1
|
Wettengel JM, Naka H, Dissen GA, Torgerson J, Pounder M, Mueller SF, Mueller E, Hagen P, Brandt M, Protzer U, Burwitz BJ. High-Throughput Screening for the Prevalence of Neutralizing Antibodies against Human Adenovirus Serotype 5. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:155. [PMID: 38400138 PMCID: PMC10891882 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Adenoviral vectors based on the human adenovirus species C serotype 5 (HAdV-C5) are commonly used for vector-based gene therapies and vaccines. In the preclinical stages of development, their safety and efficacy are often validated in suitable animal models. However, pre-existing neutralizing antibodies may severely influence study outcomes. Here, we generated a new HAdV-C5-based reporter vector and established a high-throughput screening assay for the multivalent detection of HAdV-C5-neutralizing antibodies in serum. We screened the sera of rhesus macaques at different primate centers, and of rabbits, horses, cats, and dogs, showing that HAdV-C5-neutralizing antibodies can be found in all species, albeit at different frequencies. Our results emphasize the need to prescreen model animals in HAdV-C5-based studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jochen M. Wettengel
- Division of Pathobiology and Immunology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (J.M.W.)
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Munich Partner Site, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Hiroaki Naka
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA;
| | - Gregory A. Dissen
- Molecular Virology Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (G.A.D.); (J.T.)
| | - Jeffrey Torgerson
- Molecular Virology Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (G.A.D.); (J.T.)
| | - Michelle Pounder
- Molecular Virology Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (G.A.D.); (J.T.)
| | | | | | - Philipp Hagen
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Micah Brandt
- Division of Pathobiology and Immunology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (J.M.W.)
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Munich Partner Site, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin J. Burwitz
- Division of Pathobiology and Immunology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; (J.M.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wettengel JM, Strehle K, von Lucke C, Roggendorf H, Jeske SD, Christa C, Zelger O, Haller B, Protzer U, Knolle PA. Improved detection of infection with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants of concern in healthcare workers by a second-generation rapid antigen test. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0176823. [PMID: 37831440 PMCID: PMC10714798 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01768-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The results from this study demonstrate the usefulness of a second-generation rapid antigen test for early detection of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of concern (VoC) and reveal a higher sensitivity to detect immune escape Omicron VoCs compared to a first-generation rapid antigen test (89.4% vs 83.7%) in the high-risk group of healthcare workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jochen M. Wettengel
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), München, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, München, Germany
| | - Katharina Strehle
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, TUM, München, Germany
- Coronavirus Diagnostic Center of the University Hospital München Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, TUM, München, Germany
| | - Catharina von Lucke
- Coronavirus Diagnostic Center of the University Hospital München Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, TUM, München, Germany
| | - Hedwig Roggendorf
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, TUM, München, Germany
- Coronavirus Diagnostic Center of the University Hospital München Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, TUM, München, Germany
| | - Samuel D. Jeske
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), München, Germany
| | - Catharina Christa
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), München, Germany
| | - Otto Zelger
- Coronavirus Diagnostic Center of the University Hospital München Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, TUM, München, Germany
| | - Bernhard Haller
- Institute for AI and Informatics in Medicine Statistics, School of Medicine and Health, TUM, München, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), München, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, München, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Munich, München, Germany
| | - Percy A. Knolle
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, München, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, TUM, München, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Festag J, Festag MM, Asen T, Wettengel JM, Mück-Häusl MA, Abdulhaqq S, Stahl-Hennig C, Sacha JB, Burwitz BJ, Protzer U, Wisskirchen K. Vector-Mediated Delivery of Human Major Histocompatibility Complex-I into Hepatocytes Enables Investigation of T Cell Receptor-Redirected Hepatitis B Virus-Specific T Cells in Mice, and in Macaque Cell Cultures. Hum Gene Ther 2023; 34:1204-1218. [PMID: 37747811 PMCID: PMC10825313 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy using natural T cell receptor (TCR) redirection is a promising approach to fight solid cancers and viral infections in liver and other organs. However, clinical efficacy of such TCR+-T cells has been limited so far. One reason is that syngeneic preclinical models to evaluate safety and efficacy of TCR+-T cells are missing. We, therefore, developed an efficient viral vector strategy mediating expression of human major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I in hepatocytes, which allows evaluation of TCR-T cell therapies targeting diseased liver cells. We designed adeno-associated virus (AAV) and adenoviral vectors encoding either the human-mouse chimeric HLA-A*02-like molecule, or fully human HLA-A*02 and human β2 microglobulin (hβ2m). Upon transduction of murine hepatocytes, the HLA-A*02 construct proved superior in terms of expression levels, presentation of endogenously processed peptides and activation of murine TCR+-T cells grafted with HLA-A*02-restricted, hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific TCRs. In vivo, these T cells elicited effector function, controlled HBV replication, and reduced HBV viral load and antigen expression in livers of those mice that had received AAV-HBV and AAV-HLA-A*02. We then demonstrated the broad utility of this approach by grafting macaque T cells with the HBV-specific TCRs and enabling them to recognize HBV-infected primary macaque hepatocytes expressing HLA-A*02 upon adenoviral transduction. In conclusion, AAV and adenovirus vectors are suitable for delivery of HLA-A*02 and hβ2m into mouse and macaque hepatocytes. When recognizing their cognate antigen in HLA-A*02-transduced mouse livers or on isolated macaque hepatocytes, HLA-A*02-restricted, HBV-specific TCR+-T cells become activated and exert antiviral effector functions. This approach is applicable to any MHC restriction and target disease, paving the way for safety and efficacy studies of human TCR-based therapies in physiologically relevant preclinical animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Festag
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Marvin M. Festag
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Theresa Asen
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen M. Wettengel
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Shaheed Abdulhaqq
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Jonah B. Sacha
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Burwitz
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Wisskirchen
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wettengel JM, Bunse T, Jeske SD, Wölfel R, Zange S, Taeubner J, Goelnitz U, Protzer U. Implementation and clinical evaluation of an Mpox virus laboratory-developed test on a fully automated random-access platform. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29022. [PMID: 37565757 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
While Mpox virus (MPXV) diagnostics were performed in specialized laboratories only, the global emergence of Mpox cases in 2022 revealed the need for a more readily available diagnostic. Automated random-access platforms with fast nucleic acid extraction and PCR have become established in many laboratories, providing faster and more accessible testing. In this study, we adapted a previously published generic MPXV-PCR as a lab-developed test (LDT) on a NeuMoDx Molecular System and isolated MPXV clones from patient materials. To reduce the handling of infectious material, we evaluated a viral lysis buffer (VLB) for sample pretreatment. We further compared the MPXV-LDT-PCR to conventional real-time PCR, determined its sensitivity and specificity using positive swabs, and assessed its performance using external quality assessment samples. Pretreatment of samples with 50% VLB reduced MPXV infectivity by approximately 200-fold while maintaining PCR sensitivity. The assay demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 100% with no cross-reactivity in the samples tested and performed with a limit of detection of 262 GE/mL. In summary, the assay had a turnaround time of fewer than 2 h and can easily be transferred to other automated PCR platforms, providing a basis for developing rapid assays for upcoming pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jochen M Wettengel
- School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Helmholtz Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
| | - Till Bunse
- School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Helmholtz Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
| | - Samuel D Jeske
- School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Roman Wölfel
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
- Bundeswehr, Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Zange
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
- Bundeswehr, Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Uta Goelnitz
- QIAGEN GmbH, Strategic Lab Consultancy, Hilden, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Helmholtz Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wettengel JM, Hansen-Palmus L, Yusova S, Rust L, Biswas S, Carson J, Ryu J, Bimber BN, Hennebold JD, Burwitz BJ. A Multifunctional and Highly Adaptable Reporter System for CRISPR/Cas Editing. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098271. [PMID: 37175977 PMCID: PMC10179647 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas systems are some of the most promising tools for therapeutic genome editing. The use of these systems is contingent on the optimal designs of guides and homology-directed repair (HDR) templates. While this design can be achieved in silico, validation and further optimization are usually performed with the help of reporter systems. Here, we describe a novel reporter system, termed BETLE, that allows for the fast, sensitive, and cell-specific detection of genome editing and template-specific HDR by encoding multiple reporter proteins in different open-reading frames. Out-of-frame non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) leads to the expression of either secretable NanoLuc luciferase, enabling a highly sensitive and low-cost analysis of editing, or fluorescent mTagBFP2, allowing for the enumeration and tissue-specific localization of genome-edited cells. BETLE includes a site to validate CRISPR/Cas systems for a sequence-of-interest, making it broadly adaptable. We evaluated BETLE using a defective moxGFP with a 39-base-pair deletion and showed spCas9, saCas9, and asCas12a editing as well as sequence-specific HDR and the repair of moxGFP in cell lines with single and multiple reporter integrants. Taken together, these data show that BETLE allows for the rapid detection and optimization of CRISPR/Cas genome editing and HDR in vitro and represents a state-of the art tool for future applications in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jochen M Wettengel
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Lea Hansen-Palmus
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Sofiya Yusova
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Lauren Rust
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Sreya Biswas
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Julien Carson
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Junghyun Ryu
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Benjamin N Bimber
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Jon D Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Benjamin J Burwitz
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
- Division of Pathobiology & Immunology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Esser K, Cheng X, Wettengel JM, Lucifora J, Hansen-Palmus L, Austen K, Suarez AAR, Heintz S, Testoni B, Nebioglu F, Pham MT, Yang S, Zernecke A, Wohlleber D, Ringelhan M, Broxtermann M, Hartmann D, Hüser N, Mergner J, Pichlmair A, Thasler WE, Heikenwalder M, Gasteiger G, Blutke A, Walch A, Knolle PA, Bartenschlager R, Protzer U. Hepatitis B virus targets lipid transport pathways to infect hepatocytes. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023:S2352-345X(23)00051-6. [PMID: 37054914 PMCID: PMC10394270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS A single hepatitis B virus (HBV) particle is sufficient to establish chronic infection of the liver after intravenous injection, suggesting that the virus targets hepatocytes via a highly efficient transport pathway. We therefore investigated whether HBV utilizes a physiological liver-directed pathway that supports specific host-cell targeting in vivo. METHODS We established an ex vivo system of perfused human liver tissue that recapitulates the liver physiology to investigate HBV liver targeting. This model allowed us to investigate virus-host cell interactions in a cellular microenvironment mimicking the in vivo situation. RESULTS HBV was rapidly sequestered by liver macrophages within one hour after a virus pulse, but was detected in hepatocytes only after 16 hours. We found that HBV associates with lipoproteins. Electron- and immunofluorescence microscopy corroborated a co-localization in recycling endosomes within peripheral and liver macrophages. Importantly, recycling endosomes accumulated HBV and cholesterol, followed by transport of HBV back to the cell surface along the cholesterol efflux pathway. To reach hepatocytes as final target cells, HBV was able to utilise the hepatocyte-directed cholesterol transport machinery of macrophages. CONCLUSIONS Our results propose that HBV by binding to liver targeted lipoproteins and utilizing the reverse cholesterol transport pathway of macrophages hijacks the physiological lipid transport pathways to the liver to most efficiently reach its target organ. This may involve trans-infection of liver macrophages and result in deposition of HBV in the perisinusoidal space from where HBV can bind its receptor on hepatocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Knud Esser
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine / Helmholtz Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany.
| | - Xiaoming Cheng
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine / Helmholtz Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen M Wettengel
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine / Helmholtz Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Julie Lucifora
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France, University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), Lyon, France; CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm, U1111, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon
| | - Lea Hansen-Palmus
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine / Helmholtz Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Austen
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine / Helmholtz Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Armando A R Suarez
- CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm, U1111, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon
| | - Sarah Heintz
- CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm, U1111, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon
| | - Barbara Testoni
- CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm, U1111, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon
| | - Firat Nebioglu
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Center for Integrative Infectious Diseases Research, Im Neuenheimer Feld 344, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Minh Tu Pham
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Center for Integrative Infectious Diseases Research, Im Neuenheimer Feld 344, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shangqing Yang
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Center for Integrative Infectious Diseases Research, Im Neuenheimer Feld 344, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alma Zernecke
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, Würzburg 97080, Germany
| | - Dirk Wohlleber
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich and Heidelberg partner sites
| | - Marc Ringelhan
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich and Heidelberg partner sites; 2nd Medical Department, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Mathias Broxtermann
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine / Helmholtz Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Hartmann
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich Germany
| | - Norbert Hüser
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich Germany
| | - Julia Mergner
- Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry at Klinikum rechts der Isar (BayBioMS@MRI), TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Pichlmair
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine / Helmholtz Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich and Heidelberg partner sites; Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry at Klinikum rechts der Isar (BayBioMS@MRI), TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang E Thasler
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Grosshadern Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, Nussbaumstr. 20, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine / Helmholtz Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Georg Gasteiger
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine / Helmholtz Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Blutke
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Axel Walch
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Percy A Knolle
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich and Heidelberg partner sites
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Center for Integrative Infectious Diseases Research, Im Neuenheimer Feld 344, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich and Heidelberg partner sites; Division Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine / Helmholtz Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich and Heidelberg partner sites.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Biswas S, Rust LN, Wettengel JM, Yusova S, Fischer M, Carson JN, Johnson J, Wei L, Thode T, Kaadige MR, Sharma S, Agbaria M, Bimber BN, Tu T, Protzer U, Ploss A, Smedley JV, Golomb G, Sacha JB, Burwitz BJ. Long-term hepatitis B virus infection of rhesus macaques requires suppression of host immunity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2995. [PMID: 35637225 PMCID: PMC9151762 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30593-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus has infected a third of the world's population, and 296 million people are living with chronic infection. Chronic infection leads to progressive liver disease, including hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure, and there remains no reliable curative therapy. These gaps in our understanding are due, in large part, to a paucity of animal models of HBV infection. Here, we show that rhesus macaques regularly clear acute HBV infection, similar to adult humans, but can develop long-term infection if immunosuppressed. Similar to patients, we longitudinally detected HBV DNA, HBV surface antigen, and HBV e antigen in the serum of experimentally infected animals. In addition, we discovered hallmarks of HBV infection in the liver, including RNA transcription, HBV core and HBV surface antigen translation, and covalently closed circular DNA biogenesis. This pre-clinical animal model will serve to accelerate emerging HBV curative therapies into the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sreya Biswas
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Lauren N Rust
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Jochen M Wettengel
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, 81675, Germany
| | - Sofiya Yusova
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Miranda Fischer
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Julien N Carson
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Josie Johnson
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Lei Wei
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Trason Thode
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Mohan R Kaadige
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Sunil Sharma
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Majd Agbaria
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 12272, Israel
| | - Benjamin N Bimber
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Thomas Tu
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Clinical School and Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, 81675, Germany
| | - Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Jeremy V Smedley
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Gershon Golomb
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 12272, Israel
| | - Jonah B Sacha
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Benjamin J Burwitz
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ryu J, Chan W, Wettengel JM, Hanna CB, Burwitz BJ, Hennebold JD, Bimber BN. Rapid, accurate mapping of transgene integration in viable rhesus macaque embryos using enhanced-specificity tagmentation-assisted PCR. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 24:241-254. [PMID: 35211637 PMCID: PMC8829455 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Genome engineering is a powerful tool for in vitro research and the creation of novel model organisms and has growing clinical applications. Randomly integrating vectors, such as lentivirus- or transposase-based methods, are simple and easy to use but carry risks arising from insertional mutagenesis. Here we present enhanced-specificity tagmentation-assisted PCR (esTag-PCR), a rapid and accurate method for mapping transgene integration and copy number. Using stably transfected HepG2 cells, we demonstrate that esTag-PCR has higher integration site detection accuracy and efficiency than alternative tagmentation-based methods. Next, we performed esTag-PCR on rhesus macaque embryos derived from zygotes injected with piggyBac transposase and transposon/transgene plasmid. Using low-input trophectoderm biopsies, we demonstrate that esTag-PCR accurately maps integration events while preserving blastocyst viability. We used these high-resolution data to evaluate the performance of piggyBac-mediated editing of rhesus macaque embryos, demonstrating that increased concentration of transposon/transgene plasmid can increase the fraction of embryos with stable integration; however, the number of integrations per embryo also increases, which may be problematic for some applications. Collectively, esTag-PCR represents an important improvement to the detection of transgene integration, provides a method to validate and screen edited embryos before implantation, and represents an important advance in the creation of transgenic animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junghyun Ryu
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - William Chan
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Jochen M. Wettengel
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, 81675 Germany
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Carol B. Hanna
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Benjamin J. Burwitz
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
- Division of Pathobiology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Jon D. Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Benjamin N. Bimber
- Division of Pathobiology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
- Corresponding author Benjamin N. Bimber, PhD, Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Oswald A, Chakraborty A, Ni Y, Wettengel JM, Urban S, Protzer U. Concentration of Na +-taurocholate-cotransporting polypeptide expressed after in vitro-transcribed mRNA transfection determines susceptibility of hepatoma cells for hepatitis B virus. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19799. [PMID: 34611272 PMCID: PMC8492621 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99263-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection of hepatocytes by hepatitis B virus (HBV) depends on surface expression of its receptor Na+-taurocholate-cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), but sufficient NTCP expression is lacking in most cell lines. NTCP can be introduced by plasmid transfection or transduction by viral vectors to render cells permissive for HBV. However, transient transfection of hepatocyte-derived cell lines is inefficient, resulting in inhomogeneous protein expression and does not allow to adapt the level of NTCP expression. We therefore utilized in vitro transcribed mRNA to introduce NTCP into cells. Optimization using alternative cap structures and nucleotide modifications rendered mRNA transfection into different non-hepatic and hepatic cell lines very efficient. After transfection of mRNA, surface expression and functionality of NTCP was demonstrated by staining with an N-terminal HBV-preS peptide and bile acid uptake. Introduction of NTCP by mRNA transfection increased susceptibility of hepatoma cells to HBV in a dose-dependent manner. Transfection of NTCP mRNA into non-liver cells, in contrast, supported bile acid uptake but did still not render the cells permissive for HBV, demonstrating the requirement for additional host factors. Introduction of candidate host factors by mRNA transfection will allow for fast and convenient analysis of the viral life cycle using a transient, but reliable expression system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Oswald
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anindita Chakraborty
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Yi Ni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jochen M Wettengel
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany. .,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wing PAC, Liu PJ, Harris JM, Magri A, Michler T, Zhuang X, Borrmann H, Minisini R, Frampton NR, Wettengel JM, Mailly L, D'Arienzo V, Riedl T, Nobre L, Weekes MP, Pirisi M, Heikenwalder M, Baumert TF, Hammond EM, Mole DR, Protzer U, Balfe P, McKeating JA. Hypoxia inducible factors regulate hepatitis B virus replication by activating the basal core promoter. J Hepatol 2021; 75:64-73. [PMID: 33516779 PMCID: PMC8214165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) are a hallmark of inflammation and are key regulators of hepatic immunity and metabolism, yet their role in HBV replication is poorly defined. HBV replicates in hepatocytes within the liver, a naturally hypoxic organ, however most studies of viral replication are performed under conditions of atmospheric oxygen, where HIFs are inactive. We therefore investigated the role of HIFs in regulating HBV replication. METHODS Using cell culture, animal models, human tissue and pharmacological agents inhibiting the HIF-prolyl hydroxylases, we investigated the impact of hypoxia on the HBV life cycle. RESULTS Culturing liver cell-based model systems under low oxygen uncovered a new role for HIFs in binding HBV DNA and activating the basal core promoter, leading to increased pre-genomic RNA and de novo HBV particle secretion. The presence of hypoxia responsive elements among all primate members of the hepadnaviridae highlights an evolutionary conserved role for HIFs in regulating this virus family. CONCLUSIONS Identifying a role for this conserved oxygen sensor in regulating HBV transcription suggests that this virus has evolved to exploit the HIF signaling pathway to persist in the low oxygen environment of the liver. Our studies show the importance of considering oxygen availability when studying HBV-host interactions and provide innovative routes to better understand and target chronic HBV infection. LAY SUMMARY Viral replication in host cells is defined by the cellular microenvironment and one key factor is local oxygen tension. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replicates in the liver, a naturally hypoxic organ. Hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) are the major sensors of low oxygen; herein, we identify a new role for these factors in regulating HBV replication, revealing new therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter A C Wing
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute (COI), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - James M Harris
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrea Magri
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas Michler
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Xiaodong Zhuang
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Helene Borrmann
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Nicholas R Frampton
- Institute of Inflammation and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jochen M Wettengel
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Laurent Mailly
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; INSERM, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Tobias Riedl
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Luis Nobre
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael P Weekes
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; INSERM, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ester M Hammond
- Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David R Mole
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Balfe
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jane A McKeating
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute (COI), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Stadler D, Kächele M, Jones AN, Hess J, Urban C, Schneider J, Xia Y, Oswald A, Nebioglu F, Bester R, Lasitschka F, Ringelhan M, Ko C, Chou W, Geerlof A, van de Klundert MA, Wettengel JM, Schirmacher P, Heikenwälder M, Schreiner S, Bartenschlager R, Pichlmair A, Sattler M, Unger K, Protzer U. Interferon-induced degradation of the persistent hepatitis B virus cccDNA form depends on ISG20. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e49568. [PMID: 33969602 PMCID: PMC8183418 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201949568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) persists by depositing a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nucleus of infected cells that cannot be targeted by available antivirals. Interferons can diminish HBV cccDNA via APOBEC3-mediated deamination. Here, we show that overexpression of APOBEC3A alone is not sufficient to reduce HBV cccDNA that requires additional treatment of cells with interferon indicating involvement of an interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) in cccDNA degradation. Transcriptome analyses identify ISG20 as the only type I and II interferon-induced, nuclear protein with annotated nuclease activity. ISG20 localizes to nucleoli of interferon-stimulated hepatocytes and is enriched on deoxyuridine-containing single-stranded DNA that mimics transcriptionally active, APOBEC3A-deaminated HBV DNA. ISG20 expression is detected in human livers in acute, self-limiting but not in chronic hepatitis B. ISG20 depletion mitigates the interferon-induced loss of cccDNA, and co-expression with APOBEC3A is sufficient to diminish cccDNA. In conclusion, non-cytolytic HBV cccDNA decline requires the concerted action of a deaminase and a nuclease. Our findings highlight that ISGs may cooperate in their antiviral activity that may be explored for therapeutic targeting.
Collapse
|
12
|
Chakraborty A, Ko C, Henning C, Lucko A, Harris JM, Chen F, Zhuang X, Wettengel JM, Roessler S, Protzer U, McKeating JA. Synchronised infection identifies early rate-limiting steps in the hepatitis B virus life cycle. Cell Microbiol 2020; 22:e13250. [PMID: 32799415 PMCID: PMC7611726 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an enveloped DNA virus that contains a partially double-stranded relaxed circular (rc) DNA. Upon infection, rcDNA is delivered to the nucleus where it is repaired to covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA that serves as the transcription template for all viral RNAs. Our understanding of HBV particle entry dynamics and host pathways regulating intracellular virus trafficking and cccDNA formation is limited. The discovery of sodium taurocholate co-transporting peptide (NTCP) as the primary receptor allows studies on these early steps in viral life cycle. We employed a synchronised infection protocol to quantify HBV entry kinetics. HBV attachment to cells at 4°C is independent of NTCP, however, subsequent particle uptake is NTCP-dependent and reaches saturation at 12 h post-infection. HBV uptake is clathrin- and dynamin dependent with actin and tubulin playing a role in the first 6 h of infection. Cellular fractionation studies demonstrate HBV DNA in the nucleus within 6 h of infection and cccDNA was first detected at 24 h post-infection. Our studies show the majority (83%) of cell bound particles enter HepG2-NTCP cells, however, only a minority (<1%) of intracellular rcDNA was converted to cccDNA, highlighting this as a rate-limiting in establishing infection in vitro. This knowledge highlights the deficiencies in our in vitro cell culture systems and will inform the design and evaluation of physiologically relevant models that support efficient HBV replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Chakraborty
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,Technical University of Munich, Institute for Advanced Study, Munich, Germany
| | - Chunkyu Ko
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christin Henning
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Aaron Lucko
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - James M Harris
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fuwang Chen
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Xiaodong Zhuang
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jochen M Wettengel
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie Roessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,Technical University of Munich, Institute for Advanced Study, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany
| | - Jane A McKeating
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bockmann JH, Stadler D, Xia Y, Ko C, Wettengel JM, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Dandri M, Protzer U. Comparative Analysis of the Antiviral Effects Mediated by Type I and III Interferons in Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Hepatocytes. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:567-577. [PMID: 30923817 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type III interferons (IFNs) (λ1-3) activate similar signaling cascades as type I IFNs (α and β) via different receptors. Since IFN-α and lymphotoxin-β activate cytosine deamination and subsequent purging of nuclear hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, we investigated whether IFN-β and -λ may also induce these antiviral effects in differentiated HBV-infected hepatocytes. METHODS After determining the biological activity of IFN-α2, -β1, -λ1, and -λ2 in differentiated hepatocytes, their antiviral effects were analyzed in HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes and HepaRG cells. RESULTS Type I and III IFNs reduced nuclear open-circle DNA and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) levels in HBV-infected cells. IFN-β and -λ were at least as efficient as IFN-α. Differential DNA-denaturing polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analysis revealed G-to-A sequence alterations of HBV cccDNA in IFN-α, -β, and -λ-treated liver cells indicating deamination. All IFNs induced apolipoprotein B messenger RNA-editing enzyme-catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) deaminases 3A and 3G within 24 hours of treatment, but IFN-β and -λ induced longer-lasting expression of APOBEC deaminases in comparison to IFN-α. CONCLUSIONS IFN-β, IFN-λ1, and IFN-λ2 induce cccDNA deamination and degradation at least as efficiently as IFN-α, indicating that these antiviral cytokines are interesting candidates for the design of new therapeutic strategies aiming at cccDNA reduction and HBV cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Hendrik Bockmann
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich.,I. Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich and Hamburg partner sites, Germany
| | - Daniela Stadler
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich
| | - Yuchen Xia
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich.,State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, China
| | - Chunkyu Ko
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich
| | - Jochen M Wettengel
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich
| | - Julian Schulze Zur Wiesch
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich and Hamburg partner sites, Germany
| | - Maura Dandri
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich and Hamburg partner sites, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich and Hamburg partner sites, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wisskirchen K, Kah J, Malo A, Asen T, Volz T, Allweiss L, Wettengel JM, Lütgehetmann M, Urban S, Bauer T, Dandri M, Protzer U. T cell receptor grafting allows virological control of Hepatitis B virus infection. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:2932-2945. [PMID: 31039136 DOI: 10.1172/jci120228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell therapy is a promising means to treat chronic HBV infection and HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. T cells engineered to express an HBV-specific T cell receptor (TCR) may achieve cure of HBV infection upon adoptive transfer. We investigated the therapeutic potential and safety of T cells stably expressing high affinity HBV envelope- or core-specific TCRs recognizing European and Asian HLA-A2 subtypes. Both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells from healthy donors and from chronic hepatitis B patients became polyfunctional effector cells when grafted with HBV-specific TCRs and eliminated HBV from infected HepG2-NTCP cell cultures. A single transfer of TCR-grafted T cells into HBV-infected, humanized mice controlled HBV infection and virological markers declined 4-5 log or below detection limit. When - as in a typical clinical setting - only a minority of hepatocytes were infected, engineered T cells specifically cleared infected hepatocytes without damaging non-infected cells. Cell death was compensated by hepatocyte proliferation and alanine amino transferase levels peaking at day 5 to 7 normalized again thereafter. Co-treatment with the entry inhibitor Myrcludex B ensured long-term control of HBV infection. Thus, T cells stably transduced with highly functional TCRs have the potential to mediate clearance of HBV-infected cells causing limited liver injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Wisskirchen
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Hamburg, and Heidelberg partner sites, Germany
| | - Janine Kah
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Hamburg, and Heidelberg partner sites, Germany.,1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Antje Malo
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Theresa Asen
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Tassilo Volz
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lena Allweiss
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jochen M Wettengel
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Hamburg, and Heidelberg partner sites, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Virology, and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Urban
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Hamburg, and Heidelberg partner sites, Germany.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tanja Bauer
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Hamburg, and Heidelberg partner sites, Germany
| | - Maura Dandri
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Hamburg, and Heidelberg partner sites, Germany.,1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Hamburg, and Heidelberg partner sites, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xia Y, Stadler D, Lucifora J, Reisinger F, Webb D, Hösel M, Michler T, Wisskirchen K, Cheng X, Zhang K, Chou WM, Wettengel JM, Malo A, Bohne F, Hoffmann D, Eyer F, Thimme R, Falk CS, Thasler WE, Heikenwalder M, Protzer U. Interferon-γ and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Produced by T Cells Reduce the HBV Persistence Form, cccDNA, Without Cytolysis. Gastroenterology 2016; 150:194-205. [PMID: 26416327 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2015.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Viral clearance involves immune cell cytolysis of infected cells. However, studies of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in chimpanzees have indicated that cytokines released by T cells also can promote viral clearance via noncytolytic processes. We investigated the noncytolytic mechanisms by which T cells eliminate HBV from infected hepatocytes. METHODS We performed a cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of serum samples from patients with acute and chronic hepatitis B. Liver biopsy specimens were analyzed by in situ hybridization. HepG2-H1.3 cells, HBV-infected HepaRG cells, and primary human hepatocytes were incubated with interferon-γ (IFNγ) or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), or co-cultured with T cells. We measured markers of HBV replication, including the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). RESULTS Levels of IFNγ and TNF-α were increased in serum samples from patients with acute vs chronic hepatitis B and controls. In human hepatocytes with stably replicating HBV, as well as in HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes or HepaRG cells, IFNγ and TNF-α each induced deamination of cccDNA and interfered with its stability; their effects were additive. HBV-specific T cells, through secretion of IFNγ and TNF-α, inhibited HBV replication and reduced cccDNA in infected cells without the direct contact required for cytolysis. Blocking IFNγ and TNF-α after T-cell stimulation prevented the loss of cccDNA. Deprivation of cccDNA required activation of nuclear APOBEC3 deaminases by the cytokines. In liver biopsy specimens from patients with acute hepatitis B, but not chronic hepatitis B or controls, hepatocytes expressed APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B. CONCLUSIONS IFNγ and TNF-α, produced by T cells, reduce levels of HBV cccDNA in hepatocytes by inducing deamination and subsequent cccDNA decay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Xia
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniela Stadler
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julie Lucifora
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Munich and Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian Reisinger
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Dennis Webb
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marianna Hösel
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Michler
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Wisskirchen
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Munich and Hannover, Germany
| | - Xiaoming Cheng
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ke Zhang
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Wen-Min Chou
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen M Wettengel
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Antje Malo
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Bohne
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Hoffmann
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Eyer
- Medicine II, Department of Clinical Toxicology, University Hospital rechts der Isar of the Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christine S Falk
- German Center for Infection Research, Munich and Hannover, Germany; Abt Transplantationsimmunologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang E Thasler
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Grosshadern Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Munich and Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|