Recent advances in research on hepadnaviral infection in the woodchuck model

The woodchuck model is an excellent animal model to study hepadnaviral infection. The new progresses in this model made possible to examine the T-cell mediated immune responses in acute and chronic hepadnaviral infection. Recently, a new assay for cytotoxic T-cells based on detection of CD107 was established for the woodchuck model. In addition, new immunotherapeutic approaches based on combination of potent antiviral treatment and DNA-protein vaccines were proven to be useful for treatment of chronic hepatitis B.     

Enhancing Virus-Specific Immunity In Vivo by Combining Therapeutic Vaccination and PD-L1 Blockade in Chronic Hepadnaviral Infection

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistence is facilitated by exhaustion of CD8 T cells that express the inhibitory receptor programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). Improvement of the HBV-specific T cell function has been obtained in vitro by inhibiting the PD-1/PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) interaction. In this study, we examined whether in vivo blockade of the PD-1 pathway enhances virus-specific T cell immunity and leads to the resolution of chronic hepadnaviral infection in the woodchuck model. The woodchuck PD-1 was first cloned, characterized, and its expression patterns on T cells from woodchucks with acute or chronic woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) infection were investigated. Woodchucks chronically infected with WHV received a combination therapy with nucleoside analogue entecavir (ETV), therapeutic DNA vaccination and woodchuck PD-L1 antibody treatment. The gain of T cell function and the suppression of WHV replication by this therapy were evaluated. We could show that PD-1 expression on CD8 T cells was correlated with WHV viral loads during WHV infection. ETV treatment significantly decreased PD-1 expression on CD8 T cells in chronic carriers. In vivo blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 pathway on CD8 T cells, in combination with ETV treatment and DNA vaccination, potently enhanced the function of virus-specific T cells. Moreover, the combination therapy potently suppressed WHV replication, leading to sustained immunological control of viral infection, anti-WHs antibody development and complete viral clearance in some woodchucks. Our results provide a new approach to improve T cell function in chronic hepatitis B infection, which may be used to design new immunotherapeutic strategies in patients.     

In Vitro Anti-hepatitis B Virus Activity of 2',3'-Dideoxyguanosine

2',3'-dideoxyguanosine(DoG) has been demonstrated to inhibit duck hepatitis B virus(DHBV) replication in vivo in a duck model of HBV infection. In the current study, the in vitro antiviral effects of DoG on human and animal hepadnaviruses were investigated. Our results showed that DoG effectively inhibited HBV, DHBV, and woodchuck hepatitis virus(WHV)replication in hepatocyte-derived cells in a dose-dependent manner, with 50% effective concentrations(EC50) of 0.3 ± 0.05, 6.82 ± 0.25, and 23.0 ± 1.5 lmol/L, respectively. Similar to other hepadnaviral DNA polymerase inhibitors,DoG did not alter the levels of intracellular viral RNA but induced the accumulation of a less-than-full-length viral RNA species, which was recently demonstrated to be generated by RNase H cleavage of pgRNA. Furthermore, using a transient transfection assay, DoG showed similar antiviral activity against HBV wild-type, 3TC-resistant rtA181 V, and adefovirresistant rtN236T mutants. Our results suggest that DoG has potential as a nucleoside analogue drug with anti-HBV activity.     

一种HBV研究的新动物模型-喜马拉雅旱獭β-actin基因的克隆及序列分析

目的 喜马拉雅旱獭对土拨鼠肝炎病毒（woodchuck hepatitis virus,WHV）高度易感,可作为HBV感染的新动物模型.本研究对喜马拉雅旱獭β肌动蛋白（β-actin）的部分cDNA序列进行了克隆和序列分析,为喜马拉雅旱獭在HBV感染研究中的应用奠定基础.方法 根据Genbank的土拨鼠β-actin cDNA的序列设计特异性引物,提取旱獭脾组织总RNA作为模板,RT-PCR扩增旱獭β-actin cDNA序列;PCR产物纯化后连接至T载体（pMD18-T）,构建重组质粒pMD18-T-mhActin.对重组质粒进行PCR初筛及酶切鉴定,选择阳性克隆测序;对所获得的序列进行同源性和种系进化分析.结果 获得的旱獭β-actin序列为349 bp（nt887～1 235）,其中编码序列为323 bp（nt-887～1209）,编码106个氨基酸,包含形成二硫键的2个丝氨酸位点（氨基酸16和氨基酸105）及与β-actin功能相关的2个ATP结合位点、6个凝溶胶蛋白结合位点和6个profilin结合位点.同源性分析发现上述序列与其它哺乳动物β-actin的同源性均高达88 %以上,与土拨鼠β-actin的同源性最高（99.69 %）,其氨基酸序列的同源性为100 %.种系进化树分析提示喜马拉雅旱獭β-actin与土拨鼠β-actin的亲缘关系最近,其次为其它啮齿类动物.结论 成功克隆了喜马拉雅旱獭β-actin的部分序列.序列分析发现喜马拉雅旱獭β-actin与土拨鼠β-actin的同源性最高.     

Molecular characterization of the type I IFN receptor in two woodchuck species and detection of its expression in liver samples from woodchucks infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV)

Type I interferons (IFN-α/β) serve as the first line of defense against viral infection and share the same type I IFN receptor (IFNAR) complex, which is composed of IFNAR1 and -2. The Eastern woodchuck (Marmota monax) and Chinese woodchuck (Marmota himalayana) are suitable for studying hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Here, the complete or partial sequences of the IFNARs of both species were obtained and analyzed. Small interference RNAs targeting wIFNAR1 and -2 specifically down-regulated the expression of wIFNAR1 and -2 and the IFN-stimulated gene MxA in a woodchuck cell line, respectively. IFNAR2 was significantly up-regulated in primary woodchuck hepatocytes stimulated with IFN-α or -γ. The expression of woodchuck IFNAR1 and -2 was decreased in woodchucks chronically infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV). These results are essential for studying type I IFN-related innate immunity and therapy in hepadnaviral infection in the woodchuck model.     

Novel Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus (WHV) Transgene Mouse Models Show Sex-Dependent WHV Replicative Activity and Development of Spontaneous Immune Responses to WHV Proteins

The woodchuck model is an informative model for studies on hepadnaviral infection. In this study, woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) transgenic (Tg) mouse models based on C57BL/6 mice were established to study the pathogenesis associated with hepadnaviral infection. Two lineages of WHV Tg mice, harboring the WHV wild-type genome (lineage 1217) and a mutated WHV genome lacking surface antigen (lineage 1281), were generated. WHV replication intermediates were detected by Southern blotting. DNA vaccines against WHV proteins were applied by intramuscular injection. WHV-specific immune responses were analyzed by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The presence of WHV transgenes resulted in liver-specific but sex- and age-dependent WHV replication in Tg mice. Pathological changes in the liver, including hepatocellular dysplasia, were observed in aged Tg mice, suggesting that the presence of WHV transgenes may lead to liver diseases. Interestingly, Tg mice of lineage 1281 spontaneously developed T- and B-cell responses to WHV core protein (WHcAg). DNA vaccination induced specific immune responses to WHV proteins in WHV Tg mice, indicating a tolerance break. The magnitude of the induced WHcAg-specific immune responses was dependent on the effectiveness of different DNA vaccines and was associated with a decrease in WHV loads in mice. In conclusion, sex- and age-dependent viral replication, development of autoimmune responses to viral antigens, pathological changes in the liver in WHV Tg mice, and the possibility of breaking immune tolerance to WHV transgenes will allow future studies on pathogenesis related to hepadnaviral infection and therapeutic vaccines.     

乙型肝炎病毒DNA疫苗的研究进展

预防与控制乙型肝炎发病的乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)疫苗,是有重大的社会和经济意义。HBV的持续感染可引起慢性肝脏疾患,并逐步发展为肝硬化和肝细胞癌(HCC)。目前的乙肝重组亚单位疫苗可以使90％的接种产生保护性抗体;但是对慢性HBV携带,由于其机体对HBsAg蛋白产生耐受,不能产生体液和细胞免疫,因此它只能作为一种预防性的疫苗。DNA疫苗(基因疫苗)是一种新的疫苗技术,通过向体内递送编码抗原的细菌质粒,刺激产生特异的体液和细胞免疫反应。在小鼠和其他的肝炎病毒感染动物模型中,HBV DNA疫苗可以特异性地引起体液和细胞免疫,清除HBV转基因动物血循环中的HBsAg颗粒和HBV DNA。如果加入各种免疫调节细胞因子的基因,可以进一步提高HBV DNA疫苗的免疫效果,因此它不仅可作为预防性疫苗,也可作为治疗型疫苗。     

新生与成年土拨鼠肝组织中部分差异表达的基因比较分析

目的新生土拨鼠感染土拨鼠肝炎病毒后,大部分发展为慢性肝炎,而成年土拨鼠感染后则多发生急性自限性肝炎。本实验目的就是寻找其肝组织中可能导致这种预后差异的关键基因。方法采用全基因组表达谱芯片技术,对比新生与成年小鼠肝组织基因表达差异,选取目的基因,再通过多个物种序列比对,设计简并引物,在土拨鼠肝组织eDNA中扩增对应基因,测序,再次设计引物,进行实时荧光定量PCR。结果与新生土拨鼠相比,成年土拨鼠肝细胞中与钙离子重吸收相关基因DNMl（Dynamin1）、DNM3（Dynamin3）及Prkcc（proteinkinaseC,gamma）表达率明显升高,分别上升2．65±0．25倍、1．90±0．34倍、2．94±0．54倍。结论在钙离子重吸收通路中,在两组小鼠肝脏中表达差异最明显的上述三个基因,在新生组与成年组土拨鼠之间也有明显差异。此类基因造成肝细胞内钙离子浓度的差别,间接影响其中肝炎病毒的复制。这种表达差异很可能是导致两个年龄段动物感染土拨鼠肝炎病毒后转归不同的原因之一。     

Acute resolving woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) infection is associated with a strong cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response to a single WHV core peptide

Woodchucks infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) are an excellent model for studying acute, self-limited and chronic hepadnaviral infections. Defects in the immunological response leading to chronicity are still unknown. Specific T-helper cell responses to WHV core and surface antigens (WHcAg and WHsAg, respectively) are associated with acute resolving infection; however, they are undetectable in chronic infection. Up to now, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses could not be determined in the woodchuck. In the present study, we detected virus-specific CTL responses by a CD107a degranulation assay. The splenocytes of woodchucks in the postacute phase of WHV infection (18 months postinfection) were isolated and stimulated with overlapping peptides covering the whole WHcAg. After 6 days, the cells were restimulated and stained for CD3 and CD107a. One peptide (c96-110) turned out to be accountable for T-cell expansion and CD107a staining. Later, we applied the optimized degranulation assay to study the kinetics of the T-cell response in acute WHV infection. We found a vigorous T-cell response against peptide c96-110 with peripheral blood cells beginning at the peak of viral load (week 5) and lasting up to 15 weeks postinfection. In contrast, there was no T-cell response against peptide c96-110 detectable in chronically WHV-infected animals. Thus, with this newly established flow cytometric degranulation assay, we detected for the first time virus-specific CTLs and determined one immunodominant epitope of WHcAg in the woodchuck.     

Combination of DNA Prime – Adenovirus Boost Immunization with Entecavir Elicits Sustained Control of Chronic Hepatitis B in the Woodchuck Model

A potent therapeutic T-cell vaccine may be an alternative treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Previously, we developed a DNA prime-adenovirus (AdV) boost vaccination protocol that could elicit strong and specific CD8⁺ T-cell responses to woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) core antigen (WHcAg) in mice. In the present study, we first examined whether this new prime-boost immunization could induce WHcAg-specific T-cell responses and effectively control WHV replication in the WHV-transgenic mouse model. Secondly, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of this new vaccination strategy in chronically WHV-infected woodchucks in combination with a potent antiviral treatment. Immunization of WHV-transgenic mice by DNA prime-AdV boost regimen elicited potent and functional WHcAg-specific CD8⁺ T-cell response that consequently resulted in the reduction of the WHV load below the detection limit in more than 70% of animals. The combination therapy of entecavir (ETV) treatment and DNA prime-AdV boost immunization in chronic WHV carriers resulted in WHsAg- and WHcAg-specific CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cell responses, which were not detectable in ETV-only treated controls. Woodchucks receiving the combination therapy showed a prolonged suppression of WHV replication and lower WHsAg levels compared to controls. Moreover, two of four immunized carriers remained WHV negative after the end of ETV treatment and developed anti-WHs antibodies. These results demonstrate that the combined antiviral and vaccination approach efficiently elicited sustained immunological control of chronic hepadnaviral infection in woodchucks and may be a new promising therapeutic strategy in patients.     

荧光定量PCR检测土拨鼠肝炎病毒核酸方法的建立

目的建立土拨鼠肝炎病毒（woodchuck hepatitis virus,WHV）核酸的荧光定量PCR（Real-time PCR）检测方法,应用于土拨鼠肝炎病毒模型的研究。方法分别根据土拨鼠肝炎病毒核心抗原（WHcAg）和表面抗原（WHsAg）的DNA序列设计13对扩增引物,从中筛选无非特异性扩增及引物二聚体且灵敏度高的引物,用于土拨鼠血清中WHV DNA的Real-time PCR检测。建立感染土拨鼠肝炎病毒的土拨鼠血清中WHV核酸的Real-timePCR检测方法。结果根据WHsAg基因的5＇端设计的一对引物WHVSF1与WHVSR1,检测灵敏度可达1×101拷贝/μL,病毒拷贝数与Real-time PCR Ct值的标准曲线的R2值为0.997,且电泳未见明显非特异性条带及引物二聚体。结论建立了土拨鼠血清中WHV DNA的Real-time PCR检测方法,该方法为进一步研究土拨鼠肝炎病毒模型奠定了基础。     

Molecular characterization of woodchuck interleukin 15 (wIL-15) and detection of its expression in liver samples of woodchucks infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV)

Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a member of the four-helix bundle cytokine family and has T cell growth factor activity. IL-15 plays a unique role in both innate and adaptive immune cell homeostasis, particularly for the development of NK cells and CD8+memory cells. It may be useful for stimulation of specific immune responses in chronic viral infection such as hepatitis B virus infection. The woodchuck model is an informative animal model for studies on hepadnavirus infection and therapeutic interventions. Here, the complete coding sequence of woodchuck IL-15 (wIL-15) was cloned and sequenced. wIL-15 shows a high homology (>70%) to its counterparts of other mammalian species. His-tagged recombinant wIL-15 protein was expressed and purified and showed the ability to promote the proliferation of activated mouse splenocytes and woodchuck peripheral blood lymphocytes. Further, examination of mRNA amounts in liver samples of woodchucks by semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed a slightly increased expression of wIL-15 in woodchuck livers during chronic woodchuck hepatitis virus infection. This available information will provide a basis for further studies on the function of IL-15 in the context of acute and chronic hepadnavirus infection and its potential therapeutic use for chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the woodchuck model.     

Molecular characterization of woodchuck interleukin 15 (wIL-15) and detection of its expression in liver samples of woodchucks infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV)

Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a member of the four-helix bundle cytokine family and has T cell growth factor activity. IL-15 plays a unique role in both innate and adaptive immune cell homeostasis, particularly for the development of NK cells and CD8 + memory cells. It may be useful for stimulation of specific immune responses in chronic viral infection such as hepatitis B virus infection.The woodchuck model is an informative animal model for studies on hepadnavirus infection and therapeutic interventions. Here, the complete coding sequence of woodchuck IL-15 (wIL-15) was cloned and sequenced. wIL-15 shows a high homology (>70%) to its counterparts of other mammalian species. His-tagged recombinant wIL-15 protein was expressed and purified and showed the ability to promote the proliferation of activated mouse splenocytes and woodchuck peripheral blood lymphocytes. Further, examination of mRNA amounts in liver samples of woodchucks by semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed a slightly increased expression of wIL-15 in woodchuck livers during chronic woodchuck hepatitis virus infection. This available information will provide a basis for further studies on the function of IL-15 in the context of acute and chronic hepadnavirus infection and its potential therapeutic use for chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the woodchuck model.     

从动物模型看乙型病毒性肝炎致病机制的研究进展

乙型肝炎病毒(Hepatitis B virus,HBV)是通过血液和体液传播的嗜肝DNA病毒,尽管有有效的预防疫苗,乙型病毒性肝炎仍是我国乃至全球人类健康的重大威胁。HBV的易感宿主只局限于人以及黑猩猩等灵长类动物,HBV感染性疾病的研究遇到很大困难。多种小动物研究模型的建立,使我们对HBV感染致病机制的认识有了很大进步,包括:分子病毒学特征、在感染细胞中生命周期、机体的抗病毒免疫反应、肝脏病变的免疫病理机制等。但是,由于已有动物模型的种种限制,我们对HBV感染及乙型肝炎发生和发展的认识还远远不够,目前除了抗病毒治疗外,还没有有效地治疗慢性乙肝的方法。建立能够真实反映临床HBV感染、乙肝发生和进展过程的纯系小鼠模型,对于我们全面深入地理解HBV感染的侵入机制、宿主和病毒之间相互作用,以及发展预防和治疗HBV感染的新方法都具有非常重要的意义。     

HBV转基因小鼠--乙型肝炎研究的重要工具

HBV感染具有严格的种属特异性和组织亲嗜性,所以可用于研究的动物模型很少。随着转基因技术的出现和发展,人们通过研制转基因动物模型来研究病毒致病机理。把HBV的DNA或其片段转入小鼠受精卵建立起来的HBV转基因小鼠,已被广泛地应用于乙型肝炎的研究中,主要体现在以下3个方面：研究HBV的致病机制、与肝细胞癌的关系及寻找、评价治疗乙肝的方法。     

免疫因素及cccDNA 与HBV的持续感染

由于乙肝疫苗普遍接种,乙型肝炎的流行已经下降,但慢性乙型肝炎（CHB）仍是严重的全球性公共卫生问题。超螺旋共价闭合环状DNA（cccDNA）作为原始转录模板,逃避机体免疫及抗病毒药物清除,在HBV持续感染中发挥重要作用。基于调节患者对HBV的免疫功能研究新的治疗策略以清除细胞核内cccDNA可能成为根除HBV持续感染的途径。     

The earliest steps in hepatitis B virus infection

The early steps in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a human hepadnavirus, initiates from cell attachment followed by entry and delivery of the genetic information to the nucleus. Despite the fact that these steps determine the virus-related pathogenesis, their molecular basis is poorly understood. Cumulative data suggest that this process can be divided to cell attachment, endocytosis, membrane fusion and post-fusion consecutive steps. These steps are likely to be regulated by the viral envelope proteins and by the cellular membrane, receptors and extracellular matrix. In the absence of animal model for HBV, the duck hepadnavirus DHBV turned out to be a fruitful animal model. Therefore data concerning the early, post-attachment steps in hepadnaviral entry are largely based on studies performed with DHBV in primary duck liver hepatocytes. These studies are now starting to illuminate the mechanisms of hepadnavirus route of cell entry and to provide some new insights on the molecular basis of the strict species specificity of hepadnavirus infection.     

New therapeutic vaccination strategies for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) is currently treated with either interferon-based or nucleot(s)ide-based antiviral therapies. However, treatment with pegylated interferon alpha results in a durable antiviral response in only about 30% patients and is associated with side effects. Most patients receiving nucleot(s)ide analogue treatment do not establish long-term, durable control of infection and have rebounding viremia after cessation of therapy. Thus, novel therapy strategies are necessary to achieve the induction of potent and durable antiviral immune responses of the patients which can maintain long-term control of viral replication. Therapeutic vaccination of HBV carriers is a promising strategy for the control of hepatitis B. Here the authors review new therapeutic vaccination strategies to treat chronic hepatitis B which may be introduced for patient treatment in the future.     

Woodchuck gamma interferon upregulates major histocompatibility complex class I transcription but is unable to deplete woodchuck hepatitis virus replication intermediates and RNAs in persistently infected woodchuck primary hepatocytes.

Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) is an important mediator with multiple functions in the host defense against viral infection. IFN-gamma, in concert with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), leads to a remarkable reduction of intrahepatic replication intermediates and specific mRNAs of hepatitis B virus (HBV) by a noncytolytic mechanism in the transgenic mouse model. Thus, it is rational to evaluate the potential value of IFN-gamma for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. In the present study, we expressed recombinant woodchuck IFN-gamma (wIFN-gamma) in Escherichia coli and mammalian cells. wIFN-gamma protected woodchuck cells against infection of murine encephalomyocarditis virus in a species-specific manner. It upregulated the mRNA level of the woodchuck major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) heavy chain in permanent woodchuck WH12/6 cells and regulated differentially the gene expression. However, the level of the replication intermediates and specific RNAs of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) in persistently WHV-infected primary woodchuck hepatocytes did not change despite a treatment with 1,000 U of wIFN-gamma per ml or with a combination of wIFN-gamma and woodchuck TNF-alpha. Rather, hepatocytes derived from chronic carriers had an elevated level of the MHC-I heavy-chain mRNAs, most probably due to the exposure to inflammatory cytokines in vivo. Treatment with high doses of wIFN-gamma led to an abnormal cell morphology and loss of hepatocytes. Thus, wIFN-gamma regulates the gene expression in woodchuck hepatocytes but could not deplete WHV replication intermediates and mRNAs in persistently infected hepatocytes. The cellular response to wIFN-gamma may be changed in hepatocytes from chronically WHV-infected woodchucks. It should be clarified in the future whether the continuous exposure of hepatocytes to inflammatory cytokines or the presence of viral proteins leads to changes of the cellular response to wIFN-gamma.     

Prokaryotic expression of woodchuck cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (wCTLA-4) and preparation of polyclonal antibody to wCTLA-4

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is an inhibitory T cell receptor predominately expressed on activated T cells and plays an important role in regulation of specific T cell responses to viral infection. The woodchuck model is an informative animal model for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In this study, the extracellular region of woodchuck CTLA-4 (wCTLA-4) was cloned and the fusion protein of GST-wCTLA-4 was expressed and purified. Polyclonal antibody against GST-wCTLA-4 (anti-GST-wCTLA-4) was prepared. The full length wCTLA-4 protein expressed in transfected baby hamster kidney cells was detected by anti-GST-wCTLA-4 in western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Anti-GST-wCTLA-4 provides a useful tool to study the role of CTLA-4 in T-cell response in the woodchuck model. Further, the blocking of CTLA-4 with anti-GST-wCTLA-4, as a novel therapy approach for chronic hepatitis B virus infection, could be studied in woodchuck model now.