RNA binding protein 24 regulates the translation and replication of hepatitis C virus

The secondary structures of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and the cellular proteins that bind to them are important for modulating both translation and RNA replication. However, the sets of RNA-binding proteins involved in the regulation of HCV translation, replication and encapsidation remain unknown. Here, we identified RNA binding motif protein 24 (RBM24) as a host factor participated in HCV translation and replication. Knockdown of RBM24 reduced HCV propagation in Huh7.5.1 cells. An enhanced translation and delayed RNA synthesis during the early phase of infection was observed in RBM24 silencing cells. However, both overexpression of RBM24 and recombinant human RBM24 protein suppressed HCV IRES-mediated translation. Further analysis revealed that the assembly of the 80S ribosome on the HCV IRES was interrupted by RBM24 protein through binding to the 5'-UTR. RBM24 could also interact with HCV Core and enhance the interaction of Core and 5'-UTR, which suppresses the expression of HCV. Moreover, RBM24 enhanced the interaction between the 5'- and 3'-UTRs in the HCV genome, which probably explained its requirement in HCV genome replication. Therefore, RBM24 is a novel host factor involved in HCV replication and may function at the switch from translation to replication.

Regulation of Hepatitis C Virus Replication and Gene Expression by the MAPK-ERK Pathway / 中国病毒学·英文版

The mitogen activated protein kinases-extracellular signal regulated kinases (MAPK-ERK) pathway is involved in regulation of multiple cellular processes including the cell cycle.In the present study using a Huh7 cell line Con1 with an HCV replicon,we have shown that the MAPK-ERK pathway plays a significant role in the modulation of HCV replication and protein expression and might influence IFN-α signalling.Epithelial growth factor (EGF) was able to stimulate ERK activation and decreased HCV RNA load while a MAPK-ERK pathway inhibitor U0126 led to an elevated HCV RNA load and higher NS5A protein amounts in Con1 cells.It could be further demonstrated that the inhibition of the MAPK-ERK pathway facilitated the translation directed by the HCV internal ribosome entry site.Consistently,a U0126 treatment enhanced activity of the HCV reporter replicon in transient transfection assays.Thus,the MAPK-ERK pathway plays an important role in the regulation of HCV gene expression and replication.In addition,cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) downstream of ERK may also be involved in the modulation of HCV replication since roscovitine,an inhibitor of CDKs had a similar effect to that of U0126.Modulation of the cell cycle progression by cell cycle inhibitor or RNAi resulted consistently in changes of HCV RNA levels.Further,the replication of HCV replicon in Conl cells was inhibited by IFN-α.The inhibitory effect of IFN-α could be partly reversed by pre-incubation of Con-1 cells with inhibitors of the MAPK-ERK pathway and CDKs.It could be shown that the MAPK-ERK inhibitors are able to partially modulate the expression of interferon-stimulated genes.

Interleukin-10 is expressed in HepG2.2.15 cells and regulated by STAT1 pathway / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This study investigated the expression profiles of IL-10 gene in three human hepatoma cell lines including Huh7, HepG2, and HepG2 transfected with a plasmid containing hepatitis B virus (HBV) named HepG2.2.15. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that IL-10 message RNA was absent in HepG2 and Huh7 cells, whereas it was present in HepG2.2.15 cells, which was consistent with ELISA result. Furthermore, except for lamivudine other antiviral treatments did not significantly decrease the HBV DNA level in HepG2.2.15 cells, while they had different effects on the expression of IL-10 protein, although stimulation by LPS had no significant effect. In addition, except for poly(I:C), the other treatments decreased the expression of IL-10 protein to different degrees, but had no significant effects on the expression of NF-κB and MyD88. Meanwhile, all treatments we used had effect on the expression of STAT1. In conclusion, IL-10 was expressed in HepG2.2.15 cells and STAT1 pathway might be involved in the regulation of IL-10 expression in HepG2.2.15 cells, but it was not the sole pathway, the exact mechanism warrants further study.

Establishment of a functional cell line expressing both subunits of H1a and H2c of human hepatocyte surface molecule ASGPR / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

To better understand the effect of a new split variant of human asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR H1b) on ASGPR ligands' binding ability, we established a functional cell line which expresses ASGPR. The full lengths of ASGPRH1a and H2c fragments from human liver were amplified by reverse transcript PCR (RT-PCR) and inserted into eukaryotic expression vector pIRES2EGFP, pCDNA3.1 (Zeo+) respectively. The recombinants were co-transfected into HeLa cells. After selection by using Neocin and Zeocin, a stably transfected cell line was established, which was designated 4-1-6. The transcription and expression of ASGPRH1a and H2c in 4-1-6 were confirmed by RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence. The endocytosis function of the artificial "ASGPR" on the surface of 4-1-6 was tested by FACS. It was found that the cell line 4-1-6 could bind ASGPR natural ligand molecular asialo-orosomucoid (ASOR). After the eukaryotic plasmid H1b/pCDNA3.1 (neo) was transfected into cell line 4-1-6, H1b did not down-regulate the ligand binding ability of ASGPR. The eukaryotic expression plasmid H1b/pcDNA3.1 (neo) and H2c/pcDNA3.1 (neo) were co-transfected transiently into Hela cell. Neither single H1b nor H1b and H2c could bind ASOR. In conclusion, a functional cell line of human asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) which expresses both H1a and H2c stably was established. The new split variant H1b has no effect on ASGPR binding to ASOR. ASGPRH1b alone can't bind to ASOR, it yet can't form functional complex with ASGPRH2c.

Development of HBsAg-Binding Aptamers that bind HepG2.2.15 cells via HBV surface antigen / 中国病毒学·英文版

Hepatitis B virus surface antigen(HBsAg),a specific antigen on the membrane of Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected cells,provides a perfect target for therapeutic drugs.The development of reagents with high affinity and specificity to the HBsAg is of great significance to the early-stage diagnosis and treatment of HBV infection.Herein,we report the selection of RNA aptamers that can specifically bind to HBsAg protein and HBsAg-positive hepatocytes.One high affinity aptamer,HBs-A22,was isolated from an initial 115 mer library of ～1.1×1015 random-sequence RNA molecules using the SELEX procedure.The selected aptamer HBs-A22 bound specifically to hepatoma cell line HepG2.2.15 that expresses HBsAg but did not bind to HBsAg-devoid HepG2 cells.This is the first reported RNA aptamer which could bind to a HBV specific antigen.This newly isolated aptamer could be modified to deliver imaging,diagnostic,and therapeutic agents targeted at HBV-infected cells.

HBsAg/HBsAb double positive hepatitis B virus infection model in vitro and in vivo / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The pathogenesis of HBsAg (+)/HBsAb (+) double positive hepatitis B virus infection was investigated by simulating HBsAg/HBsAb coexistence in vitro and establishing HBsAg/HBsAb double positive model in vivo. Eukaryotic expression plasmids PCI-SY, PCI-adw, PCI-adr, PCI-ayw, which expressed S gene product of different serotypes, were constructed and transfected into HepG2 cells. Recombinant proteins were purified from the transfected cells. At the same time, HBsAg mouse antiserum was obtained by immunizing mice with PCI-SY plasmid. HBsAg/HBsAb coexistence was simulated using these antigens and antiserum. Furthermore, the expression plasmids expressing different serotypes of S gene product including PCI-adw, PCI-adr, and PCI-ayw were injected into mice via tail vein. HBsAg and HBsAb in mice sera were tested at the first and 7th day respectively after antigen plasmids injection. Both in vitro simulation and in vivo animal models demonstrated that HBsAg antigen and HBsAb of the same serotypes could not coexist, but HBsAg antigen and HBsAb of different serotype could coexist. HBsAg/HBsAb double positive hepatitis B virus infection could be due to infection of viruses of different serotypes.

Frequencies and characterization of HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in self-limited and chronic hepatitis B viral infection in China / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are believed to play a major role in viral clearance and disease pathogenesis during HBV infection. To clarify the differences in host immune responses between self-limited and chronic HBV infections, we constructed three HLA-A*0201/HBV tetramers with immunodominant epitopes of core18-27, polymerase 575-583 and envelope 335-343, and analyzed the HBV-specific CTLs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients infected with HBV. The frequencies and expansion ability of HBV-specific CD8(+) T cells in most self-limited HBV infected individuals were higher than those in chronic HBV-infected patients. HBV-specific CD8(+) T cells could be induced by in vitro peptide stimulation from chronic patients with a low level of serum HBV-DNA but not from those with a high level of serum HBV-DNA. In chronic infection, no significant correlation was found either between the frequencies of HBV-specific CD8(+) T cells and the viral load, or between the frequencies and the levels of alanine transaminase. Our results suggested that the frequencies of HBV-specific CTLs are not the main determinant of immune-mediated protection in chronic HBV infection and immunotherapeutic approaches should be aimed at not only boosting a HBV-specific CD8(+) T response but also improving its function.

Preparation and identification of polyclonal antibody against protein H1b: the variant of major subunit of human ASGPR / 细胞与分子免疫学杂志

AIM: To prepare and identify mouse polyclonal antibody against protein Hlb, which is the variant of major subunit of human ASGPR. METHODS: Hlb specific peptide was synthesized and coupled with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) for immunization. Then H1b-KLH conjugation was injected into mouse subcutaneously to produce polyclonal antibody. ELISA assay was used to detect the titer of the antibody. Antibody was also identified by Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays. RESULTS: Mouse antibody against Hlb was prepared after injection of H1bKLH conjugation. The titer of H1b antibody was about 1:10~5.Western blot confirmed its high specificity. This antibody could also be used for immunohistochemistry analysis. CONCLUSION: The successful preparation of the polyclonal antibody against protein H1b, which can discriminate the two variants of the major subunit of ASGPR with high specificity, will provide an efficient reagent for further study of the physiologic functions of H1b and its role in the pathogenesis of human disease.

Interference of Hepatitis B Virus with Cellular Signaling / 中国病毒学·英文版

The presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) proteins leads to changes in the cellular gene expression. As a consequence, the cellular signaling processes are influenced by the actions of HBV proteins. It has been shown that HBV nucleocapsid protein and the amino-terminal part of polymerase termed as terminal protein (TP) could inhibit interferon signaling. Further, the global gene expression profiles differ in hepatoma cells with and without HBV gene expression and replication. The expression of interferon (IFN) stimulated genes (ISGs) was differently regulated in cells with HBV replication and could be modulated by antiviral treatments. The HBV TP has been found to modulate the ISG expression and enhance the HBV replication. The modulation of the cellular signaling processes by HBV may have significant implications for pathogenesis.

Silencing of UBP43 by shRNA Enhances the Antiviral Activity of Interferon against Hepatitis B Virus / 中国病毒学·英文版

Previous studies have shown that expression of the interferon-sensitive gene (ISG)I5 protease UBP43 is increased in the liver biopsy specimens of patients who do not respond to interferon (IFN)-α therapy. We hypothesized that UBP43 might hinder the ability of IFN to inhibit HBV replication. In this study, we investigated whether vector-based siRNA promoted by Hi (psiUBP43) could enhance IFN inhibiting HBV replication in cell culture. UBP43 was specifically silenced using shRNA. In HepG2.2.15 cells, the HBeAg and HBV DNA levels were significantly reduced by IFN after transfection of shRNA, imphicated that vector-based siRNA promoted by HI (psiUBP43) could enhance IFN inhibiting HBV replication in cell culture. These data suggest that UBP43 modulates the anti-HBV type I IFN response, and is a possible therapeutic target for the treatment of HBV infection.

Recent Advances in Research on Hepadnaviral Infection in the Woodchuck Model / 中国病毒学·英文版

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.

Cloning, Expression and Polyclonal Antibody Preparation of the Asialoglycoprotein Receptor of Marmota Himalayan / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The objective of this study is to express the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) of the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) H1 and H2 subunits of Marmota himalayan in vitro, and develop polyclonal antibodies against the recombinant proteins. RT-PCR was used to amplify ASGPR CRDH1 and CRDH2 from the liver tissue of Marmota himalayan. The products of amplification were subcloned into prokaryotic expression vector pRSET-B, and expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3)plysS. The recombinant proteins were purified using Ni-NTA spin column. The purified proteins were inoculated into BALB/c mice to develop polyclonal antibodies. The sensitivity and specificity of antibodies were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining (IHC). The polyclonal antibodies showed high sensitivity and specificity against both denaturated and native ASGPR proteins. We successfully amplified and expressed the ASGPR CRDs of Marmota himalayan. The nucleic sequences of ASGPR CRDH1 and CRDH2 of Marmota himalayan have been submitted to Genbank and the sequence ID are DQ 845465 and DQ845466, respectively. The proteins and antibodies prepared can be used for targeting gene therapy in a new animal model-Marmota himalayan-for the research of infectious diseases of hepatitis viruses and liver cancer treatment.

Molecular characterization of duck hepatitis B virus isolated from Hubei brown ducks / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The objective of this study was to characterize the genome structure of duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) isolated from Hubei brown ducks. The natural carrier rate of DHBV in adult ducks from Hubei area was investigated and the DHBV DNA-positive serum screened out. The complete genome of a DHBV strain was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloned into T vector and sequenced. The results showed that the carrier rate of DHBV in Hubei brown ducks was 10 %. This strain (GenBank accession number DQ276978) had a genome of 3024 nucleotides with three overlapping open reading frames encoding the surface, core and polymerase proteins respectively. Comparison of the strain with 17 DHBV strains registered in GenBank revealed a homology from 89.3 % to 93.5 % at the nucleotide level. The sequences of the structural and functional domains of these proteins were highly conserved. The strain was found to share more signature amino acids in the polymerase genes with the "Chinese" DHBV strains than those of the "Western" country strains. This finding was also corroborated by a phylogenetic tree analysis. Therefore, the DQ276978 might belong to a subtype of the Chinese DHBV strains.