Controversial issues regarding the roles of IL-10 and IFN-γ in active/inactive chronic hepatitis B

Circulating IL-1β, IL-17, and IP-10 as Potential Predictors of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Prognosis

Circulating cytokines and chemokines play critical roles in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Here, we explored the effects of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory effector molecules on HBV progression, e antigen seroconversion, and liver function. Our results showed that circulating interleukin (IL)-17 may be helpful in HBV spontaneous clearance [odds ratio (OR) = 1.468, 95%confidence interval (CI) = 1.080–1.995, P = 0.014] and protective against HBV-related hepatoma development (OR = 0.933, 95%CI = 0.910–0.957, P < 0.001). IL-1β negatively affected HBV clearance (OR = 0.052, 95%CI = 0.005–0.534, P = 0.013). In patients with chronic hepatitis B, interferon-γ-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) levels significantly increased in the group of abnormal liver function (P = 0.006). Furthermore, positive correlations of IP-10 with alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were observed (r_s = 0.546 and 0.644, respectively; P < 0.001). In conclusion, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines may be a “double-edged sword” for HBV clearance and progression. Further exploration of the roles of IL-17, IL-1β, and IP-10 in chronic HBV infection is needed.

Occult Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and challenges for hepatitis elimination: A literature review

Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is characterized by the detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum or liver but negativity for hepatitis B surface antigen. OBI, which is thought to be maintained by host, immunological, viral and/or epigenetic factors, is one of the most challenging clinical features in the study of viral hepatitis. Currently, there is no validated detection test for OBI. It is believed that OBI is widely distributed throughout the world, with a higher prevalence in populations at high-risk HBV, but the detailed worldwide prevalence patterns are unknown. We conducted a survey of recently published studies on OBI rates across all continents. High prevalence rates of OBI are observed in some specific groups, including patients with hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus co-infection or hepatocellular carcinoma. In 2016, the World Health Organization adopted strategies to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030, but the difficulties in detecting and treating OBI currently challenge this goal. Subjects with OBI can transmit HBV, and episodes of reactivation can occur. Further studies to understanding the mechanisms that drive the development of OBI are needed and can contribute to efforts at eliminating viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis B virus X protein modulates renal tubular epithelial cell-induced T-cell and macrophage responses

Renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) have an active role in renal inflammation, functioning as antigen-presenting cells as they constitutively express major histocompatibility complex-II and co-stimulatory molecules that can activate T cells and macrophages. Previous studies indicate that inflammatory cell infiltration and tubulointerstitial fibrosis are present in renal biopsies from Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN) patients. We hypothesized that disorder RTECs may be involved in the progression of HBV-GN. Here, we measured renal function and inflammatory cells infiltration in C57BL/6J-TgN mice, and data showed that in C57BL/6J-TgN mice HBV x protein (HBx) mainly deposited in RTECs, and CD4(+) T cells and macrophages infiltrated into the interstitium. In vitro HBx upregulated CD40 expression in RTECs. In HK-2/CD4(+) T cells co-culture system, we found that HBx-stimulated HK-2 cells could activate CD4(+) T cells, promote their proliferation, and lead to an imbalance of interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon-γ. In HK-2/macrophages co-culture system, we found that HBx-stimulated HK-2 cells also increased macrophage adherent capacity and promoted MCP-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β secretion. These immune dysfunction may contribute to the pathogenesis of HBV-GN.