance probability in patients with low HBsAgGi (≤3.5log ng/mL) was over five times higher than that in patients with high HBsAgGi. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the 10-year probabilities of HBsAg seroclearance were 21.0% and 3.0% in patients with low and high HBsAgGi levels, respectively (p < 0.001), and that patients with high HBsAgGi levels showed low seroclearance probabilities irrespective of the other predictors. CONCLUSION Serum HBV infectious virion levels, measured using HBsAgGi, may be a novel predictor of HBsAg seroclearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Ikeda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Izunokuni, Japan
| | - Ayato Murata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Izunokuni, Japan
| | - Hiroki Nago
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Izunokuni, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Izunokuni, Japan
| | - Rihwa Om
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Izunokuni, Japan
| | - Yuichro Terai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Izunokuni, Japan
| | - Yuji Kita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Izunokuni, Japan
| | - Sho Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Izunokuni, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Izunokuni, Japan
| | - Yuji Shimada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Izunokuni, Japan
| | - Takuya Genda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Izunokuni, Japan
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2
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Willner E, Kolbe F, Momburg F, Protzer U, Dietz H. Hepatitis B Virus Neutralization with DNA Origami Nanoshells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:25836-25842. [PMID: 38728653 PMCID: PMC11129107 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
We demonstrate the use of DNA origami to create virus-trapping nanoshells that efficiently neutralize hepatitis B virus (HBV) in cell culture. By modification of the shells with a synthetic monoclonal antibody that binds to the HBV envelope, the effective neutralization potency per antibody is increased by approximately 100 times compared to using free antibodies. The improvements in neutralizing the virus are attributed to two factors: first, the shells act as a physical barrier that blocks the virus from interacting with host cells; second, the multivalent binding of the antibodies inside the shells lead to stronger attachment to the trapped virus, a phenomenon known as avidity. Pre-incubation of shells with HBV and simultaneous addition of both components separately to cells lead to comparable levels of neutralization, indicating rapid trapping of the virions by the shells. Our study highlights the potential of the DNA shell system to rationally create antivirals using components that, when used individually, show little to no antiviral effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena
M. Willner
- Department
of Biosciences, School of Natural Sciences and Munich Institute of
Biomedical Engineering, Technical University
of Munich, Boltzmannstraße 11, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Fenna Kolbe
- Institute
of Virology, School of Medicine & Health, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Munich, Trogerstraße 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Momburg
- Translational
Immunity Unit, German Cancer Research Center
(DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute
of Virology, School of Medicine & Health, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Munich, Trogerstraße 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
- German
Center for Infection Research (DZIF),
Munich Partner Site, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Hendrik Dietz
- Department
of Biosciences, School of Natural Sciences and Munich Institute of
Biomedical Engineering, Technical University
of Munich, Boltzmannstraße 11, 85748 Garching, Germany
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3
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Babot M, Boulard Y, Agouda S, Pieri L, Fieulaine S, Bressanelli S, Gervais V. Oligomeric assembly of the C-terminal and transmembrane region of SARS-CoV-2 nsp3. J Virol 2024; 98:e0157523. [PMID: 38483167 PMCID: PMC11019948 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01575-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
As for all single-stranded, positive-sense RNA (+RNA) viruses, intracellular RNA synthesis relies on extensive remodeling of host cell membranes that leads to the formation of specialized structures. In the case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) coronavirus causing COVID-19, endoplasmic reticulum membranes are modified, resulting in the formation of double-membrane vesicles (DMVs), which contain the viral dsRNA intermediate and constitute membrane-bound replication organelles. The non-structural and transmembrane protein nsp3 is a key player in the biogenesis of DMVs and, therefore, represents an interesting antiviral target. However, as an integral transmembrane protein, it is challenging to express for structural biology. The C-terminus of nsp3 encompasses all the membrane-spanning, -interacting, and -remodeling elements. By using a cell-free expression system, we successfully produced the C-terminal region of nsp3 (nsp3C) and reconstituted purified nsp3C into phospholipid nanodiscs, opening the way for structural studies. Negative-stain transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of nsp3C oligomers very similar to the region abutting and spanning the membrane on the cytosolic side of DMVs in a recent subtomogram average of the SARS-CoV-2 nsp3-4 pore (1). AlphaFold-predicted structural models fit particularly well with our experimental data and support a pore-forming hexameric assembly. Altogether, our data give unprecedented clues to understand the structural organization of nsp3, the principal component that shapes the molecular pore that spans the DMVs and is required for the export of RNA in vivo. IMPORTANCE Membrane remodeling is at the heart of intracellular replication for single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses. In the case of coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), this leads to the formation of a network of double-membrane vesicles (DMVs). Targeting DMV biogenesis offers promising prospects for antiviral therapies. This requires a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and proteins involved. Three non-structural proteins (nsp3, nsp4, and nsp6) direct the intracellular membrane rearrangements upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. All of them contain transmembrane helices. The nsp3 component, the largest and multi-functional protein of the virus, plays an essential role in this process. Aiming to understand its structural organization, we used a cell-free protein synthesis assay to produce and reconstitute the C-terminal part of nsp3 (nsp3C) including transmembrane domains into phospholipid nanodiscs. Our work reveals the oligomeric organization of one key player in the biogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 DMVs, providing basis for the design of future antiviral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Babot
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Yves Boulard
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Samira Agouda
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Laura Pieri
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Sonia Fieulaine
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Stéphane Bressanelli
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Virginie Gervais
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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4
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Wang Y, Li Q, Li C, Wang C, Wang S, Yuan W, Yu D, Zhang K, Shi B, Chen X, Liu T, Yuan Z, Tong S, Nassal M, Wen YM, Wang YX. Chimeric antigen receptors of HBV envelope proteins inhibit hepatitis B surface antigen secretion. Gut 2024; 73:668-681. [PMID: 37973365 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) caused by HBV infection greatly increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of CHB. HBsAg loss is the key indicator for cure of CHB, but is rarely achieved by current approved anti-HBV drugs. Therefore, novel anti-HBV strategies are urgently needed to achieve sustained HBsAg loss. DESIGN We developed multiple chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) based on single-chain variable fragments (scFvs, namely MA18/7-scFv and G12-scFv), respectively, targeting HBV large and small envelope proteins. Their impacts on HBsAg secretion and HBV infection, and the underlying mechanisms, were extensively investigated using various cell culture models and HBV mouse models. RESULTS After secretory signal peptide mediated translocation into endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and secretory pathway, MA18/7-scFv and CARs blocked HBV infection and virion secretion. G12-scFv preferentially inhibited virion secretion, while both its CAR formats and crystallisable fragment (Fc)-attached versions blocked HBsAg secretion. G12-scFv and G12-CAR arrested HBV envelope proteins mainly in ER and potently inhibited HBV budding. Furthermore, G12-scFv-Fc and G12-CAR-Fc strongly suppressed serum HBsAg up to 130-fold in HBV mouse models. The inhibitory effect lasted for at least 8 weeks when delivered by an adeno-associated virus vector. CONCLUSION CARs possess direct antiviral activity, besides the well-known application in T-cell therapy. Fc attached G12-scFv and G12-CARs could provide a novel approach for reducing circulating HBsAg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontier Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontier Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontier Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shijie Wang
- Deparment of Infectious Diseases, Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontier Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Demin Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious and Respiratory Diseases, Sino-French Research Center for Life Science and Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- SCG Cell Therapy Pte Ltd, Singapore
| | - Bisheng Shi
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontier Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiantian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontier Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontier Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuping Tong
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontier Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Michael Nassal
- Department of Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yu-Mei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontier Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontier Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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5
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Kozuka R, Enomoto M, Yukawa-Muto Y, Odagiri N, Kotani K, Motoyama H, Kawamura E, Hagihara A, Fujii H, Uchida-Kobayashi S, Kawada N. Hepatitis B surface antigen glycan isomer is a predictor of the development of hepatocellular carcinoma during nucleoside/nucleotide analog therapy. Hepatol Res 2024. [PMID: 38323994 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.14016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
AIM A recombinant monoclonal antibody against the hepatitis B surface antigen glycan isomer (HBsAgGi) was newly developed using the O-glycosylated PreS2 peptide in M-HBsAg of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C. However, the association between HBsAgGi and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during nucleoside/nucleotide analog (NA) therapy remains unknown. METHODS A total of 112 HBV genotype C-infected patients who were treated with NA were included in this study. We assessed the association between HBV markers, including HBsAgGi and other conventional markers, and the development of HCC during NA therapy. RESULTS Ten patients developed HCC during the follow-up period. Of the HBV markers, HBsAg (≤3.53 log IU/mL; p = 0.047), HBsAgGi/HBsAg ratio (≥1.10; p = 0.035), and HBV DNA (≤6.3 log copies/mL; p = 0.012) at baseline and HBsAg (≤3.19 log IU/mL; p = 0.033) and HBsAgGi/HBsAg ratio (≥1.09; p = 0.003) at 48 weeks after NA therapy were significantly associated with the development of HCC according to the log rank test. In contrast, no significant association was observed between HBsAgGi and the development of HCC. Multivariate analysis revealed that a platelet count at baseline ≤88 × 103 /mm3 (p = 0.026; hazard ratio [HR], 10.577) and an HBsAgGi/HBsAg ratio at 48 weeks after NA therapy ≥1.09 (p = 0.040; HR, 10.099) were independently and significantly associated with the development of HCC. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that a combination of on-treatment HBsAgGi and HBsAg predicts the development of HCC during NA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritsuzo Kozuka
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaru Enomoto
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Yukawa-Muto
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoshi Odagiri
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kohei Kotani
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Motoyama
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Etsushi Kawamura
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hagihara
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideki Fujii
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sawako Uchida-Kobayashi
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Norifumi Kawada
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
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Liu M, Song Y, Li Y, Yang X, Zhuang H, Li J, Wang J. C2729T mutation associated with HBV mother-to-child transmission reduces HBV production via suppressing LHBs expression. Virulence 2023; 14:2189676. [PMID: 36919573 PMCID: PMC10026911 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2189676] [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: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is still the main route of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, the virological factors affecting HBV MTCT have not been fully elucidated. In this study, based on a prospective cohort of mother-infant pairs with positive maternal hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), we found that the average nucleotide mutation rate of HBV preS1 promoter (SPI) region in the immunoprophylaxis success group was significantly higher than that in the immunoprophylaxis failure group. Among the nucleotide mutations of the HBV SPI region, the C2729T mutation had the highest frequency. Next, we found that the C2729T mutation promoted HBsAg release but reduced HBV production by suppressing the expression of large hepatitis B surface antigen (LHBs), and overexpressing LHBs could rescue this phenomenon. Based on the fact that the C2729T mutation could alter the binding site of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (HNF1) in the HBV SPI region, we uncovered that such an alteration could downregulate the transcriptional activity of SPI by attenuating the binding ability of HNF1 and HBV SPI region. This study suggests that HBV C2729T mutation may contribute to the immunoprophylaxis success of HBV MTCT by reducing HBV production, which supplements the virological factors affecting HBV MTCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minmin Liu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yarong Song
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xingwen Yang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhuang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
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7
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Okumura T, Joshita S, Iwadare T, Wakabayashi SI, Kobayashi H, Yamashita Y, Sugiura A, Kimura T, Umemura T. Kinetics of serum O-glycosylated M-hepatitis B surface antigen with hepatocellular carcinoma history and nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in hepatitis B patients. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:731-739. [PMID: 37363934 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
A newly developed O-glycosylated M-hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAgGi) measurement system can detect hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) associated with infectious particles. We investigated the association of HBsAgGi levels with clinical parameters and a history of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in a cross-sectional cohort analysis (Study 1) as well as the quantitative changes in HBsAgGi during nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy in a longitudinal cohort analysis (Study 2). A total of 124 patients with genotype C chronic HBV infection were analysed in Study 1 to evaluate correlations of HBsAgGi with conventional HBV markers and HCC history. Among those, 36 patients receiving NA therapy were enrolled in Study 2 for quantitative comparisons between pre-treatment baseline and 48 weeks of NA therapy. In Study 1, serum HBsAgGi was significantly associated with HBsAg (r = .5857, p < .00001) and weakly but significantly correlated with HBV DNA (r = .2936, p = .001). Although HBsAgGi (p = .111) was comparable between HCC history (+) group and HCC history (-) group, the HBsAgGi/HBsAg ratio (p = .011) was significantly higher in HCC history (+) patients. In Study 2, HBsAgGi was significantly decreased after 48 weeks of NA therapy (p < .001). HBsAg findings were similar (p = .005) along with an HBV DNA reduction (p < .001). In the baseline hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) (+) subgroup, HBsAgGi decreased significantly between baseline and 48 weeks of NA (p = .005), while HBsAg was comparable (p = .051). Low HBsAg and high HBsAgGi were associated with a history of HCC development. HBsAgGi decreased significantly by 48-week NA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiki Okumura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Joshita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Department of Health Promotion Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takanobu Iwadare
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Wakabayashi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kobayashi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Department of Health Promotion Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamashita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Ayumi Sugiura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kimura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takeji Umemura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Department of Health Promotion Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Department of Advanced Endoscopic Therapy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Consultation Center for Liver Diseases, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
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8
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Pantazica AM, van Eerde A, Dobrica MO, Caras I, Ionescu I, Costache A, Tucureanu C, Steen H, Lazar C, Heldal I, Haugslien S, Onu A, Stavaru C, Branza-Nichita N, Liu Clarke J. The "humanized" N-glycosylation pathway in CRISPR/Cas9-edited Nicotiana benthamiana significantly enhances the immunogenicity of a S/preS1 Hepatitis B Virus antigen and the virus-neutralizing antibody response in vaccinated mice. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2023; 21:1176-1190. [PMID: 36779605 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has taught the world a costly lesson about the devastating consequences of viral disease outbreaks but also, the remarkable impact of vaccination in limiting life and economic losses. Vaccination against human Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), a major human pathogen affecting 290 million people worldwide, remains a key action towards viral hepatitis elimination by 2030. To meet this goal, the development of improved HBV antigens is critical to overcome non-responsiveness to standard vaccines based on the yeast-produced, small (S) envelope protein. We have recently shown that combining relevant immunogenic determinants of S and large (L) HBV proteins in chimeric antigens markedly enhances the anti-HBV immune response. However, the demand for cost-efficient, high-quality antigens remains challenging. This issue could be addressed by using plants as versatile and rapidly scalable protein production platforms. Moreover, the recent generation of plants lacking β-1,2-xylosyltransferase and α-1,3-fucosyltransferase activities (FX-KO), by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, enables production of proteins with "humanized" N-glycosylation. In this study, we investigated the impact of plant N-glycosylation on the immunogenic properties of a chimeric HBV S/L vaccine candidate produced in wild-type and FX-KO Nicotiana benthamiana. Prevention of β-1,2-xylose and α-1,3-fucose attachment to the HBV antigen significantly increased the immune response in mice, as compared with the wild-type plant-produced counterpart. Notably, the antibodies triggered by the FX-KO-made antigen neutralized more efficiently both wild-type HBV and a clinically relevant vaccine escape mutant. Our study validates in premiere the glyco-engineered Nicotiana benthamiana as a substantially improved host for plant production of glycoprotein vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - André van Eerde
- NIBIO - Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås, Norway
| | | | - Iuliana Caras
- "Cantacuzino" Medico-Military National Research Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Ionescu
- "Cantacuzino" Medico-Military National Research Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Costache
- "Cantacuzino" Medico-Military National Research Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalin Tucureanu
- "Cantacuzino" Medico-Military National Research Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Hege Steen
- NIBIO - Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås, Norway
| | - Catalin Lazar
- Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Inger Heldal
- NIBIO - Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås, Norway
| | | | - Adrian Onu
- "Cantacuzino" Medico-Military National Research Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Crina Stavaru
- "Cantacuzino" Medico-Military National Research Institute, Bucharest, Romania
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9
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Li J, Li J, Chen S, Xu W, Zhang J, Tong S. Clinical isolates of hepatitis B virus genotype C have higher in vitro transmission efficiency than genotype B isolates. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28879. [PMID: 37314050 PMCID: PMC10404337 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Serum samples were collected from 54 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive Chinese patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) subgenotype B2 or C2. They were compared for transmission efficiency using same volume of samples or infectivity using same genome copy number. Adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) during inoculation did not increase infectivity of fresh samples but markedly increased infectivity following prolonged sample storage. Differentiated HepaRG cells infected without PEG produced more hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and higher HBsAg/HBeAg ratio than sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP)-reconstituted HepG2 cells infected with PEG. They better supported replication of core promoter mutant in contrast to wild-type (WT) virus by HepG2/NTCP cells. Overall, subgenotype C2 samples had higher viral load than B2 samples, and in general produced more HBeAg, HBsAg, and replicative DNA following same-volume inoculation. Precore mutant was more prevalent in subgenotype B2 and had reduced transmission efficiency. When same genome copy number of viral particles was inoculated, viral signals were not necessarily higher for three WT C2 isolates than four WT B2 isolates. Using viral particles generated from cloned HBV genome, three WT C2 isolates showed slightly reduced infectivity than three B2 isolates. In conclusion, subgenotype C2 serum samples had higher transmission efficiency than B2 isolates in association with higher viral load and lower prevalence of precore mutant, but not necessarily higher infectivity. PEG-independent infection by HBV viremic serum samples is probably attributed to a labile host factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710061, China
| | - Jisu Li
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA
| | - Shiqi Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Weicheng Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710061, China
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Shuping Tong
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA
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10
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Lin N, Yin W, Miller H, Byazrova MG, Herrada AA, Benlagha K, Lee P, Guan F, Lei J, Gong Q, Yan Y, Filatov A, Liu C. The role of regulatory T cells and follicular T helper cells in HBV infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1169601. [PMID: 37275865 PMCID: PMC10235474 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1169601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B has become one of the major global health threats, especially in developing countries and regions. Hepatitis B virus infection greatly increases the risk for liver diseases such as cirrhosis and cancer. However, treatment for hepatitis B is limited when considering the huge base of infected people. The immune response against hepatitis B is mediated mainly by CD8+ T cells, which are key to fighting invading viruses, while regulatory T cells prevent overreaction of the immune response process. Additionally, follicular T helper cells play a key role in B-cell activation, proliferation, differentiation, and formation of germinal centers. The pathogenic process of hepatitis B virus is generally the result of a disorder or dysfunction of the immune system. Therefore, we present in this review the critical functions and related biological processes of regulatory T cells and follicular T helper cells during HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nengqi Lin
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Yin
- Wuhan Children’s Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Heather Miller
- Department of Research and Development, BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Maria G. Byazrova
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry, National Research Center Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrés A. Herrada
- Lymphatic Vasculature and Inflammation Research Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, Chile
| | - Kamel Benlagha
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, EMiLy, Paris, France
| | - Pamela Lee
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fei Guan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Quan Gong
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- Clinical Molecular Immunology Center, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Youqing Yan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Wuhan No.7 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Alexander Filatov
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry, National Research Center Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Chaohong Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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11
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Zheng Y, Yang L, Yu L, Zhu Y, Wu Y, Zhang Z, Xia T, Deng Q. Canocapavir Is a Novel Capsid Assembly Modulator Inducing a Conformational Change of the Linker Region of HBV Core Protein. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051195. [PMID: 37243280 DOI: 10.3390/v15051195] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Canocapavir is a novel antiviral agent with characteristics of core protein allosteric modulators (CpAMs) that is currently in a phase II clinical trial for treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Herein, we show that Canocapavir prevented the encapsidation of HBV pregenomic RNA and increased the accumulation of cytoplasmic empty capsids, presumably by targeting the hydrophobic pocket at the dimer-dimer interface of HBV core protein (HBc). Canocapavir treatment markedly reduced the egress of naked capsids, which could be reversed by Alix overexpression through a mechanism other than direct association of Alix with HBc. Moreover, Canocapavir interfered with the interaction between HBc and HBV large surface protein, resulting in diminished production of empty virions. Of particular note, Canocapavir induced a conformational change of capsids, with the C-terminus of HBc linker region fully exposed on the exterior of capsids. We posit that the allosteric effect may have great importance in the anti-HBV activity of Canocapavir, given the emerging virological significance of HBc linker region. In support of this notion, the mutation at HBc V124W typically recapitulated the conformational change of the empty capsid with aberrant cytoplasmic accumulation. Collectively, our results indicate Canocapavir as a mechanistically distinct type of CpAMs against HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Le Yang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuanfei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- Shanghai Zhimeng Biopharma, Inc., 1976 Gaoke Middle Road, Suite A-302, Pudong District, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Shanghai Zhimeng Biopharma, Inc., 1976 Gaoke Middle Road, Suite A-302, Pudong District, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qiang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai 200032, China
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12
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Ranga A, Gupta A, Yadav L, Kumar S, Jain P. Advancing beyond reverse transcriptase inhibitors: The new era of hepatitis B polymerase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115455. [PMID: 37216809 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a genetically diverse blood-borne virus responsible for chronic hepatitis B. The HBV polymerase plays a key role in viral genome replication within the human body and has been identified as a potential drug target for chronic hepatitis B therapeutics. However, available nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors only target the reverse transcriptase domain of the HBV polymerase; they also pose resistance issues and require lifelong treatment that can burden patients financially. In this study, various chemical classes are reviewed that have been developed to target different domains of the HBV polymerase: Terminal protein, which plays a vital role in the formation of the viral DNA; Reverse transcriptase, which is responsible for the synthesis of the viral DNA from RNA, and; Ribonuclease H, which is responsible for degrading the RNA strand in the RNA-DNA duplex formed during the reverse transcription process. Host factors that interact with the HBV polymerase to achieve HBV replication are also reviewed; these host factors can be targeted by inhibitors to indirectly inhibit polymerase functionality. A detailed analysis of the scope and limitations of these inhibitors from a medicinal chemistry perspective is provided. The structure-activity relationship of these inhibitors and the factors that may affect their potency and selectivity are also examined. This analysis will be useful in supporting the further development of these inhibitors and in designing new inhibitors that can inhibit HBV replication more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Ranga
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, MB Road, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Aarti Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, MB Road, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Laxmi Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, MB Road, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, MB Road, New Delhi, 110017, India.
| | - Priti Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, MB Road, New Delhi, 110017, India.
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13
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Kumar M, Pahuja S, Khare P, Kumar A. Current Challenges and Future Perspectives of Diagnosis of Hepatitis B Virus. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13030368. [PMID: 36766473 PMCID: PMC9914745 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13030368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that approximately 260 million people worldwide are infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is one of the leading causes of liver disease and liver cancer throughout the world. Compared with developed countries, low-income and middle-income countries have limited access to resources and advanced technologies that require highly specialized staff for HBV diagnosis. In spite of the heavy burden caused by hepatitis B virus, 90% of people are still undiagnosed. The World Health Organization (WHO) goal of eliminating hepatitis B by 2030 seems very difficult to achieve due to the existing diagnostic infrastructure in low-resource regions. The majority of diagnostic laboratories still use hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-based tests. WHO's elimination plan is at risk of derailment due to phases like the window period, immune control, and occult HBV infection (OBI) not being detected by standard tests. Here, in this article, we are focusing on various diagnostic platforms for the better diagnosis of HBV. The aim of the elimination of HBV can only be achieved by detecting all phases of HBV infection, which can be executed by a combined approach of using new marker assays along with advanced pretesting and testing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar
- National Institute of Biologicals, Noida 201309, India
| | - Sangeeta Pahuja
- Department of Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Prashant Khare
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology Research, Xenesis Institute, 5th Floor, Plot 68, Sector 44, Gurugram 122003, India
| | - Anoop Kumar
- National Institute of Biologicals, Noida 201309, India
- Correspondence:
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14
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Bertoletti A, Boni C. HBV antigens quantity: duration and effect on functional cure. Gut 2022; 71:2149-2151. [PMID: 34799373 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-326258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bertoletti
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-Nus Medical School, Singapore
| | - Carolina Boni
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious diseases and Hepatology, Parma, Italy
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15
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Yang X, Dai J, Yao S, An J, Wen G, Jin H, Zhang L, Zheng L, Chen X, Yi Z, Tuo B. APOBEC3B: Future direction of liver cancer research. Front Oncol 2022; 12:996115. [PMID: 36203448 PMCID: PMC9530283 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.996115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, and the rate of liver cancer is high due to the of its illness. The main risk factor for liver cancer is infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), but a considerable number of genetic and epigenetic factors are also directly or indirectly involved in the underlying pathogenesis of liver cancer. In particular, the apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic peptide-like protein (APOBEC) family (DNA or mRNA editor family), which has been the focus of virology research for more than a decade, has been found to play a significant role in the occurrence and development of various cancers, providing a new direction for the research of liver cancer. APOBEC3B is a cytosine deaminase that controls a variety of biological processes, such as protein expression, innate immunity, and embryonic development, by participating in the process of cytidine deamination to uridine in DNA and RNA. In humans, APOBEC3B has long been known as a DNA editor for limiting viral replication and transcription. APOBEC3B is widely expressed at low levels in a variety of normal tissues and organs, but it is significantly upregulated in different types of tumor tissues and tumor lines. Thus, APOBEC3B has received increasing attention in various cancers, but the role of APOBEC3B in the occurrence and development of liver cancer due to infection with HBV remains unclear. This review provides a brief introduction to the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma induced by HBV, and it further explores the latest results of APOBEC3B research in the development of HBV and liver cancer, thereby providing new directions and strategies for the treatment and prevention of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyue Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jing Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Shun Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jiaxing An
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Guorong Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Hai Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Liming Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xingyue Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Biguang Tuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- The Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- *Correspondence: Biguang Tuo,
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16
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Bazinet M, Anderson M, Pântea V, Placinta G, Moscalu I, Cebotarescu V, Cojuhari L, Jimbei P, Iarovoi L, Smesnoi V, Musteata T, Jucov A, Dittmer U, Gersch J, Holzmayer V, Kuhns M, Cloherty G, Vaillant A. HBsAg isoform dynamics during NAP-based therapy of HBeAg-negative chronic HBV and HBV/HDV infection. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1870-1880. [PMID: 35368148 PMCID: PMC9315123 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid polymers block the assembly of hepatitis B virus (HBV) subviral particles, effectively preventing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) replenishment in the circulation. Nucleic acid polymer (NAP)-based combination therapy of HBV infection or HBV/hepatitis D virus (HDV) co-infection is accompanied by HBsAg clearance and seroconversion, HDV-RNA clearance in co-infection, and persistent functional cure of HBV (HBsAg < 0.05 IU/ml, HBV-DNA target not dected, normal alanine aminotransferase) and persistent clearance of HDV RNA. An analysis of HBsAg isoform changes during quantitative HBsAg declines (qHBsAg), and subsequent treatment-free follow-up in the REP 301/REP 301-LTF (HBV/HDV) and REP 401 (HBV) studies was conducted. HBsAg isoforms were analyzed from frozen serum samples using Abbott Research Use Only assays for HBsAg isoforms (large [L], medium [M], and total [T]). The relative change over time in small HBsAg relative to the other isoforms was inferred by the change in the ratio over time of T-HBsAg to M-HBsAg. HBsAg isoform declines followed qHBsAg declines in all participants. No HBsAg isoforms were detectable in any participants with functional cure. HBsAg declines > 2 log10 IU/ml from baseline were correlated with selective clearance of S-HBsAg in 39 of 42 participants. Selective S-HBsAg decline was absent in 9 of 10 participants with HBsAg decline < 2 log10 IU/ml from baseline. Mild qHBsAg rebound during follow-up <10 IU/ml consisted mostly of S-HBsAg and M-HBsAg and not accompanied by significant covalently closed circular DNA activity. Conclusion: The faster observed declines in S-HBsAg indicate the selective clearance of subviral particles from the circulation, consistent with previous mechanistic studies on NAPs. Trace HBsAg rebound in the absence of HBV DNA may reflect HBsAg derived from integrated HBV DNA and not rebound of viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Victor Pântea
- Department of Infectious DiseasesNicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and PharmacyChișinăuRepublic of Moldova
| | - Gheorghe Placinta
- Department of Infectious DiseasesNicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and PharmacyChișinăuRepublic of Moldova
| | - Iurie Moscalu
- ARENSIA Exploratory MedicineRepublican Clinical HospitalChișinăuRepublic of Moldova
| | - Valentin Cebotarescu
- Department of Infectious DiseasesNicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and PharmacyChișinăuRepublic of Moldova
| | - Lilia Cojuhari
- Department of Infectious DiseasesNicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and PharmacyChișinăuRepublic of Moldova
| | - Pavlina Jimbei
- Toma Ciorbǎ Infectious Clinical HospitalChișinăuRepublic of Moldova
| | - Liviu Iarovoi
- Department of Infectious DiseasesNicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and PharmacyChișinăuRepublic of Moldova
| | | | - Tatina Musteata
- Toma Ciorbǎ Infectious Clinical HospitalChișinăuRepublic of Moldova
| | - Alina Jucov
- Department of Infectious DiseasesNicolae Testemiţanu State University of Medicine and PharmacyChișinăuRepublic of Moldova.,ARENSIA Exploratory MedicineRepublican Clinical HospitalChișinăuRepublic of Moldova
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for VirologyUniversity of Duisburg-EssenEssenGermany
| | | | | | - Mary Kuhns
- Abbott DiagnosticsAbbott ParkIllinoisUSA
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17
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Murata A, Angata K, Sogabe M, Sato S, Ichida T, Narimatsu H, Genda T. Serum O-glycosylated hepatitis B surface antigen levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B during nucleos(t)ide analog therapy. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:270. [PMID: 35641912 PMCID: PMC9153111 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02352-4] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a component of both hepatitis B virus (HBV) virions and non-infectious subviral particles (SVPs). Recently, O-glycosylation of the PreS2 domain of middle HBsAg protein has been identified as a distinct characteristic of genotype C HBV virions versus SVPs. This study aimed to evaluate serum O-glycosylated HBsAg levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treated with nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs). Methods Forty-seven treatment-naïve patients with genotype C CHB were retrospectively enrolled. Serum O-glycosylated HBsAg levels at baseline and after 48 weeks of NA therapy were quantified by immunoassay using a monoclonal antibody against the O-glycosylated PreS2 domain of middle HBsAg, and their correlations with conventional HBV marker levels were analyzed. Results At baseline, the serum O-glycosylated HBsAg levels were significantly correlated with the HBV DNA (P = 0.004), HBsAg (P = 0.005), and hepatitis B-core related antigen (HBcrAg, P = 0.001) levels. Both HBV DNA and O-glycosylated HBsAg levels were decreased after 48 weeks of NA therapy. The significant correlation of the O-glycosylated HBsAg level with the HBsAg or HBcrAg level was lost in patients who achieved undetectable HBV DNA (HBsAg, P = 0.429; HBcrAg, P = 0.065). Immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that HBV DNA and RNA were detected in the O-glycosylated HBsAg-binding serum fraction, and the proportion of HBV RNA increased during NA therapy (P = 0.048). Conclusion Serum O-glycosylated HBsAg levels change during NA therapy and may reflect combined levels of serum HBV DNA and RNA virions. An O-glycosylated HBsAg-based immunoassay may provide a novel means to monitor viral kinetics during NA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayato Murata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni-shi, Shizuoka, 410-2295, Japan
| | - Kiyohiko Angata
- Research Core for Medical GlycoScience (RCMG) Inc, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Maki Sogabe
- Research Core for Medical GlycoScience (RCMG) Inc, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni-shi, Shizuoka, 410-2295, Japan
| | - Takafumi Ichida
- Department of Hepatology, East Shonan Clinic, Chigasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hisashi Narimatsu
- Research Core for Medical GlycoScience (RCMG) Inc, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takuya Genda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni-shi, Shizuoka, 410-2295, Japan.
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18
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Special Issue: “Updates on HBV Infection”. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030580. [PMID: 35336155 PMCID: PMC8954355 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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19
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5' preS1 mutations to prevent large envelope protein expression from hepatitis B virus genotype A or genotype D markedly increase polymerase-envelope fusion protein. J Virol 2022; 96:e0172321. [PMID: 35019714 PMCID: PMC8906437 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01723-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) large (L) envelope protein is translated from 2.4-kb RNA. It contains preS1, preS2, and S domains and is detected in Western blot as p39 and gp42. The 3.5-kb pregenomic RNA produces core and polymerase (P) proteins. We generated L-minus mutants of a genotype A clone and a genotype D clone from 1.1mer or 1.3mer construct, with the former overproducing pregenomic RNA. Surprisingly, mutating preS1 ATG codon(s) or introducing a nonsense mutation soon afterwards switched secreted p39/gp42 into p41/p44 doublet, with its amount further increased by a nonsense mutation in the core gene. A more downstream preS1 nonsense mutation prevented p41/p44 production. Tunicamycin treatment confirmed p44 as glycosylated form of p41. In this regard splicing of 3.5-kb RNA to generate nt2447-nt2902 junction for genotype D enables translation of p43, with N-terminal 47 residues of P protein fused to C-terminal 371 residues of L protein. Indeed p41/p44 were detectable by an antibody against N-terminus of P protein, and eliminated by a nonsense mutation at 5' P gene or a point mutation to prevent that splicing. Therefore, lost L (and core) protein expression from 1.1mer or 1.3mer construct markedly increased p41/p44 (p43), the P-L fusion protein. Co-transfection with an expression construct for L/M proteins reversed high extracellular p41/p44 associated with L-minus mutants, suggesting that L protein retains p43 in wild-type HBV to promote its intracellular degradation. Considering that p43 lacks N-terminal preS1 sequence critical for receptor binding, its physiological significance during natural infection and therapeutic potential warrant further investigation. IMPORTANCE The large (L) envelope protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is translated from 2.4-kb RNA and detected in Western blot as p39 and gp42. Polymerase (P) protein is expressed at a low level from 3.5-kb RNA. The major spliced form of 3.5-kb RNA will produce a fusion protein between the first 47 residues of P protein and a short irrelevant sequence, although also at a low level. Another spliced form has the same P protein sequence fused to L protein missing its first 18 residues. We found that some point mutations to eliminate L and core protein expression from overlength HBV DNA constructs converted p39/gp42 into p41/gp44, which turned out to be that P-L fusion protein. Thus, the P-L fusion protein can be expressed at extremely high level when L protein expression is prevented. The underlying mechanism and functional significance of this variant form of L protein warrant further investigation.
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Xu H, Locarnini S, Wong D, Hammond R, Colledge D, Soppe S, Huynh T, Shaw T, Thompson AJ, Revill PA, Hogarth PM, Wines BD, Walsh R, Warner N. Role of anti-HBs in functional cure of HBeAg+ chronic hepatitis B patients infected with HBV genotype A. J Hepatol 2022; 76:34-45. [PMID: 34371070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS HBsAg-specific antibody responses are difficult to detect during chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) and are often overlooked. The aim of this study was to examine whether anti-HBs may be involved in functional cure (FC) by profiling anti-HBs responses in patients with CHB using a panel of specific assays. METHODS Longitudinal serum samples were obtained from 25 patients with CHB who were infected with HBV genotype A and were undergoing nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) treatment: 14 achieved FC while 11 remained infected (non-FC). Anti-HBs immune complexes (HBsAg-IC), FcγRIIIa dimer binding, epitope specificity and neutralisation efficacy were measured. RESULTS HBsAg-IC peaks were detected prior to HBsAg loss in 10/14 FC patients. These HBsAg-IC peaks overlapped with either an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flare (8/10 patients), or a rise in ALT (2/10 patients). HBsAg-IC peaks were detected in 7/11 non-FC patients, but were not associated with an ALT flare. FCγRIIIa binding was detected in 9/14 FC patients, independent from detection of overlapping HBsAg-IC/ALT peaks. FC patients had stable HBsAg epitope occupancy across the study, whereas non-FC patients had a reduction in HBsAg epitope occupancy within the first 12-24 weeks of NA treatment. Convalescent sera from FC patients recognised more HBsAg epitopes and neutralised HBV infection more potently than anti-HBs derived from vaccinees. Neutralisation potency appeared to increase post-HBsAg loss in 4/5 FC patients examined. CONCLUSIONS Using these assays, we confirm that anti-HBs responses are present and fluctuate over time in this cohort of patients with HBeAg+ CHB, who were infected with HBV genotype A and treated with NAs. Key anti-HBs profiles associated with either FC or failure to achieve FC were also identified, suggesting a role for anti-HBs responses in FC. LAY SUMMARY Using a panel of assays to characterise hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) responses in a group of patients with chronic hepatitis B, we identified anti-HBs profiles associated with either functional cure, or failure to achieve functional cure. Functional cure was associated with immune complex peaks which overlapped with alanine aminotransferase flares. Conversely, in those who did not achieve functional cure, immune complex peaks were present, but were not associated with alanine aminotransferase flares, and a decline in anti-HBs diversity was observed early during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xu
- Research and Molecular Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Locarnini
- Research and Molecular Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
| | - Darren Wong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Hammond
- Research and Molecular Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danni Colledge
- Research and Molecular Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Soppe
- Research and Molecular Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thao Huynh
- Research and Molecular Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim Shaw
- Research and Molecular Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Peter A Revill
- Research and Molecular Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
| | - P Mark Hogarth
- Immune Therapies Group, Burnet Institute, Victoria, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bruce D Wines
- Immune Therapies Group, Burnet Institute, Victoria, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Renae Walsh
- Research and Molecular Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia; ClearB Therapeutics, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nadia Warner
- Research and Molecular Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia.
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21
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Charatcharoenwitthaya P, Kaewdech A, Piratvisuth T. Controversies in Treating Chronic HBV: The Role of PEG-interferon-alfa. Clin Liver Dis 2021; 25:741-762. [PMID: 34593151 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pegylated interferon-alpha therapy is one of the first-line chronic hepatitis B treatment. Finite treatment duration, absence of drug resistance, delayed response, and higher hepatitis B surface antigen loss than nucleos(t)ides analog therapy are the advantages of pegylated interferon-alpha treatment. Common side effects and subcutaneous injections requirement limit its use. Identifying patients likely to respond to pegylated interferon-alpha and optimizing treatment is reasonable. Motivating patients to complete the 48-week treatment is necessary. Treatment is stopped or switched to other treatment strategies in patients with stopping rule criteria. Combination therapy with nucleos(t)ides analog may improve response, but remains controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phunchai Charatcharoenwitthaya
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Wang-Lang Road, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Apichat Kaewdech
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Kanchanawanich Road, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Teerha Piratvisuth
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Kanchanawanich Road, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Songklanagarind Hospital, Prince of Songkla University, Kanchanawanich Road, Songkhla 90110, Thailand.
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22
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Abstract
Hepatitis B was discovered by researchers who were investigating jaundice associated with blood transfusions as well as parenterally administered medications. Through trial and error, the HBV was identified. There are specific tests that detect HBV infection, whether it is a previous exposure or active infection. The various HBV serologies are reviewed in this work as well. Hepatitis B surface antigen has emerged as a tool in defining treatment endpoint and its significance is reviewed. HBV genotypes are distributed uniquely throughout the world, in particular, genotype C is associated with higher rates of hepatocellular carcinoma. Various HBV genotypes and their impact on the clinical course are discussed. The relationship of HBV serologies and HBV DNA to disease progression is outlined. There are specific recommendations on monitoring those infected with HBV and this is reviewed here. HBV mutations have an impact on the disease course and those of significance are also discussed.
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23
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Van Damme E, Vanhove J, Severyn B, Verschueren L, Pauwels F. The Hepatitis B Virus Interactome: A Comprehensive Overview. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:724877. [PMID: 34603251 PMCID: PMC8482013 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.724877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of a prophylactic vaccine, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major health problem affecting an estimated 292 million people globally. Current therapeutic goals are to achieve functional cure characterized by HBsAg seroclearance and the absence of HBV-DNA after treatment cessation. However, at present, functional cure is thought to be complicated due to the presence of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and integrated HBV-DNA. Even if the episomal cccDNA is silenced or eliminated, it remains unclear how important the high level of HBsAg that is expressed from integrated HBV DNA is for the pathology. To identify therapies that could bring about high rates of functional cure, in-depth knowledge of the virus' biology is imperative to pinpoint mechanisms for novel therapeutic targets. The viral proteins and the episomal cccDNA are considered integral for the control and maintenance of the HBV life cycle and through direct interaction with the host proteome they help create the most optimal environment for the virus whilst avoiding immune detection. New HBV-host protein interactions are continuously being identified. Unfortunately, a compendium of the most recent information is lacking and an interactome is unavailable. This article provides a comprehensive review of the virus-host relationship from viral entry to release, as well as an interactome of cccDNA, HBc, and HBx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Van Damme
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Jolien Vanhove
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, Beerse, Belgium.,Early Discovery Biology, Charles River Laboratories, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Bryan Severyn
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, Springhouse, PA, United States
| | - Lore Verschueren
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Frederik Pauwels
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, Beerse, Belgium
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24
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Ouchida T, Takamatsu S, Maeda M, Asuka T, Morita C, Kondo J, Ueda K, Miyoshi E. Challenges in the Application of Glyco-Technology to Hepatitis B Virus Therapy and Diagnosis. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091860. [PMID: 34578441 PMCID: PMC8473023 DOI: 10.3390/v13091860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major pathogen that causes acute/chronic hepatitis. Continuous HBV infection can lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although several different anti-HBV treatments are available for chronic hepatitis B patients, discontinuing these medications is difficult. Patients with chronic hepatitis B at high risk for HCC therefore require close observation. However, no suitable biomarkers for detecting high-risk groups for HCC exist, except for serum HBV-DNA, but a number of HCC biomarkers are used clinically, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA-II). Glycosylation is an important post-translational protein modification involved in many human pathologic conditions. HBV surface proteins contain various oligosaccharides, and several reports have described their biological functions. Inhibition of HBV glycosylation represents a potential novel anti-HBV therapy. It is thought that glycosylation of hepatocytes/hepatoma cells is also important for HBV infection, as it prevents HBV from infecting cells other than hepatocytes, even if the cells express the HBV receptor. In this review, we summarize considerable research regarding the relationship between HBV and glycosylation as it relates to the development of novel diagnostic tests and therapies for HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsunenori Ouchida
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-7 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (T.O.); (S.T.); (M.M.); (T.A.); (C.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Shinji Takamatsu
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-7 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (T.O.); (S.T.); (M.M.); (T.A.); (C.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Megumi Maeda
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-7 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (T.O.); (S.T.); (M.M.); (T.A.); (C.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Tatsuya Asuka
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-7 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (T.O.); (S.T.); (M.M.); (T.A.); (C.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Chiharu Morita
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-7 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (T.O.); (S.T.); (M.M.); (T.A.); (C.M.); (J.K.)
- Department of Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan;
| | - Jumpei Kondo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-7 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (T.O.); (S.T.); (M.M.); (T.A.); (C.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Keiji Ueda
- Department of Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan;
| | - Eiji Miyoshi
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-7 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (T.O.); (S.T.); (M.M.); (T.A.); (C.M.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +81-6-6879-2590
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25
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Zhao F, Xie X, Tan X, Yu H, Tian M, Lv H, Qin C, Qi J, Zhu Q. The Functions of Hepatitis B Virus Encoding Proteins: Viral Persistence and Liver Pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:691766. [PMID: 34456908 PMCID: PMC8387624 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.691766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
About 250 million people worldwide are chronically infected with Hepatitis B virus (HBV), contributing to a large burden on public health. Despite the existence of vaccines and antiviral drugs to prevent infection and suppress viral replication respectively, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) cure remains a remote treatment goal. The viral persistence caused by HBV is account for the chronic infection which increases the risk for developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV virion utilizes various strategies to escape surveillance of host immune system therefore enhancing its replication, while the precise mechanisms involved remain elusive. Accumulating evidence suggests that the proteins encoded by HBV (hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core antigen, hepatitis B envelope antigen, HBx and polymerase) play an important role in viral persistence and liver pathogenesis. This review summarizes the major findings in functions of HBV encoding proteins, illustrating how these proteins affect hepatocytes and the immune system, which may open new venues for CHB therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenglin Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xie
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xu Tan
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongli Yu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China
| | - Miaomiao Tian
- Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Huanran Lv
- Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengyong Qin
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianni Qi
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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26
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Enriquez-Navarro K, Maldonado-Rodriguez A, Rojas-Montes O, Torres-Ibarra R, Bucio-Ortiz L, De la Cruz MA, Torres-Flores J, Xoconostle-Cazares B, Lira R. Identification of mutations in the S gene of hepatitis B virus in HIV positive Mexican patients with occult hepatitis B virus infection. Ann Hepatol 2021; 19:507-515. [PMID: 32592870 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is characterized by the presence of replication-competent hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the liver and/or serum of patients with undetectable levels of the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). Due to the shared infection routes HIV positive patients are at higher risk of developing OBI, thus, the aim of this study was to determine the frequency of OBI in Mexican HIV-infected patients and to identify mutations in the HBV S gene that could be associated to the development of OBI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Plasma samples from 50 HIV-infected patients with undetectable levels of the HBsAg were obtained and analyzed. The Core, PreS and S genes were amplified by nested PCR and sequenced by the Sanger method. To analyze HBV diversity in the OBI-positive patients, ten sequences of 762bp from the HBV S gene were selected, cloned, and subsequently sequenced for mutational analyses. RESULTS OBI infection was found with a frequency of 36% (18/50). All the HBV sequences corresponded to the H genotype. The most common mutations were: C19Y, Q129H, E164D, and I195M, with a frequency of 44%, 36%, 39% and 48% respectively. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we report the presence of OBI in a cohort of Mexican HIV-infected patients with an overall prevalence of 36%. Mutational analyses revealed that four non-silent mutations were frequent in different regions of the HBsAg gene, suggesting that they might be associated to the development of OBI in this population, nevertheless, further studies are required to determine their role in the pathogenesis of OBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Enriquez-Navarro
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, UMAE Hospital de Pediatría, CMN Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Biología Experimental, DCBS, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Angelica Maldonado-Rodriguez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, UMAE Hospital de Pediatría, CMN Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Othon Rojas-Montes
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, UMAE Hospital de Pediatría, CMN Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Rocio Torres-Ibarra
- Clinica de Hepatitis, Hospital de Infectologia Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Leticia Bucio-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Miguel A De la Cruz
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, UMAE Hospital de Pediatría, CMN Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Jesus Torres-Flores
- Laboratorio de Virología, Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Beatriz Xoconostle-Cazares
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioingeniería, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Rosalia Lira
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, UMAE Hospital de Pediatría, CMN Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico.
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27
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Dong H, Zhu Y, Shen Y, Xie S, He Y, Lu L. High prevalence of tryptophan-truncated S quasispecies in treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34292864 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001623] [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: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) encoded by the S gene is highly expressed during the replication cycle of hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, the frequent usage of tryptophan in HBsAg, which leads to a high cost of biosynthesis, is inconsistent with the high expression level of this protein. Tryptophan-truncated mutation of HBsAg, that is, a tryptophan to stop codon mutation resulting in truncated HBsAg, might help to maintain its high expression with lower biosynthetic cost. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of tryptophan-truncated S quasispecies in treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) by applying CirSeq as well as a site-by-site algorithm developed by us to identify variants at extremely low frequencies in the carboxyl terminus of HBsAg. A total of 730 mutations were identified in 27 patients with CHB, varying from seven to 56 mutations per sample. The number of synonymous mutations was much higher than that of nonsynonymous mutations in the reverse transcriptase (RT) coding region and vice versa in the S coding region, implying that the evolutionary constraints on the RT and S genes might be different. We showed that 25 (92.6 %) of 27 patients had at least one S-truncated mutation, most of which were derived from tryptophan, indicating a high prevalence of tryptophan-truncated S mutations in treatment-naïve patients with CHB. In terms of the RT gene, 21 (77.8 %) patients had pre-existing drug-resistant mutations, while no truncated mutations were detected. Our findings that tryptophan-truncated S quasispecies and drug-resistant RT mutants were highly prevalent in treatment-naïve patients with CHB provide new insights into the composition of the HBV population, which might help optimize the treatment and management of patients with CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, PR China
| | - Yongqiang Zhu
- Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Yan Shen
- Nanjing Shenyou Institute of Genome Research, Nanjing, 210048, PR China
| | - Shaoqing Xie
- Nanjing Shenyou Institute of Genome Research, Nanjing, 210048, PR China
| | - Yungang He
- Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Lungen Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, PR China
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28
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Rapid and Robust Continuous Purification of High-Titer Hepatitis B Virus for In Vitro and In Vivo Applications. Viruses 2021; 13:v13081503. [PMID: 34452368 PMCID: PMC8402639 DOI: 10.3390/v13081503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Available treatments for hepatitis B can control the virus but are rarely curative. This led to a global initiative to design new curative therapies for the 257 million patients affected. Discovery and development of these new therapies is contingent upon functional in vitro and in vivo hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection models. However, low titer and impurity of conventional HBV stocks reduce significance of in vitro infections and moreover limit challenge doses in current in vivo models. Therefore, there is a critical need for a robust, simple and reproducible protocol to generate high-purity and high-titer infectious HBV stocks. Here, we outline a three-step protocol for continuous production of high-quality HBV stocks from supernatants of HBV-replicating cell lines. This purification process takes less than 6 h, yields to high-titer stocks (up to 1 × 1011 enveloped, DNA-containing HBV particles/mL each week), and is with minimal equipment easily adaptable to most laboratory settings.
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Venkataraman S, Hefferon K, Makhzoum A, Abouhaidar M. Combating Human Viral Diseases: Will Plant-Based Vaccines Be the Answer? Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9070761. [PMID: 34358177 PMCID: PMC8310141 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular pharming or the technology of application of plants and plant cell culture to manufacture high-value recombinant proteins has progressed a long way over the last three decades. Whether generated in transgenic plants by stable expression or in plant virus-based transient expression systems, biopharmaceuticals have been produced to combat several human viral diseases that have impacted the world in pandemic proportions. Plants have been variously employed in expressing a host of viral antigens as well as monoclonal antibodies. Many of these biopharmaceuticals have shown great promise in animal models and several of them have performed successfully in clinical trials. The current review elaborates the strategies and successes achieved in generating plant-derived vaccines to target several virus-induced health concerns including highly communicable infectious viral diseases. Importantly, plant-made biopharmaceuticals against hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), the cancer-causing virus human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza virus, zika virus, and the emerging respiratory virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been discussed. The use of plant virus-derived nanoparticles (VNPs) and virus-like particles (VLPs) in generating plant-based vaccines are extensively addressed. The review closes with a critical look at the caveats of plant-based molecular pharming and future prospects towards further advancements in this technology. The use of biopharmed viral vaccines in human medicine and as part of emergency response vaccines and therapeutics in humans looks promising for the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srividhya Venkataraman
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; (K.H.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kathleen Hefferon
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; (K.H.); (M.A.)
| | - Abdullah Makhzoum
- Department of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science & Technology, Palapye, Botswana;
| | - Mounir Abouhaidar
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; (K.H.); (M.A.)
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30
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A novel piperazine derivative that targets hepatitis B surface antigen effectively inhibits tenofovir resistant hepatitis B virus. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11723. [PMID: 34083665 PMCID: PMC8175705 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91196-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global problem. The loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in serum is a therapeutic end point. Prolonged therapy with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues targeting the HBV-polymerase may lead to resistance and rarely results in the loss of HBsAg. Therefore, inhibitors targeting HBsAg may have potential therapeutic applications. Here, we used computational virtual screening, docking, and molecular dynamics simulations to identify potential small molecule inhibitors against HBsAg. After screening a million molecules from ZINC database, we identified small molecules with potential anti-HBV activity. Subsequently, cytotoxicity profiles and anti-HBV activities of these small molecules were tested using a widely used cell culture model for HBV. We identified a small molecule (ZINC20451377) which binds to HBsAg with high affinity, with a KD of 65.3 nM, as determined by Surface Plasmon Resonance spectroscopy. Notably, the small molecule inhibited HBsAg production and hepatitis B virion secretion (10 μM) at low micromolar concentrations and was also efficacious against a HBV quadruple mutant (CYEI mutant) resistant to tenofovir. We conclude that this small molecule exhibits strong anti-HBV properties and merits further testing.
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31
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Zhang J, Wang Y, Fu S, Yuan Q, Wang Q, Xia N, Wen Y, Li J, Tong S. Role of Small Envelope Protein in Sustaining the Intracellular and Extracellular Levels of Hepatitis B Virus Large and Middle Envelope Proteins. Viruses 2021; 13:613. [PMID: 33918367 PMCID: PMC8065445 DOI: 10.3390/v13040613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) expresses co-terminal large (L), middle (M), and small (S) envelope proteins. S protein drives virion and subviral particle secretion, whereas L protein inhibits subviral particle secretion but coordinates virion morphogenesis. We previously found that preventing S protein expression from a subgenomic construct eliminated M protein. The present study further examined impact of S protein on L and M proteins. Mutations were introduced to subgenomic construct of genotype A or 1.1 mer replication construct of genotype A or D, and viral proteins were analyzed from transfected Huh7 cells. Mutating S gene ATG to prevent expression of full-length S protein eliminated M protein, reduced intracellular level of L protein despite its blocked secretion, and generated a truncated S protein through translation initiation from a downstream ATG. Truncated S protein was secretion deficient and could inhibit secretion of L, M, S proteins from wild-type constructs. Providing full-length S protein in trans rescued L protein secretion and increased its intracellular level from mutants of lost S gene ATG. Lost core protein expression reduced all the three envelope proteins. In conclusion, full-length S protein could sustain intracellular and extracellular L and M proteins, while truncated S protein could block subviral particle secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (J.Z.); (Y.W.); (S.F.); (Q.W.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yongxiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (J.Z.); (Y.W.); (S.F.); (Q.W.); (Y.W.)
| | - Shuwen Fu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (J.Z.); (Y.W.); (S.F.); (Q.W.); (Y.W.)
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Q.Y.); (N.X.)
| | - Qianru Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (J.Z.); (Y.W.); (S.F.); (Q.W.); (Y.W.)
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (Q.Y.); (N.X.)
| | - Yumei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (J.Z.); (Y.W.); (S.F.); (Q.W.); (Y.W.)
| | - Jisu Li
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA;
| | - Shuping Tong
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (J.Z.); (Y.W.); (S.F.); (Q.W.); (Y.W.)
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA;
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Garcia-Garcia S, Cortese MF, Rodríguez-Algarra F, Tabernero D, Rando-Segura A, Quer J, Buti M, Rodríguez-Frías F. Next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of hepatitis B: current status and future prospects. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:381-396. [PMID: 33880971 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1913055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes a complex and persistent infection with a major impact on patients health. Viral-genome sequencing can provide valuable information for characterizing virus genotype, infection dynamics and drug and vaccine resistance. AREAS COVERED This article reviews the current literature to describe the next-generation sequencing progress that facilitated a more comprehensive study of HBV quasispecies in diagnosis and clinical monitoring. EXPERT OPINION HBV variability plays a key role in liver disease progression and treatment efficacy. Second-generation sequencing improved the sensitivity for detecting and quantifying mutations, mixed genotypes and viral recombination. Third-generation sequencing enables the analysis of the entire HBV genome, although the high error rate limits its use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Garcia-Garcia
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona Spain
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Francesca Cortese
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona Spain
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Rodríguez-Algarra
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - David Tabernero
- Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Enfermedades Hepáticas Y Digestivas, Instituto De Salud Carlos III, Madrid Spain
| | - Ariadna Rando-Segura
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona Spain
| | - Josep Quer
- Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Enfermedades Hepáticas Y Digestivas, Instituto De Salud Carlos III, Madrid Spain
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona Spain
| | - Maria Buti
- Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Enfermedades Hepáticas Y Digestivas, Instituto De Salud Carlos III, Madrid Spain
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona Spain
| | - Francisco Rodríguez-Frías
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona Spain
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Enfermedades Hepáticas Y Digestivas, Instituto De Salud Carlos III, Madrid Spain
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A putative amphipathic alpha helix in hepatitis B virus small envelope protein plays a critical role in the morphogenesis of subviral particles. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.02399-20. [PMID: 33536177 PMCID: PMC8103704 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02399-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) small (S) envelope protein has the intrinsic ability to direct the formation of small spherical subviral particles (SVPs) in eukaryotic cells. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the morphogenesis of SVPs from the monomeric S protein initially synthesized at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane remains largely elusive. Structure prediction and extensive mutagenesis analysis suggested that the amino acid residues spanning W156 to R169 of S protein form an amphipathic alpha helix and play essential roles in SVP production and S protein metabolic stability. Further biochemical analyses showed that the putative amphipathic alpha helix was not required for the disulfide-linked S protein oligomerization, but was essential for SVP morphogenesis. Pharmacological disruption of vesicle trafficking between the ER and Golgi complex in SVP producing cells supported the hypothesis that S protein-directed SVP morphogenesis takes place at the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC). Moreover, it was demonstrated that S protein is degraded in hepatocytes via a 20S proteasome-dependent, but ubiquitination-independent non-classic ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. Taken together, the results reported herein favor a model in which the amphipathic alpha helix at the antigenic loop of S protein attaches to the lumen leaflet to facilitate SVP budding from the ERGIC compartment, whereas the failure of budding process may result in S protein degradation by 20S proteasome in an ubiquitination-independent manner.Importance Subviral particles are the predominant viral product produced by HBV-infected hepatocytes. Their levels exceed the virion particles by 10,000 to 100,000-fold in the blood of HBV infected individuals. The high levels of SVPs, or HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), in the circulation induces immune tolerance and contributes to the establishment of persistent HBV infection. The loss of HBsAg, often accompanied by appearance of anti-HBs antibodies, is the hallmark of durable immune control of HBV infection. Therapeutic induction of HBsAg loss is, therefore, considered to be essential for the restoration of host antiviral immune response and functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Our findings on the mechanism of SVP morphogenesis and S protein metabolism will facilitate the rational discovery and development of antiviral drugs to achieve this therapeutic goal.
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Loffredo-Verde E, Bhattacharjee S, Malo A, Festag J, Kosinska AD, Ringelhan M, Rim Sarkar S, Steiger K, Heikenwaelder M, Protzer U, Prazeres da Costa CU. Dynamic, Helminth-Induced Immune Modulation Influences the Outcome of Acute and Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. J Infect Dis 2021; 221:1448-1461. [PMID: 31875228 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B develops more frequently in countries with high prevalence of helminth infections. The crosstalk between these 2 major liver-residing pathogens, Schistosoma mansoni and hepatitis B virus (HBV), is barely understood. METHODS We used state-of-the-art models for both acute and chronic HBV infection to study the pathogen-crosstalk during the different immune phases of schistosome infection. RESULTS Although liver pathology caused by schistosome infection was not affected by either acute or chronic HBV infection, S mansoni infection influenced HBV infection outcomes in a phase-dependent manner. Interferon (IFN)-γ secreting, HBV- and schistosome-specific CD8 T cells acted in synergy to reduce HBV-induced pathology during the TH1 phase and chronic phase of schistosomiasis. Consequently, HBV was completely rescued in IFN-γ-deficient or in TH2 phase coinfected mice demonstrating the key role of this cytokine. It is interesting to note that secondary helminth infection on the basis of persistent (chronic) HBV infection increased HBV-specific T-cell frequency and resulted in suppression of virus replication but failed to fully restore T-cell function and eliminate HBV. CONCLUSIONS Thus, schistosome-induced IFN-γ had a prominent antiviral effect that outcompeted immunosuppressive effects of TH2 cytokines, whereas HBV coinfection did not alter schistosome pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Loffredo-Verde
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sonakshi Bhattacharjee
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Antje Malo
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Festag
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna D Kosinska
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Ringelhan
- 2nd Medical Department, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabrina Rim Sarkar
- Comparative Experimental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Comparative Experimental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mathias Heikenwaelder
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Immunology, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Clarissa U Prazeres da Costa
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
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35
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ATP1B3 Restricts Hepatitis B Virus Replication Via Reducing the Expression of the Envelope Proteins. Virol Sin 2021; 36:678-691. [PMID: 33534085 PMCID: PMC7856454 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-021-00346-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Our recent study reported that ATP1B3 inhibits hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication via inducing NF-κB activation. However, ATP1B3 mutants which were defective in NF-κB activation still maintained the moderate degree of suppression on HBV replication, suggesting that another uncharacterized mechanism is also responsible for ATP1B3-mediated HBV suppression. Here, we demonstrated that ATP1B3 reduced the expression of HBV envelope proteins LHBs, MHBs and SHBs, but had no effect on intracellular HBV DNA, RNA levels as well as HBV promoter activities. Further investigation showed that proteasome inhibitor MG132 rescued ATP1B3-mediated envelope proteins degradation, demonstrating that proteasome-dependent pathway is involved in ATP1B3-induced degradation of envelope proteins. Co-IP showed that ATP1B3 interacts with LHBs and MHBs and induces LHBs and MHBs polyubiquitination. Immunofluorescence co-localization analysis confirmed LHBs and MHBs colocalized with ATP1B3 together. Our work provides important information for targeting ATP1B3 as a potential therapeutic molecule for HBV infection.
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36
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Genera M, Quioc-Salomon B, Nourisson A, Colcombet-Cazenave B, Haouz A, Mechaly A, Matondo M, Duchateau M, König A, Windisch MP, Neuveut C, Wolff N, Caillet-Saguy C. Molecular basis of the interaction of the human tyrosine phosphatase PTPN3 with the hepatitis B virus core protein. Sci Rep 2021; 11:944. [PMID: 33441627 PMCID: PMC7806630 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79580-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions between the hepatitis B virus core protein (HBc) and host cell proteins are poorly understood, although they may be essential for the propagation of the virus and its pathogenicity. HBc has a C-terminal PDZ (PSD-95, Dlg1, ZO-1)-binding motif (PBM) that is responsible for interactions with host PDZ domain-containing proteins. In this work, we focused on the human protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 3 (PTPN3) and its interaction with HBc. We solved the crystal structure of the PDZ domain of PTPN3 in complex with the PBM of HBc, revealing a network of interactions specific to class I PDZ domains despite the presence of a C-terminal cysteine in this atypical PBM. We further showed that PTPN3 binds the HBc protein within capsids or as a homodimer. We demonstrate that overexpression of PTPN3 significantly affects HBV infection in HepG2 NTCP cells. Finally, we performed proteomics studies on both sides by pull-down assays and screening of a human PDZ domain library. We identified a pool of human PBM-containing proteins that might interact with PTPN3 in cells and that could be in competition with the HBc PBM during infection, and we also identified potential cellular partners of HBc through PDZ-PBM interactions. This study opens up many avenues of future investigations into the pathophysiology of HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Genera
- Channel-Receptors Unit, UMR 3571, CNRS, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France.,Complexité du Vivant, Sorbonne Université, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Barbara Quioc-Salomon
- UMR 3569, CNRS, 75015, Paris, France.,Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Antonin Nourisson
- Channel-Receptors Unit, UMR 3571, CNRS, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Baptiste Colcombet-Cazenave
- Channel-Receptors Unit, UMR 3571, CNRS, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France.,Complexité du Vivant, Sorbonne Université, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Ahmed Haouz
- Crystallography Platform-C2RT, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, CNRS, UMR-3528, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Ariel Mechaly
- Crystallography Platform-C2RT, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, CNRS, UMR-3528, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Mariette Matondo
- Proteomics Platform, Mass Spectrometry for Biology Utechs (MSBio), USR 2000, CNRS, Institut Pasteur, 75724, Paris, France
| | - Magalie Duchateau
- Proteomics Platform, Mass Spectrometry for Biology Utechs (MSBio), USR 2000, CNRS, Institut Pasteur, 75724, Paris, France
| | - Alexander König
- Applied Molecular Virology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 696 Sampyung-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Marc P Windisch
- Applied Molecular Virology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 696 Sampyung-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Christine Neuveut
- UMR 3569, CNRS, 75015, Paris, France.,Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Institute of Human Genetics, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34090, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Wolff
- Channel-Receptors Unit, UMR 3571, CNRS, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Célia Caillet-Saguy
- Channel-Receptors Unit, UMR 3571, CNRS, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France.
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37
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Wungu CDK, Ariyanto FC, Prabowo GI, Soetjipto S, Handajani R. Meta-analysis: Association between hepatitis B virus preS mutation and hepatocellular carcinoma risk. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:61-71. [PMID: 32896077 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Previous observational studies suggested that hepatitis B virus (HBV) preS mutation plays an important role in the existence of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the results are still debatable. With an increasing number of studies about this topic, this study employed a meta-analysis to identify the association between HBV preS mutation and HCC risk. We searched for eligible studies from PubMed, ProQuest, CINAHL, ScienceDirect and Springer databases to assess the association between HBV mutation and HCC risk. This meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 to provide pooled estimate for odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Twenty-one clinical studies were included in this meta-analysis study which consisted of 1738 participants with HBV-related HCC and 3740 HBsAg-positive patients without HCC. All studies used samples of Asian population. PreS deletion was the most common mutation found in all studies. We found that ORs of HBV overall preS deletion was associated with HCC (OR = 3.28; 95% CI = 2.32-4.65; P < .00001; random-effects model). Each preS1 and preS2 deletion was associated with increased risk of HCC, with OR 2.42 (95% CI = 1.25-4.68, P = .008) and 3.36 (95% CI = 2.04-5.55, P < .00001), respectively. PreS2 start codon mutation was also significantly associated with HCC risk (OR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.15-5.27; P = .02; random-effect model). The result of this meta-analysis suggested that HBV preS deletion (all, preS1 and preS2) and preS2 start codon mutation might contribute to the increased risk of HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Citrawati Dyah Kencono Wungu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.,Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Fis Citra Ariyanto
- Faculty of Nursing, Jember University, Jember, Indonesia.,Hearing Vision Ltd-Darmo General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Gwenny Ichsan Prabowo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Soetjipto Soetjipto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.,Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Retno Handajani
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.,Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
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38
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Sun H, Chang L, Yan Y, Wang L. Hepatitis B virus pre-S region: Clinical implications and applications. Rev Med Virol 2020; 31. [PMID: 33314434 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major threat to global public health, which can result in many acute and chronic liver diseases. HBV, a member of the family Hepadnaviridae, is a small enveloped DNA virus containing a circular genome of 3.2 kb. Located upstream of the S-open-reading frame of the HBV genome is the pre-S region, which is vital to the viral life cycle. The pre-S region has high variability and many mutations in the pre-S region are associated with several liver diseases, such as fulminant hepatitis (FH), liver cirrhosis (LC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, the pre-S region has been applied in the development of several pre-S-based materials and systems to prevent or treat HBV infection. In conclusion, the pre-S region plays an essential role in the occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment of HBV-related liver diseases, which may provide a novel perspective for the study of HBV infection and relevant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhen Sun
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, PR China
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Le Chang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ying Yan
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lunan Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, PR China
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, PR China
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Li J, Zhu Y, Zhou Y, Jiang H, Chen Z, Lu B, Shen X. The SELS rs34713741 Polymorphism Is Associated with Susceptibility to Colorectal Cancer and Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2020; 24:835-844. [PMID: 33290140 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2020.0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: The selenoprotein S (SELS) gene has been suggested to be an important factor in the development of multiple diseases, including gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the association between the SELS gene rs34713741 polymorphism and risk of GC and CRC is inconclusive. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between this polymorphism and the susceptibility to GC and CRC through a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: Literature was retrieved through the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the strength of the associations of the alleles of rs4713741 locus with the risk of CRC and GC. Results: Seven studies that collectively included 2331 cases and 2233 controls were utilized for this meta-analysis. Under the allelic and dominant models, the T allele of the SELS rs34713741 polymorphism was significantly associated with CRC risk (allelic model: OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.08-1.33, p = 0.0004; dominant model: OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.10-1.43, p = 0.001). In addition, all of the genetic models (allelic, dominant, and recessive models) identified the rs34713741 T allele as being significantly associated with GC risk (allelic model: OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.30-2.15, p < 0.001; dominant model: OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.25-2.30, p = 0.0006; recessive model: OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.26-4.50, p = 0.007). Conclusions: The SELS gene rs34713741 T-allele is a highly probable risk factor for both CRC and GC. The results of this study will provide support for using this single nucleotide polymorphism in the diagnosis of GC and CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Zhejiang, China
| | - HongGang Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Zhejiang, China
| | - ZhiHeng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Zhejiang, China
| | - BoHao Lu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Zhejiang, China
| | - XuNing Shen
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Zhejiang, China
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Salpini R, Battisti A, Piermatteo L, Carioti L, Anastasiou OE, Gill US, Di Carlo D, Colagrossi L, Duca L, Bertoli A, La Rosa KY, Fabeni L, Iuvara A, Malagnino V, Cerva C, Lichtner M, Mastroianni CM, De Sanctis GM, Paoloni M, Marignani M, Pasquazzi C, Iapadre N, Parruti G, Vecchiet J, Sarmati L, Andreoni M, Angelico M, Grelli S, T Kennedy P, Verheyen J, Aquaro S, Silberstein FC, Perno CF, Svicher V. Key mutations in the C-terminus of the HBV surface glycoprotein correlate with lower HBsAg levels in vivo, hinder HBsAg secretion in vitro and reduce HBsAg structural stability in the setting of HBeAg-negative chronic HBV genotype-D infection. Emerg Microbes Infect 2020; 9:928-939. [PMID: 32312174 PMCID: PMC7269061 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1757998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidences suggest that HBsAg-production varies across HBV-genotypes. HBsAg C-terminus plays a crucial role for HBsAg-secretion. Here, we evaluate HBsAg-levels in different HBV-genotypes in HBeAg-negative chronic infection, the correlation of specific mutations in HBsAg C-terminus with HBsAg-levels in-vivo, their impact on HBsAg-secretion in-vitro and on structural stability in-silico. HBsAg-levels were investigated in 323 drug-naïve HBeAg-negative patients chronically infected with HBV genotype-D(N = 228), -A(N = 65) and -E(N = 30). Genotype-D was characterized by HBsAg-levels lower than genotype-A and -E (3.3[2.7–3.8]IU/ml; 3.8[3.5–4.2]IU/ml and 3.9[3.7–4.2]IU/ml, P < 0.001). Results confirmed by multivariable analysis correcting for patients’demographics, HBV-DNA, ALT and infection-status. In genotype-D, specific C-terminus mutations (V190A-S204N-Y206C-Y206F-S210N) significantly correlate with HBsAg<1000IU/ml(P-value from <0.001 to 0.04). These mutations lie in divergent pathways involving other HBsAg C-terminus mutations: V190A + F220L (Phi = 0.41, P = 0.003), S204N + L205P (Phi = 0.36, P = 0.005), Y206F + S210R (Phi = 0.47, P < 0.001) and S210N + F220L (Phi = 0.40, P = 0.006). Notably, patients with these mutational pairs present HBsAg-levels 1log lower than patients without them(P-value from 0.003 to 0.02). In-vitro, the above-mentioned mutational pairs determined a significant decrease in HBsAg secretion-efficiency compared to wt(P-value from <0.001 to 0.02). Structurally, these mutational pairs reduced HBsAg C-terminus stability and determined a rearrangement of this domain. In conclusion, HBsAg-levels in genotype-D are significantly lower than in genotype-A and -E in HBeAg-negative patients. In genotype-D, specific mutational clusters in HBsAg C-terminus correlate with lower HBsAg-levels in-vivo, hamper HBsAg-release in-vitro and affect its structural stability, supporting their detrimental role on HBsAg-secretion. In this light, genotypic-testing can be a valuable tool to optimize the clinical interpretation of HBsAg in genotype-D and to provide information on HBV-pathogenicity and disease-progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Battisti
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London SMD, QMUL, London, UK
| | - Lorenzo Piermatteo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Carioti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Olympia E Anastasiou
- Institute of Virology, University-Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Upkar S Gill
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London SMD, QMUL, London, UK
| | - Domenico Di Carlo
- Paediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo and Enrica Invernizzi", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luna Colagrossi
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Duca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Ada Bertoli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Yu La Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Fabeni
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" -IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Iuvara
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carlotta Cerva
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Miriam Lichtner
- Public Health and Infectious Disease Department, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Maurizio Paoloni
- Infectious Disease Unit, "S.S. Filippo e Nicola" Hospital, Avezzano, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Giustino Parruti
- Infectious Disease Unit, Pescara General Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | - Jacopo Vecchiet
- Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Angelico
- Hepatology Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Microbiology and Virology Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrick T Kennedy
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London SMD, QMUL, London, UK
| | - Jens Verheyen
- Institute of Virology, University-Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefano Aquaro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | | | | | - Valentina Svicher
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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Muriungi NG, Ueda K. TIMM29 interacts with hepatitis B virus preS1 to modulate the HBV life cycle. Microbiol Immunol 2020; 64:792-809. [PMID: 32970362 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a major global health problem, can cause chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinomas in chronically infected patients. However, before HBV infection can be adequately controlled, many mysteries about the HBV life cycle must be solved. In this study, TIMM29, an inner mitochondrial membrane protein, was identified as an interaction partner of the preS1 region of the HBV large S protein. The interaction was verified by both an immunoprecipitation with preS1 peptides and a GST-pulldown assay. Immunofluorescence studies also showed colocalization of preS1 and TIMM29. Moreover, it was determined that the preS1 bound with amino acids 92-189 of the TIMM29 protein. Infection of HBV in TIMM29-overexpressing NTCP/G2 cells resulted in a significant decrease of HBeAg and both extracellular particle-associated and core particle-associated HBV DNA without affecting cccDNA formation. Comparable results were obtained with TIMM29-overexpressing HB611 cells, which constitutively produce HBV. In contrast, knockout of TIMM29 in NTCP/G2 cells led to a higher production of HBV including HBeAg expression, as did knockout of TIMM29 in HB611. Collectively, these results suggested that TIMM29 interacts with the preS1 region of the HBV large S protein and modulates HBV amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Gakii Muriungi
- Division of Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Keiji Ueda
- Division of Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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Battagliotti JM, Fontana D, Etcheverrigaray M, Kratje R, Prieto C. Characterization of hepatitis B virus surface antigen particles expressed in stably transformed mammalian cell lines containing the large, middle and small surface protein. Antiviral Res 2020; 183:104936. [PMID: 32979402 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination still represents the most efficient and inexpensive strategy in the control of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, about 10% of the population vaccinated with the current yeast derived vaccine, consisting of the non-glycosylated form of the small envelope protein (S) of the HBV, fail to display an adequate immune response. Therefore, there is a need for the development of new vaccines with enhanced immunogenicity. On this regard, new generation vaccines containing L and preS2-containing HBV surface proteins in addition to S, have proven to be able to bypass the lack of response of the standard vaccine. In this work, we describe the development of stable recombinant CHO-K1 and HEK293 cell lines able to produce and secrete hepatitis B subviral envelope particles (HBV-SVPs) composed by the three surface proteins of the HBV. In turn, we demonstrated that these particles induced a specific humoral immune response in experimental animals and triggered the production of antibodies with the ability to recognize the binding site of HBV with the hepatocyte. Thus, these HBV-SVPs represent a promising candidate as a new generation vaccine in order to enhance the immunogenicity of the conventional yeast derived HBV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Battagliotti
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Cell Culture Laboratory, Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168, Km 472.4, C.C. 242, S3000ZAA, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Diego Fontana
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Cell Culture Laboratory, Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168, Km 472.4, C.C. 242, S3000ZAA, Santa Fe, Argentina; UNL, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Biotechnological Development Laboratory, Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168, Km 472.4, C.C. 242, S3000ZAA, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Marina Etcheverrigaray
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Cell Culture Laboratory, Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168, Km 472.4, C.C. 242, S3000ZAA, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Kratje
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Cell Culture Laboratory, Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168, Km 472.4, C.C. 242, S3000ZAA, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Claudio Prieto
- UNL, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Biotechnological Development Laboratory, Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168, Km 472.4, C.C. 242, S3000ZAA, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cellargen Biotech S.R.L., Antonia Godoy 6369, S3000ZAA, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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43
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Association of the Hepatitis B Virus Large Surface Protein with Viral Infectivity and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-mediated Liver Carcinogenesis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092052. [PMID: 32911838 PMCID: PMC7563867 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B is the most prevalent viral hepatitis worldwide, affecting approximately one-third of the world’s population. Among HBV factors, the surface protein is the most sensitive biomarker for viral infection, given that it is expressed at high levels in all viral infection phases. The large HBV surface protein (LHBs) contains the integral pre-S1 domain, which binds to the HBV receptor sodium taurocholate co transporting polypeptide on the hepatocyte to facilitate viral entry. The accumulation of viral LHBs and its prevalent pre-S mutants in chronic HBV carriers triggers a sustained endoplasmic reticulum (ER) overload response, leading to ER stress-mediated cell proliferation, metabolic switching and genomic instability, which are associated with pro-oncogenic effects. Ground glass hepatocytes identified in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients harbor pre-S deletion variants that largely accumulate in the ER lumen due to mutation-induced protein misfolding and are associated with increased risks of cancer recurrence and metastasis. Moreover, in contrast to the major HBs, which is decreased in tumors to a greater extent than it is in peritumorous regions, LHBs is continuously expressed during tumorigenesis, indicating that LHBs serves as a promising biomarker for HCC in people with CHB. Continuing efforts to delineate the molecular mechanisms by which LHBs regulates pathological changes in CHB patients are important for establishing a correlation between LHBs biomarkers and HCC development.
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44
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Intracellular Trafficking of HBV Particles. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092023. [PMID: 32887393 PMCID: PMC7563130 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The human hepatitis B virus (HBV), that is causative for more than 240 million cases of chronic liver inflammation (hepatitis), is an enveloped virus with a partially double-stranded DNA genome. After virion uptake by receptor-mediated endocytosis, the viral nucleocapsid is transported towards the nuclear pore complex. In the nuclear basket, the nucleocapsid disassembles. The viral genome that is covalently linked to the viral polymerase, which harbors a bipartite NLS, is imported into the nucleus. Here, the partially double-stranded DNA genome is converted in a minichromosome-like structure, the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). The DNA virus HBV replicates via a pregenomic RNA (pgRNA)-intermediate that is reverse transcribed into DNA. HBV-infected cells release apart from the infectious viral parrticle two forms of non-infectious subviral particles (spheres and filaments), which are assembled by the surface proteins but lack any capsid and nucleic acid. In addition, naked capsids are released by HBV replicating cells. Infectious viral particles and filaments are released via multivesicular bodies; spheres are secreted by the classic constitutive secretory pathway. The release of naked capsids is still not fully understood, autophagosomal processes are discussed. This review describes intracellular trafficking pathways involved in virus entry, morphogenesis and release of (sub)viral particles.
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Expression Level of Small Envelope Protein in Addition to Sequence Divergence inside Its Major Hydrophilic Region Contributes to More Efficient Surface Antigen Secretion by Hepatitis B Virus Subgenotype D2 than Subgenotype A2. Viruses 2020; 12:v12090967. [PMID: 32882910 PMCID: PMC7552069 DOI: 10.3390/v12090967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) promotes persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It primarily corresponds to small (S) envelope protein secreted as subviral particles. We previously found that genotype D clones expressed less S protein than genotype A clones but showed higher extracellular/intracellular ratio of HBsAg suggesting more efficient secretion. The current study aimed to characterize the underlying mechanism(s) by comparing a subgenotype A2 clone (geno5.4) with a subgenotype D2 clone (geno1.2). Five types of full-length or subgenomic constructs were transfected to Huh7 cells at different dosage. HBsAg was quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay while envelope proteins were detected by Western blot. We found that ratio of extracellular/intracellular HBsAg decreased at increasing amounts of DNA transfected. Conflicting findings from two types of subgenomic construct confirmed stronger secretion inhibitory effect of the genotype D-derived large envelope protein. Chimeric constructs followed by site-directed mutagenesis revealed geno1.2 specific V118/T127 and F161/A168 in the S protein as promoting and inhibitory of HBsAg secretion, respectively. In conclusion, more efficient HBsAg secretion by subgenotype D2 than subgenotype A2 is attributed to lower level of S protein expression in addition to V118 and T127 in S protein, although its F161 and A168 sequences rather reduce HBsAg secretion.
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B lymphocyte-mediated humoral immunity in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B infection. LIVER RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Jiang B, Wen X, Wu Q, Bender D, Carra G, Basic M, Kubesch A, Peiffer KH, Boller K, Hildt E. The N-Terminus Makes the Difference: Impact of Genotype-Specific Disparities in the N-Terminal Part of The Hepatitis B Virus Large Surface Protein on Morphogenesis of Viral and Subviral Particles. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081898. [PMID: 32823751 PMCID: PMC7463600 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The N-terminus of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) large surface protein (LHB) differs with respect to genotypes. Compared to the amino terminus of genotype (Gt)D, in GtA, GtB and GtC, an additional identical 11 amino acids (aa) are found, while GtE and GtG share another similar 10 aa. Variants of GtB and GtC affecting this N-terminal part are associated with hepatoma formation. Deletion of these amino-terminal 11 aa in GtA reduces the amount of LHBs and changes subcellular accumulation (GtA-like pattern) to a dispersed distribution (GtD-like pattern). Vice versa, the fusion of the GtA-derived N-terminal 11 aa to GtD causes a GtA-like phenotype. However, insertion of the corresponding GtE-derived 10 aa to GtD has no effect. Deletion of these 11aa decreases filament size while neither the number of released viral genomes nor virion size and infectivity are affected. A negative regulatory element (aa 2–8) and a dominant positive regulatory element (aa 9–11) affecting the amount of LHBs were identified. The fusion of this motif to eGFP revealed that the effect on protein amount and subcellular distribution is not restricted to LHBs. These data identify a novel region in the N-terminus of LHBs affecting the amount and subcellular distribution of LHBs and identify release-promoting and -inhibiting aa residues within this motive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingfu Jiang
- Division of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, D-63225 Langen, Germany; (B.J.); (X.W.); (Q.W.); (D.B.); (G.C.); (M.B.); (A.K.); (K.-H.P.)
| | - Xingjian Wen
- Division of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, D-63225 Langen, Germany; (B.J.); (X.W.); (Q.W.); (D.B.); (G.C.); (M.B.); (A.K.); (K.-H.P.)
| | - Qingyan Wu
- Division of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, D-63225 Langen, Germany; (B.J.); (X.W.); (Q.W.); (D.B.); (G.C.); (M.B.); (A.K.); (K.-H.P.)
| | - Daniela Bender
- Division of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, D-63225 Langen, Germany; (B.J.); (X.W.); (Q.W.); (D.B.); (G.C.); (M.B.); (A.K.); (K.-H.P.)
| | - Gert Carra
- Division of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, D-63225 Langen, Germany; (B.J.); (X.W.); (Q.W.); (D.B.); (G.C.); (M.B.); (A.K.); (K.-H.P.)
| | - Michael Basic
- Division of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, D-63225 Langen, Germany; (B.J.); (X.W.); (Q.W.); (D.B.); (G.C.); (M.B.); (A.K.); (K.-H.P.)
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, J. W. Goethe University, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alica Kubesch
- Division of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, D-63225 Langen, Germany; (B.J.); (X.W.); (Q.W.); (D.B.); (G.C.); (M.B.); (A.K.); (K.-H.P.)
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, J. W. Goethe University, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kai-Henrik Peiffer
- Division of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, D-63225 Langen, Germany; (B.J.); (X.W.); (Q.W.); (D.B.); (G.C.); (M.B.); (A.K.); (K.-H.P.)
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, J. W. Goethe University, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Klaus Boller
- Department of Immunology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, D-63225 Langen, Germany;
| | - Eberhard Hildt
- Division of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, D-63225 Langen, Germany; (B.J.); (X.W.); (Q.W.); (D.B.); (G.C.); (M.B.); (A.K.); (K.-H.P.)
- TTU Hepatitis, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +496103772140
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Protective immunity induced by a DNA vaccine cocktail expressing TgSAG1, TgROP2, and the genetic adjuvant HBsAg against Toxoplasma gondii infection. Microb Pathog 2020; 147:104441. [PMID: 32781100 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular obligate parasitic protozoon that can infect all warm-blooded animals, causing zoonotic toxoplasmosis. So far, there is no commercial toxoplasmosis vaccine for human use. In the present study, we constructed a DNA vaccine cocktail which includes the surface protein (SAG1) and the rhoptry protein ROP2 denoted as pEGFP-N1-SAG1-ROP2. In order to improve the efficacy, HBsAg was used as a genetic adjuvant to construct pEGFP-N1-HBsAg-SAG1-ROP2. Two eukaryotic plasmids were transiently transfected into HEK293T cells and the expression was examined using fluorescence microscopy and western blotting. We then immunized Kunming mice intramuscularly with the DNA vaccine. After three immunizations, the immune response was evaluated by measuring antibody levels, cytokine production, percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, and the survival times of the T. gondii RH strain challenged mice. The results showed that the two DNA vaccines stimulated Th1 responses, and had a higher antibody titer, IL-2, IL-12, and IFN-γ levels, and percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes than the control group. In addition, mice immunized with the pEGFP-N1-HBsAg-SAG1-ROP2 vaccine showed increased survival times compared with pEGFP-N1-SAG1-ROP2.
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49
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Le Bert N, Gill US, Hong M, Kunasegaran K, Tan DZM, Ahmad R, Cheng Y, Dutertre CA, Heinecke A, Rivino L, Tan A, Hansi NK, Zhang M, Xi S, Chong Y, Pflanz S, Newell EW, Kennedy PTF, Bertoletti A. Effects of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen on Virus-Specific and Global T Cells in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Virus infection. Gastroenterology 2020; 159:652-664. [PMID: 32302614 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is characterized by the presence of defective viral envelope proteins (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg]) and the duration of infection-most patients acquire the infection at birth or during the first years of life. We investigated the effects of these factors on patients' lymphocyte and HBV-specific T-cell populations. METHODS We collected blood samples and clinical data from 243 patients with HBV infection (3-75 years old) in the United Kingdom and China. We measured levels of HBV DNA, HBsAg, hepatitis B e antigen, and alanine aminotransferase; analyzed HBV genotypes; and isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In PBMCs from 48 patients with varying levels of serum HBsAg, we measured 40 markers on nature killer and T cells by mass cytometry. PBMCs from 189 patients with chronic infection and 38 patients with resolved infections were incubated with HBV peptide libraries, and HBV-specific T cells were identified by interferon gamma enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot (ELISpot) assays or flow cytometry. We used multivariate linear regression and performed variable selection using the Akaike information criterion to identify covariates associated with HBV-specific responses of T cells. RESULTS Although T- and natural killer cell phenotypes and functions did not change with level of serum HBsAg, numbers of HBs-specific T cells correlated with serum levels of HBsAg (r = 0.3367; P < .00001). After we performed the variable selection, the multivariate linear regression model identified patient age as the only factor significantly associated with numbers of HBs-specific T cells (P = .000115). In patients younger than 30 years, HBs-specific T cells constituted 28.26% of the total HBV-specific T cells; this value decreased to 7.14% in patients older than 30 years. CONCLUSIONS In an analysis of immune cells from patients with chronic HBV infection, we found that the duration of HBsAg exposure, rather than the quantity of HBsAg, was associated with the level of anti-HBV immune response. Although the presence of HBs-specific T cells might not be required for the clearance of HBV infection in all patients, strategies to restore anti-HBV immune responses should be considered in patients younger than 30 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Le Bert
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Upkar S Gill
- Barts Liver Centre, Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Hong
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Kamini Kunasegaran
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Damien Z M Tan
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Raidah Ahmad
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Yang Cheng
- Singapore Immunology Network, A∗STAR, Singapore
| | - Charles-A Dutertre
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Immunology Network, A∗STAR, Singapore
| | | | - Laura Rivino
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Tan
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Navjyot K Hansi
- Barts Liver Centre, Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sujuan Xi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yutian Chong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Stefan Pflanz
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Department of Biology, Foster City, California
| | | | - Patrick T F Kennedy
- Barts Liver Centre, Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Immunology Network, A∗STAR, Singapore.
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Phosphorylation of the Arginine-Rich C-Terminal Domains of the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Core Protein as a Fine Regulator of the Interaction between HBc and Nucleic Acid. Viruses 2020; 12:v12070738. [PMID: 32650547 PMCID: PMC7412469 DOI: 10.3390/v12070738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The morphogenesis of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) viral particles is nucleated by the oligomerization of HBc protein molecules, resulting in the formation of an icosahedral capsid shell containing the replication-competent nucleoprotein complex made of the viral polymerase and the pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA). HBc is a phospho-protein containing two distinct domains acting together throughout the viral replication cycle. The N-terminal domain, (residues 1–140), shown to self-assemble, is linked by a short flexible domain to the basic C-terminal domain (residues 150–183) that interacts with nucleic acids (NAs). In addition, the C-terminal domain contains a series of phospho-acceptor residues that undergo partial phosphorylation and de-phosphorylation during virus replication. This highly dynamic process governs the homeostatic charge that is essential for capsid stability, pgRNA packaging and to expose the C-terminal domain at the surface of the particles for cell trafficking. In this review, we discuss the roles of the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of HBc protein during HBV morphogenesis, focusing on how the C-terminal domain phosphorylation dynamics regulate its interaction with nucleic acids throughout the assembly and maturation of HBV particles.
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