Hepatitis B Virus-Hepatocyte Interactions and Innate Immune Responses: Experimental Models and Molecular Mechanisms

Establishment of nucleic acid sensing pathways-based model in predicting response to immunotherapy and targeted drug in hepatitis virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 80% of liver cancers, while 70%-80% of HCC developed from chronic liver disease with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as the major etiology. Immunotherapy is assuming a role as a pillar of HCC treatment, but the remarkable immune-mediated responses are restricted in a minority of patients. Nucleic acid sensing (NAS) pathways are the central pathway of the innate immune system and antiviral immune response to viral infection, but their role in hepatitis virus-related HCC remains undetermined. In our study, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis based on transcriptomic data of hepatitis virus related-HCC tissues collected from multiple public data sets. Two subgroups were validated based on NAS-related genes in virus-related HCC patients, which were defined as NAS-activated subgroups and NAS-suppressed subgroups based on the expression of NAS-related genes. On this basis, a NAS-related risk score (NASRS) predictive model was established for risk stratification and prognosis prediction in the hepatitis virus-related HCC (TCGA-LIHC and ICGC cohorts). The predictive values of the NASRS in prognosis and immunotherapy were also verified in multiple data sets. A nomogram was also established to facilitate the clinical use of NASRS and demonstrate its effectiveness through different approaches. Additionally, six potential drugs binding to the core target of the NAS signature were predicted via molecular docking strategy. We subsequently evaluated the cytotoxic capabilities of potential drug in vitro and in vivo. Based on these results, we conclude that the NASRS model could serve as a power prognostic biomarker and predict responses to immunotherapy, which is meaningful in clinical decision-making of hepatitis virus-related HCC patients.

HBV induced the discharge of intrinsic antiviral miRNAs in HBV-replicating hepatocytes via extracellular vesicles to facilitate its replication

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can cause chronic hepatitis B, has sophisticated machinery to establish persistent infection. Here, we report a novel mechanism whereby HBV changed miRNA packaging into extracellular vesicles (EVs) to facilitate replication. Disruption of the miRNA machinery in hepatocytes enhanced HBV replication, indicating an intrinsic miRNA-mediated antiviral state. Interference with EV release only decreased HBV replication if there was normal miRNA biogenesis, suggesting a possible link between HBV replication and EV-associated miRNAs. Microarray and qPCR analyses revealed that HBV replication changed miRNA expression in EVs. EV incubation, transfection of miRNA mimics and inhibitors, and functional pathway and network analyses showed that EV miRNAs are associated with antiviral function, suggesting that to promote survival HBV coopts EVs to excrete anti-HBV intracellular miRNAs. These data suggest a novel mechanism by which HBV maintains its replication, which has therapeutic implications.

Regulation of Pattern-Recognition Receptor Signaling by HBX During Hepatitis B Virus Infection

As a small DNA virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV) plays a pivotal role in the development of various liver diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Among the molecules encoded by this virus, the HBV X protein (HBX) is a viral transactivator that plays a vital role in HBV replication and virus-associated diseases. Accumulating evidence so far indicates that pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are at the front-line of the host defense responses to restrict the virus by inducing the expression of interferons and various inflammatory factors. However, depending on HBX, the virus can control PRR signaling by modulating the expression and activity of essential molecules involved in the toll-like receptor (TLR), retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptor (RLR), and NOD-like receptor (NLR) signaling pathways, to not only facilitate HBV replication, but also promote the development of viral diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms that are linked to the regulation of PRR signaling mediated by HBX to inhibit innate immunity, regulation of viral propagation, virus-induced inflammation, and hepatocarcinogenesis. Given the importance of PRRs in the control of HBV replication, we propose that a comprehensive understanding of the modulation of cellular factors involved in PRR signaling induced by the viral protein may open new avenues for the treatment of HBV infection.

Novel protein kinase C phosphorylated kinase inhibitor-matrine suppresses replication of hepatitis B virus via modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase signal

HBV (hepatitis B virus) infection still threatens human health. Therefore, it is essential to find new effective anti-HBV compounds. Here, we identified matrine as a novel inhibitor of PKC (protein kinase C) phosphorylated kinase by screening a natural compound library. After HepG2.215 cells were treated with matrine, we carried out a phosphorylated proteomics sequence study and analyzed the prediction of related kinase expression level. In the case of HBV infection, it was found that PKC kinase mediates the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway known as son of sevenless (SOS) activation. It was also found that PKC kinase inhibits the expression of C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 8 (CXCL8) by inhibiting the activity of activating transcription factor 2/ cAMP response element binding protein (ATF2/CREB), and this effect is independent of its activated MAPK signaling pathway. Finally, Western blot was used to detect the expression of MAPK, ATF2, CREB3 phosphorylation and nonphosphorylation in matrine-treated cells and PKC-treated cells. PKC phosphorylated kinase inhibitor-matrine suppresses the replication of HBV via modulating the MAPK/ATF2 signal. Matrine is a good clinical drug to enhance the autoimmunity in the adjuvant treatment of chronic HBV infection.

Nucleic acid vaccines: A taboo broken and prospect for a hepatitis B virus cure

Although a prophylactic vaccine is available, hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Current treatment options are improving clinical outcomes in chronic hepatitis B; however, true functional cure is currently the exception rather than the rule. Nucleic acid vaccines are among the emerging immunotherapies that aim to restore weakened immune function in chronically infected hosts. DNA vaccines in particular have shown promising results in vivo by reducing viral replication, breaking immune tolerance in a sustained manner, or even decimating the intranuclear covalently closed circular DNA reservoir, the hallmark of HBV treatment. Although DNA vaccines encoding surface antigens administered by conventional injection elicit HBV-specific T cell responses in humans, initial clinical trials failed to demonstrate additional therapeutic benefit when administered with nucleos(t)ide analogs. In an attempt to improve vaccine immunogenicity, several techniques have been used, including codon/promoter optimization, coadministration of cytokine adjuvants, plasmids engineered to express multiple HBV epitopes, or combinations with other immunomodulators. DNA vaccine delivery by electroporation is among the most efficient strategies to enhance the production of plasmid-derived antigens to stimulate a potent cellular and humoral anti-HBV response. Preliminary results suggest that DNA vaccination via electroporation efficiently invigorates both arms of adaptive immunity and suppresses serum HBV DNA. In contrast, the study of mRNA-based vaccines is limited to a few in vitro experiments in this area. Further studies are needed to clarify the prospects of nucleic acid vaccines for HBV cure.

CRISPR Technique Incorporated with Single-Cell RNA Sequencing for Studying Hepatitis B Infection

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) provides rich transcriptomic information for studying molecular events and cell heterogeneity at the single-cell level. However, it is challenging to obtain sequence information from rare or low-abundance genes in the presence of other highly abundant genes. We report here a CRISPR-Cas9 technique for the depletion of high-abundance transcripts, resulting in preferential enrichment of rare transcripts. We demonstrate an application of this CRISPR-mediated enrichment technique to scRNA-seq of liver cells infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Direct sequencing without the CRISPR-mediated enrichment detected HBV RNA in only 0.6% of the cells. The CRISPR-mediated depletion of the three most abundant transcripts resulted in selective enrichment of the HBV transcript and successful sequencing of HBV RNA in more than 74% of the cells. The improvement enabled a study of HBV infection and interferon treatment of a liver cell model. Gene clusters between the control and HBV-infected Huh7.5-NTCP cells were similar, suggesting that HBV infection did not significantly alter gene expression of the host cells. The treatment with interferon alpha dramatically changed the gene expression of Huh7.5-NTCP cells. These results from the single cell RNA-seq analysis of 7370 cells are consistent with those of bulk experiments, suggesting that HBV is a "stealth virus".

RNA Interference Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis B Predicts the Importance of Addressing Viral Integration When Developing Novel Cure Strategies

Chronic hepatitis B infection remains a globally important cause of morbidity and mortality and has recently undergone a renaissance in therapeutic interest with increased pre-clinical and clinical testing of new drug classes. One of the first new classes in the clinic was RNA interference agents, which have the potential to impact the entire viral life cycle by reducing all virus-produced mRNA. Early clinical testing with the first of these agents in the clinic, ARC-520, demonstrated that rapid and deep reductions in viral proteins, RNA and DNA could be produced with this approach, but also the surprising insight that HBsAg production from incomplete HBV DNA integrated into the host genome appears to play a heretofore unappreciated and important role in maintaining circulating HBsAg, thought to play a fundamental role in preventing host clearance of the virus. Thus, accounting for viral DNA integration in novel HBV treatment approaches may prove to be essential to achieving successful finite therapies of this difficult to treat chronic infection.

Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate-Adenosine Monophosphate Synthase (cGAS), a Multifaceted Platform of Intracellular DNA Sensing

Innate immune pathways are the first line of cellular defense against pathogen infections ranging from bacteria to Metazoa. These pathways are activated following the recognition of pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by membrane and cytosolic pattern recognition receptors. In addition, some of these cellular sensors can also recognize endogenous danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) arising from damaged or dying cells and triggering innate immune responses. Among the cytosolic nucleic acid sensors, the cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) plays an essential role in the activation of the type I interferon (IFNs) response and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Indeed, upon nucleic acid binding, cGAS synthesizes cGAMP, a second messenger mediating the activation of the STING signaling pathway. The functional conservation of the cGAS-STING pathway during evolution highlights its importance in host cellular surveillance against pathogen infections. Apart from their functions in immunity, cGAS and STING also play major roles in nuclear functions and tumor development. Therefore, cGAS-STING is now considered as an attractive target to identify novel biomarkers and design therapeutics for auto-inflammatory and autoimmune disorders as well as infectious diseases and cancer. Here, we review the current knowledge about the structure of cGAS and the evolution from bacteria to Metazoa and present its main functions in defense against pathogens and cancer, in connection with STING. The advantages and limitations of in vivo models relevant for studying the cGAS-STING pathway will be discussed for the notion of species specificity and in the context of their integration into therapeutic screening assays targeting cGAG and/or STING.

Diverse Virus and Host-Dependent Mechanisms Influence the Systemic and Intrahepatic Immune Responses in the Woodchuck Model of Hepatitis B

Woodchuck infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) represents the pathogenically nearest model of hepatitis B and associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This naturally occurring animal model also is highly valuable for development and preclinical evaluation of new anti-HBV agents and immunotherapies against chronic hepatitis (CH) B and HCC. Studies in this system uncovered a number of molecular and immunological processes which contribute or likely contribute to the immunopathogenesis of liver disease and modulation of the systemic and intrahepatic innate and adaptive immune responses during hepadnaviral infection. Among them, inhibition of presentation of the class I major histocompatibility complex on chronically infected hepatocytes and a role of WHV envelope proteins in this process, as well as augmented hepatocyte cytotoxicity mediated by constitutively expressed components of CD95 (Fas) ligand- and perforin-dependent pathways, capable of eliminating cells brought to contact with hepatocyte surface, including activated T lymphocytes, were uncovered. Other findings pointed to a role of autoimmune response against hepatocyte asialoglycoprotein receptor in augmenting severity of liver damage in hepadnaviral CH. It was also documented that WHV in the first few hours activates intrahepatic innate immunity that transiently decreases hepatic virus load. However, this activation is not translated in a timely manner to induction of virus-specific T cell response which appears to be hindered by defective activation of antigen presenting cells and presentation of viral epitopes to T cells. The early WHV infection also induces generalized polyclonal activation of T cells that precedes emergence of virus-specific T lymphocyte reactivity. The combination of these mechanisms hinder recognition of virus allowing its dissemination in the initial, asymptomatic stages of infection before adaptive cellular response became apparent. This review will highlight a range of diverse mechanisms uncovered in the woodchuck model which affect effectiveness of the anti-viral systemic and intrahepatic immune responses, and modify liver disease outcomes. Further exploration of these and other mechanisms, either already discovered or yet unknown, and their interactions should bring more comprehensive understanding of HBV pathogenesis and help to identify novel targets for therapeutic and preventive interventions. The woodchuck model is uniquely positioned to further contribute to these advances.

Mechanisms of HBV immune evasion. Antiviral Res. 2020;179:104816. [PMID: 32387476 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104816]

The concept of immune evasion is a longstanding topic of debate during chronic Hepatitis B Virus infection. The 292 million individuals chronically infected by HBV are clear evidence that the virus avoids elimination by the immune system. The exact mechanisms of immune evasion remain undefined and are distinct, but likely interconnected, between innate and adaptive immunity. There is a significant body of evidence that supports peripheral tolerance and exhaustion of adaptive immunity but our understanding of the role that central tolerance plays is still developing. Innate immunity instructs the adaptive immune response and subversion of its functionality will impact both T and B cell responses. However, literature around the interaction of HBV with innate immunity is inconsistent, with reports suggesting that HBV avoids innate recognition, suppresses innate recognition, or activates innate immunity. This complexity has led to confusion and controversy. This review will discuss the mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance/exhaustion of adaptive immunity in the context of chronic HBV infection. We also cover the interaction of HBV with cells of the innate immune system and propose concepts for the heterogeneity of responses in chronically infected patients.

Comparative efficacy of tenofovir and entecavir in nucleos(t)ide analogue-naive chronic hepatitis B: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of tenofovir and entecavir in nucleos(t)ide analogue-naive chronic hepatitis B.

METHODS

The Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Clinical Trials and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the comparison between tenofovir and entecavir in nucleos(t)ide analogue-naive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) since the date of database inception to July 2019. Two researchers independently screened and evaluated the obtained studies and extracted the outcome indexes. RevMan 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Early on, tenofovir had a greater ability to inhibit the hepatitis B virus, I2 = 0% [RR = 1.08, 95% CI (1.03, 1.13), P<0.01] (96 weeks). Entecavir can normalize the ALT levels earlier, I2 = 0% [RR = 0.87, 95% CI (0.77, 0.98), P = 0.02] (48 weeks). However, there was no statistically significant difference between TDF and ETV at 144 weeks. Tenofovir was as effective as entecavir in terms of HBeAg clearance and HBeAg seroconversion, I2 = 0% [RR = 1.05, 95% CI (0.68, 1.62), P = 0.82]; I2 = 69% [RR = 0.93, 95% CI (0.54, 1.61), P = 0.80]. The difference in the incidence of elevated creatine kinase levels was not statistically significant I2 = 0% [RR = 0.66, 95% CI (0.27, 1.60), P = 0.35].

CONCLUSIONS

Tenofovir and entecavir were equally effective in the treatment of patients with nucleos(t)ide analogue-naive chronic hepatitis B. In addition, TDF has an advantage in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Additional RCTs and a large-sample prospective cohort study should be performed.

Effectiveness of tenofovir and entecavir in nucleos(t)ide analogue-naive chronic hepatitis B: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis b (CHB) is a serious problem worldwide. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and entecavir (ETV) both are first-line drugs for CHB, but there is debate about which is more appropriate in nucleos(t)ide analogue-naive CHB.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tenofovir and ETV in nucleos(t)ide analogue-naive CHB.

METHODS

The Web of Science, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Clinical Trials, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases will be electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials regarding the comparison between tenofovir and ETV in nucleos(t)ide analogue-naive CHB since the date of database inception to July 2019. Two researchers independently screened and evaluated the obtained studies and extracted the outcome indexes. RevMan 5.3 software will be used for the meta-analysis.

RESULT

We will provide practical and targeted results assessing the effectiveness and safety of TDF and ETV for nucleos(t)ide analogue-naive CHB patients, try to compare the advantages of TDF and ETV.

CONCLUSION

The stronger evidence about the effectiveness and safety of TDF and ETV for nucleos(t)ide analogue-naive CHB patients will be provided for clinicians.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42019134194.