Increase In Hepatitis B Virus DNA Research Articles

Impact of Mogamulizumab-Containing Chemotherapy on HBV Reactivation in Patients with T-Cell Lymphoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Observational Study (PROACTIVE-MOGA)

INTRODUCTION Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a potentially lethal complication, but may be preventable in patients with chronic HBV infection or resolved HBV infection who receive systemic chemotherapy.The risk of HBV reactivation (HBVR) depends on not only HBV infectious status but also type of systemic chemotherapy. An anti-CCR4 antibody, mogamulizumab (Moga), has been developed for the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphomas. Moga is known to suppress CCR4-positive regulatory T cells and helper T cells, which can lead to immunological dysfunction. However, there is little evidence regarding the risk of HBVR in patients with chronic HBV infection or resolved HBV infection who receive Moga-containing systemic chemotherapy. We conducted a retrospective observational study to evaluate the risk of HBVR and clinical outcome in those patients. METHODS & MATERIALS: Patients treated with Moga-containing chemotherapy for T-cell lymphoma between May 2012 and March 2021, who were chronic HBV infection (defined as seropositive for HBsAg) or resolved HBV infection (defined as seronegative for HBsAg, but seropositive for anti-HBc or anti-HBs), were included. The primary endpoint was the rate of HBVR; HBVR in HBsAg-positive patients was defined as any of the following three criteria: 1) 2 log or more increase in HBV DNA from baseline, 2) 3.0 Log IU/ml or more of HBV DNA in patients with undetectable HBV DNA at baseline, 3) 4.0 Log IU/ml or more of HBV DNA in patients not available for HBV DNA at baseline. HBVR in HBsAg-negative patients was defined as any of following three criteria: 1) detectable for HBV DNA in patients with undetectable HBV DNA at baseline, 2) 1.3 Log IU/mL or more of HBV DNA in patients not available for HBV DNA at baseline, 3) seroconversion of HBsAg. RESULTS: A total of 23 HBsAg-positive patients and 246 resolved HBV-infected patients were retrospectively reviewed. Among the 23 HBsAg-positive patients, the median age was 65 years (interquartile range [IQR], 63-73) and 19 patients (82%) had adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL). Baseline HBV DNA was undetectable level, detectable not quantifiable, and detectable in 9 (39%), 2 (9%), and 12 (52%) patients, respectively. All 23 HBsAg-positive patients received anti-HBV prophylaxis prior to Moga treatment. One of 23 (4.3%) patients experienced HBVR who led to HBV-related hepatitis. Among the 241 patients with resolved HBV infection, the median age was 65 years (IQR, 63-73) and 223 patients (91%) had ATL. Baseline serostatus of anti-HBc and anti-HBs were as follows: anti-HBc positive and anti-HBs positive in 177 patients (72%), anti-HBc-positive but anti-HBs negative in 50 (20%), the remaining 9 were anti-HBc negative but anti-HBs positive. Baseline HBV DNA was undetectable in 233 (95%), detectable not quantifiable in 5 (2%), and the remaining 3 were detectable for HBV DNA. Only 3 patients received anti-HBV prophylaxis. HBVR occurred in 11 patients, and the 2-year cumulative HBVR rate was 3.5% (95% CI, 1.6-16.5). Among the 11 patients with HBVR, the median peak HBV DNA level was 2.1 Log IU/mL (IQR, 1.7-5.0), the median time from first dose of Moga to HBVR was 140 days (IQR, 82-765) and 2 had HBV-related hepatitis. CONCLUSION: Our current study showed that the risk of HBVR was 4.3% (1 of 23) among HBsAg-positive patients with antiviral prophylaxis and 4.6% (11 of 238) among resolved HBV-infected patients without antiviral prophylaxis following Moga-containing chemotherapy. Anti-HBV prophylaxis and HBV DNA monitoring guided preemptive anti-HBV therapy are recommended to prevent HBV-related hepatitis for HBsAg-positive and resolve HBV-infected patients, respectively.

Hepatitis B viral replication markers and hepatic fibrosis in untreated chronic hepatitis B virus infection with and without HIV coinfection in Zambia.

To inform novel therapies, a more nuanced understanding of HIV's impact on hepatitis B virus (HBV) natural history is needed, particularly in high burden countries. In Lusaka, Zambia, we compared prospectively recruited adults (18+ years) with chronic HBV infection, with and without HIV. We excluded those with prior antiviral treatment experience or HBV diagnosis due to clinical suspicion (rather than routine testing). We assessed HBV DNA levels, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), CD4 + (if HIV coinfection), and liver disease (transient elastography, serum alanine aminotransferase). In multivariable analyses, we evaluated the association of HIV overall and by level of CD4 + count on these markers. Among 713 adults analyzed, median age was 33 years, 63% were male, and 433 had HBV/HIV coinfection. Median CD4 + count was 200 cells/μl. HBV DNA was greater than 2000 IU/ml for 311 (51.0%) and 227 (32.5%) were HBeAg-positive. 15.5% had advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. HIV coinfection was associated with five-fold increased HBV DNA levels [adjusted geometric mean ratio, 5.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.29-14.62] and two times the odds of HBeAg-positivity (adjusted odds ratio, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.59-4.08). These associations were significant only at CD4 + counts 100-350 and <100 cells/μl. HIV was not associated with markers of fibrosis or ALT. HIV's impact on HBV natural history likely depends on the degree and duration of immune suppression. There is strong rationale to monitor HBV DNA in people with HBV/HIV coinfection and immune suppression. A better understanding is needed of mechanisms of increased liver-related mortality in people with HBV/HIV coinfection.

Lipid phosphatase SAC1 suppresses hepatitis B virus replication through promoting autophagic degradation of virions

Phosphatidylinositol lipids play vital roles in lipid signal transduction, membrane recognition, vesicle transport, and viral replication. Previous studies have revealed that SAC1-like phosphatidylinositol phosphatase (SACM1L/SAC1), which uses phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P) as its substrate, greatly affects the replication of certain bacteria and viruses in vitro. However, it remains unclear whether and how SAC1 modulates hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we observed that SAC1 silencing significantly increased HBV DNA replication, subviral particle (SVP) expression, and secretion of HBV virions, whereas SAC1 overexpression exerted the opposite effects. Moreover, SAC1 overexpression inhibited HBV DNA replication and SVP expression in a hydrodynamic injection-based HBV-persistent replicating mouse model. Mechanistically, SAC1 silencing increased the number of HBV-containing autophagosomes as well as PI4P levels on the autophagosome membrane. Moreover, SAC1 silencing blocked autophagosome-lysosome fusion by inhibiting the interaction between synaptosomal-associated protein 29 and vesicle-associated membrane protein 8. Collectively, our data indicate that SAC1 significantly inhibits HBV replication by promoting the autophagic degradation of HBV virions. Our findings support that SAC1-mediated phospholipid metabolism greatly modulates certain steps of the HBV life-cycle and provide a new theoretical basis for antiviral therapy.

ADAR1 Inhibits HBV DNA Replication via Regulating miR-122-5p in Palmitic Acid Treated HepG2.2.15 Cells.

Changes in living standards and diet structure, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent globally, including in Asia, where chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is endemic. As such, cooccurrence of NAFLD with CHB is common in Asia. However, the pathogenesis underlying the onset of fatty liver in CHB prognosis has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of lipotoxicity on hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA replication. The expression of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA-1 (ADAR1) and miR-122 was evaluated in liver tissues from patients with CHB concurrent NAFLD. Palmitic acid-treated HepG2.2.15 cells were used as the cell model. The effect of lipotoxicity on HBV DNA replication was evaluated in vitro by transfecting the ADAR1 overexpression or knockdown lentiviral vector into HepG2.2.15 cells, respectively. qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence were performed to determine ADAR1 expression. The expression of ADAR1 in the liver tissues of CHB patients with concurrent NAFLD was significantly down-regulated compared with that in CHB patients. Enforced expression of ADAR1 inhibited the HBV DNA replication, whereas ADAR1 knockdown resulted in increased HBV DNA expression in palmitic acid - treated HepG2.2.15 cells. Additionally, ADAR1 inhibited the HBV DNA replication by upregulating miR-122, which is most abundant in the liver and mainly inhibits HBV DNA replication. ADAR1 may act as a suppressor of HBV replication in palmitic acid -treated HepG2.2.15 cells by increasing miR-122 levels. Thus, ADAR1 may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for CHB with concurrent NAFLD.

Clinical outcomes in patients (pts) with previously treated advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) experiencing hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA increases during tislelizumab (TIS) treatment in RATIONALE-208.

e16181 Background: The effect of checkpoint inhibitor therapy on HBV infection is uncertain. TIS, an anti-PD-1 antibody, was clinically active and well tolerated in pts with previously treated advanced HCC in the Phase 2 RATIONALE-208 study (NCT03419897). Objective response rate by independent committee review (IRC) in pts with a history of HBV infection was consistent with the overall population (12.5% vs 13.3%, respectively). We explored whether TIS treatment was associated with increased HBV DNA and the clinical significance of HBV DNA elevations. Methods: Pts with ≥ 1 prior systemic therapy for advanced HCC received TIS 200 mg IV Q3W. Pts with inactive, chronic, or active HBV were eligible if HBV DNA levels were &lt; 500 IU/mL at screening (pts with detectable hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] or detectable HBV DNA were required to be managed per treatment guidelines). HBV DNA testing was conducted every 4 cycles if HBV DNA was detectable at screening, or when clinically indicated. Results: Among 249 enrolled pts, 128 had a history of HBV infection. Of these pts, 114 were HBsAg positive at baseline (BL), 36 had detectable HBV DNA at BL, and 32 had detectable HBV DNA and HBsAg at BL. Clinically significant increases in HBV DNA levels from BL were reported in 7 pts, with no pattern relative to the time of TIS initiation (Table). All 7 pts were HBsAg positive at BL and had been receiving antiviral treatment for ≥ 3 months before the first dose of TIS. Six out of the 7 pts had increases in alanine transaminase (ALT) from BL during the study (Table), 4 of whom had ≥ 3-fold increases in ALT which were observed concurrently or soon after HBV DNA increases. IRC-assessed best overall response (BOR) was partial response (PR) for 1 pt with increased HBV DNA and progressive disease for the remaining 6. HBV-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 6 of the 7 pts (2 pts had a Grade 3 TEAE of hepatitis B; 2 pts had a Grade 2 TEAE of HBV reactivation; 2 pts had a TEAE of increased HBV DNA, with one Grade 1 and one Grade 3 event). All HBV-related TEAEs were non-serious and did not result in discontinuation of TIS. Conclusions: Clinically significant increases in HBV DNA from BL were reported in a small number of pts, which does not suggest that TIS is associated with increased HBV DNA. Tumor responses in these pts were consistent with the overall population and HBV-related TEAEs were manageable and did not require discontinuation of TIS, demonstrating that HBV DNA increases did not impact treatment. The effects of TIS in pts with HBV infection will be further investigated in an ongoing Phase 3 trial (NCT03412773). Clinical trial information: NCT03419897. [Table: see text]

Correlation of HBV DNA and Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels With Tumor Response, Liver Function and Immunological Indicators in Liver Cancer Patients With HBV Infection Undergoing PD-1 Inhibition Combinational Therapy.

BackgroundThus far, few studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) antibodies in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver cancer.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of combination therapy with programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on HBV-related liver cancer.MethodsUntil January 31, 2022, liver cancer patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or HBV DNA positivity, treated with PD-1 ICIs and TKIs combined with nucleoside analogs (NAs), were retrospectively reviewed. The correlation between the change in HBV DNA and HBsAg levels and tumor response was analyzed using the χ2 test. Cox univariate and multivariate survival analyses and Kaplan–Meier curves were used to identify and compare risk factors and overall survival (OS).ResultsA total of 48 patients were enrolled in the study, with an objective response rate (ORR) of 31.3%, a disease control rate (DCR) of 66.7%; the incidence of adverse events was mostly mild. A significant decrease in HBV DNA and HBsAg levels was observed at 12 and 24 weeks compared with the baseline (p < 0.05). Compared to patients with progressive disease (PD), patients with disease control showed a more significant decrease in HBV DNA and HBsAg levels at 12 and 24 weeks (p < 0.001). Eleven patients showed elevations in HBV DNA level and one of them showed HBV reactivation; however, the reactivation was not associated hepatitis. Moreover, eight patients showed elevation in HBsAg. Elevation in HBV DNA level was associated with poor tumor response (P=0.001, OR=18.643 [95% CI: 3.271–106.253]). Cox survival analysis suggested that HBV DNA increase (P=0.011, HR=4.816, 95% CI: 1.439–16.117) and HBsAg increase (P=0.022, HR=4.161, 95% CI: 1.224–16.144) were independent risk factors associated with survival time. Kaplan–Meier curves suggested that patients who exhibited an increase in HBV DNA (6.87 months vs undefined, log-rank test: p= 0.004) and HBsAg (8.07 months vs undefined, log-rank test: p= 0.004) levels had a shorter median survival time (MST). Patients without increased HBsAg showed better baseline liver function and routine blood tests (p<0.05) than patients with increased HBsAg. An increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and a decrease in T lymphocytes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes at 1-week post-treatment associated with HBsAg well-controlled.ConclusionHBV-related liver cancer patients treated with combination therapy showed improved efficacy and safety profiles. Combination therapy has some effect on HBV infection, and a correlation between tumor response and antiviral efficacy was found. Elevation of HBV DNA and HBsAg levels may indicate poorer tumor response and survival time. Better baseline liver function and early immune activation may be associated with decline in HBsAg levels.

Clinical outcomes in patients (pts) with previously treated advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) experiencing hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA increases during tislelizumab (TIS) treatment in RATIONALE-208.

411 Background: The effect of checkpoint inhibitor therapy on HBV infection is uncertain. TIS, an anti-PD-1 antibody, was clinically active and well tolerated in pts with previously treated advanced HCC in the phase 2 RATIONALE-208 study (NCT03419897). Objective response rate by independent committee review (IRC) in pts with a history of HBV infection was consistent with the overall population (12.5% vs. 13.3%, respectively). We explored whether TIS treatment was associated with increased HBV DNA and the clinical significance of HBV DNA elevations. Methods: Pts with ≥ 1 prior systemic therapy for advanced HCC received TIS 200 mg IV Q3W. Pts with inactive, chronic, or active HBV were eligible if HBV DNA levels were &lt; 500 IU/mL at screening (pts with detectable hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] or detectable HBV DNA were required to be managed per treatment guidelines). HBV DNA testing was conducted every 4 cycles if HBV DNA was detectable at screening, or when clinically indicated. Results: Among 249 enrolled pts, 128 had a history of HBV infection. Of these pts, 114 were HBsAg positive at baseline (BL), 36 had detectable HBV DNA at BL, and 32 had detectable HBV DNA and HBsAg at BL. Clinically significant increases in HBV DNA levels from BL were reported in 7 pts, with no pattern relative to the time of TIS initiation (Table). All 7 pts were HBsAg positive at BL and had been receiving antiviral treatment for ≥ 3 months before the first dose of TIS. Six out of the 7 pts had increases in alanine transaminase (ALT) from BL during the study (Table), 4 of whom had ≥ 3-fold increases in ALT which were observed concurrently or soon after HBV DNA increases. IRC-assessed best overall response (BOR) was partial response (PR) for 1 pt with increased HBV DNA and progressive disease for the remaining 6. HBV-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 6 of the 7 pts (2 pts had a grade 3 TEAE of hepatitis B; 2 pts had a grade 2 TEAE of HBV reactivation; 2 pts had a TEAE of increased HBV DNA, with one grade 1 and one grade 3 event). All HBV-related TEAEs were non-serious and did not result in discontinuation of TIS. Conclusions: Clinically significant increases in HBV DNA from BL were reported in a small number of pts, which does not suggest that TIS is associated with increased HBV DNA. Tumor responses in these pts were consistent with the overall population and HBV-related TEAEs were manageable and did not require discontinuation of TIS, demonstrating that HBV DNA increases did not impact treatment. The effects of TIS in pts with HBV infection will be further investigated in an ongoing phase 3 trial (NCT03412773). Clinical trial information: NCT03419897. [Table: see text]

Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir for Patients Coinfected With Chronic Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B in Taiwan: Follow-up at 108 Weeks Posttreatment.

BackgroundFor patients coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), HCV treatment with direct-acting antivirals can lead to HBV reactivation. We evaluated HBV reactivation during ledipasvir/sofosbuvir treatment and 108-week follow-up.MethodsIn Taiwan, 111 patients with HCV genotype 1 or 2 and HBV received ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (90mg/400mg) once daily for 12 weeks. HBV virologic reactivation was defined as postbaseline increase in HBV DNA from either less than the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ, 20 IU/mL) to equal to or more than LLOQ or equal to or more than LLOQ to >1 log10 IU/mL. HBV clinical reactivation was HBV virologic reactivation with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) >2× upper limit of normal. Factors associated with development of HBV virologic or clinical reactivation were evaluated with logistic regression analysis.ResultsAll patients (100%, 111/111) maintained HCV suppression through 108 weeks after treatment. HBV virologic reactivation occurred in 73% of patients (81/111). Clinical reactivation occurred in 9% (10/111). The majority of HBV virologic reactivations (86%, 70/81) occurred by follow-up week 12, whereas clinical reactivation was generally more delayed. Eight (7%, 8/111) initiated HBV therapy. In regression analyses, baseline HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels were associated with HBV virologic reactivation and baseline ALT and HBV DNA, and HBsAg levels were associated with HBV clinical reactivation.ConclusionAmong HCV/HBV coinfected patients treated with direct-acting antivirals for HCV, HBV virologic reactivation occurred in a majority of patients during treatment and follow-up. In most patients, HBV virologic reactivation was asymptomatic; only a small proportion initiated HBV treatment. Notably, clinical reactivation may still occur >3 months after end of therapy.Clinical Trials RegistrationNCT02613871.

Effects of programmed death receptor-1 antibody in patients with hepatitis B-associated liver cancer

Objective: To investigate the effect of programmed death receptor (PD)-1 antibody therapy in patients with hepatitis B-associated liver cancer. Methods: Data of 29 chronically infected HBV patients with liver cancer who received PD-1 antibody combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitor in the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from March 2020 to January 2021 were selected. At the same time, all of the above-mentioned hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients were treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues. Patients clinical diagnostic data, laboratory test results, tumor response and the incidence of adverse reactions were collected retrospectively to understand the overall safety, therapeutic anti-tumor effect, HBV changes condition and the correlation between HBV changes and anti-tumor PD-1 antibody efficacy, high viral load treatment condition, and HBV reactivation safety issues. Statistical analysis was performed by non-parametric rank sum test. Results: Therapeutic anti-tumor effect and safety profile were good in patients. The complete remission rate was reached 27.6%. Adverse reactions were mostly mild, and the incidence of serious adverse reactions was low. After 12 weeks of follow-up, HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was quantitatively decreased (P < 0.05). HBV DNA and HBsAg were decreased more significantly in patients with progressive disease (PD), stable disease (SD) and partial response (PR) (P < 0.05). Five patients with HBV DNA ≥ 10(4) IU/ml had responded well to the tumor treatment without serious adverse reactions. One patient had a slight increase in HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase, while there was no HBV reactivation and correlated liver damage. Conclusion: Patients with HBV-associated liver cancer who received combined therapy have good anti-tumor efficacy and safety profile. PD-1 treatment has a certain effect on HBV. Compared with non-responders, patients with tumor response have better antiviral treatment efficacy. The safety of treatment in patients with high viral load is manageable, and there are no safety issues related to HBV reactivation.

Hepatitis Flare During Immunotherapy in Patients With Current or Past Hepatitis B Virus Infection.

Immunotherapy has dramatically improved the survival of patients with advanced or metastatic malignancies. Recent studies suggest that immunotherapy may increase the risk of hepatitis, whereas it may also induce functional cure of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We evaluated the incidence of hepatitis flare, HBV reactivation, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance or seroreversion in patients with current or past HBV infection who had received immunotherapy. This was a territory-wide observational cohort study in Hong Kong. We identified patients through electronic medical records based on the prescriptions of immune checkpoint inhibitors from July 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019. Patients who were HBsAg positive or HBsAg negative with results for antibody to hepatitis B surface or core antigen (anti-HBs or anti-HBc) were included. A total of 990 patients (397 HBsAg-positive, 593 HBsAg-negative with 482 anti-HBc and/or anti-HBs positive, and 111 both anti-HBc and anti-HBs negative) were identified. All of HBsAg-positive and 15.9% HBsAg-negative patients were put on oral antiviral treatment. Hepatitis flare (alanine aminotransferase >2 times of the upper limit of normal) occurred in 39.3% HBsAg-positive and 30.4% HBsAg-negative patients. High baseline alanine aminotransferase and combination of immunotherapy increased the risk of hepatitis. HBV reactivation (≥2 log increase in HBV DNA from baseline) occurred in 2 HBsAg-positive patients; HBsAg seroclearance and seroreversion was observed in 1 HBsAg-positive and 1 HBsAg-negative patient, respectively (<1%). Hepatitis flare occurs in approximately 40% of HBsAg-positive patients and 30% of HBsAg-negative patients during immunotherapy. HBV reactivation, HBsAg seroclearance, and HBsAg seroreversion are rare. Current or past HBV infection has no impact on the emergence of hepatic flare associated with immunotherapy.

Acetaldehyde suppresses HBV-MHC class I complex presentation on hepatocytes via induction of ER stress and Golgi fragmentation.

Alcohol consumption worsens hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection pathogenesis. We have recently reported that acetaldehyde suppressed HBV peptide-major histocompatibility complex I (MHC class I) complex display on hepatocytes, limiting recognition and subsequent removal of the infected hepatocytes by HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). This suppression was attributed to impaired processing of antigenic peptides by the proteasome. However, in addition to proteasome dysfunction, alcohol may induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and Golgi fragmentation in HBV-infected liver cells to reduce uploading of viral peptides to MHC class I and/or trafficking of this complex to the hepatocyte surface. Hence, the aim of this study was to elucidate whether alcohol-induced ER stress and Golgi fragmentation affect HBV peptide-MHC class I complex presentation on HBV+ hepatocytes. Here, we demonstrate that, while both acetaldehyde and HBV independently cause ER stress and Golgi fragmentation, the combined exposure provided an additive effect. Thus we observed an activation of the inositol-requiring enzyme 1α-X-box binding protein 1 and activation transcription factor (ATF)6α, but not the phospho PKR-like ER kinase-phospho eukaryotic initiation factor 2α-ATF4-C/EBP homologous protein arms of ER stress in HBV-transfected cells treated with acetaldehyde-generating system (AGS). In addition, Golgi proteins trans-Golgi network 46, GM130, and Giantin revealed punctate distribution, indicating Golgi fragmentation upon AGS exposure. Furthermore, the effects of acetaldehyde were reproduced by treatment with ER stress inducers, thapsigargin and tunicamycin, which also decreased the display of this complex and MHC class I turnover in HepG2.2.15 cells and HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes. Taken together, alcohol-induced ER stress and Golgi fragmentation contribute to the suppression of HBV peptide-MHC class I complex presentation on HBV+ hepatocytes, which may diminish their recognition by CTLs and promote persistence of HBV infection in hepatocytes.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our current findings show that acetaldehyde accelerates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by activating the unfolded protein response arms inositol-requiring enzyme 1α-X-box binding protein 1 and activation transcription factor (ATF)6α but not phospho PKR-like ER kinase-p eukaryotic initiation factor 2α-ATF4-C/EBP homologous protein in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-transfected HepG2.2.15 cells. It also potentiates Golgi fragmentation, as evident by punctate distribution of Golgi proteins, GM130, trans-Golgi network 46, and Giantin. While concomitantly increasing HBV DNA and HBV surface antigen titers, acetaldehyde-induced ER stress suppresses the presentation of HBV peptide-major histocompatibility complex I complexes on hepatocyte surfaces, thereby promoting the persistence of HBV infection in the liver.

2401 A Case of Hepatitis B Reactivation

INTRODUCTION: It is estimated that more than two billion people around the world have been infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV). Several immunosuppressive agents have been associated with HBV reactivation (HBVr). We present a case of HBVr in a patient with ulcerative colitis (UC) treated with tofacitinib. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 57-year-old female with UC on tofacitinib presented to the emergency department with flu-like symptoms for 2 months after being switched from azathioprine to tofacitinib. She was HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) negative, anti-HBV core antibody (anti-HBcAb) and anti-HBV surface antibody (anti-HBsAb) positive and had normal liver enzymes before initiation of tofacitinib. On initial evaluation she was febrile, hypotensive, and had lower extremity edema. Laboratory data was significant for total bilirubin 2.5 mg/dL, AST 1601 U/L, ALT 1013 U/L, positive HBsAg, anti-HBsAb, total anti-HBcAb and HBeAg, HBV DNA 10,354,246 IU/m; she had negative HBeAb, IgM antibody to HBcAg, hepatitis A, C and E antibodies. She was diagnosed with HBVr and was started on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Over the next two days her enzymes continued to rise and peaked at day 5. At day 7 liver enzymes started to trend down. She was later discharged on tenofovir. At the 2 month follow up liver enzymes had normalized and HBV DNA was down to 30 IU/m. DISCUSSION: Tofacitinib is a kinase inhibitor extensively studied in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and has been shown to be generally safe in multiple clinical trials. In patients with UC the data is limited. Most clinical trials excluded patients with chronic HBV infection, therefore the risk of HBVr among tofacitinib-treated patients remains unknown. HBVr is defined as an increase in HBV DNA of more than 100-fold in patients with previously detected HBV DNA, detection of HBV DNA in patients that previously had undetectable titers or when reverse seroconversion or development of detectable HBsAg occurs. In this case, the reactivation of HBV was most likely induced by tofacitinib and its suppression of various kinase signaling pathways essential for controlling immune activation and proliferation the cells responsible of preventing HBV replication. In conclusion, in patients with resolved HBV infection who are HBsAg negative and anti-HBcAb positive, periodic HBV DNA monitoring should be considered as HBVr is possible and the exact risk of reactivation remains unknown.

Small Interfering RNA Screening for the Small GTPase Rab Proteins Identifies Rab5B as a Major Regulator of Hepatitis B Virus Production.

Viruses are considered to use vesicular trafficking in infected cells, but the details of assembly/release pathways of hepatitis B virus (HBV) are still unknown. To identify key regulators of HBV production, we performed short interfering RNA (siRNA) screening for Rab proteins, which are considered to act as molecular switches in vesicular trafficking using HepG2.2.15 cells. Among 62 Rab proteins, the suppression of Rab5B most significantly increased HBV DNA in the culture supernatant. Surprisingly, 5 days after the transfection of Rab5B siRNA, HBV DNA in the supernatant was increased more than 30-fold, reflecting the increase of infectious HBV particles. Northern blotting showed that transcription of 2.4/2.1-kb mRNA coding envelope proteins containing large hepatitis B surface protein (LHBs) was increased. Analysis of hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNFs) showed that transcription of HNF4α, which is known to enhance 2.4-kb mRNA transcription, was regulated by Rab5B. Also, it was revealed that LHBs had accumulated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) after Rab5B depletion but not in the multivesicular body (MVB), which is thought to be an organelle utilized for HBV envelope formation. Therefore, it was considered that Rab5B is required for the transport of LHBs from the ER to MVB. Immunofluorescent microscopy showed that HBs proteins, including LHBs, colocalized with HBc in the ER of Rab5B-depleted cells, suggesting that HBV envelopment occurs not only in the MVB but also in the ER. In conclusion, Rab5B is a key regulator of HBV production and could be a target of antiviral therapy.IMPORTANCE HBV infection is a worldwide health problem, but the mechanisms of how HBV utilizes cellular machinery for its life cycle are poorly understood. In particular, it has been unclear how the viral components and virions are transported among the organelles. The HBV budding site has been reported to be the ER or MVB, but it has not been clearly determined. In this study, siRNA-based screening of Rab proteins using HBV-expressing cells showed that Rab5B, one of the Rab5 isoforms, has important roles in late steps of the HBV life cycle. Although Rab5 is known to work on early endosomes, this study showed that Rab5B plays a role in the transport of LHBs between the ER and MVB. Furthermore, it affects the transcription of LHBs. This is the first report on the mechanisms of HBV envelope protein transport among the organelles, and the results provide important insights into the therapeutic control of HBV infection.

Incidence of hepatitis B reactivation during epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment in non–small-cell lung cancer patients

BackgroundReactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a documented risk during cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer. Cases of HBV reactivation in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment have been reported; however, the incidence of HBV reactivation in patients treated with EGFR TKIs has not yet been reported. Materials and methodsWe enrolled 171 patients who were diagnosed as having NSCLC from 2011 through 2017 and who also had positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). All patients had received EGFR TKIs as anticancer treatment for at least 2 weeks during their treatment course. Reactivation of HBV is defined as one of the following: an increase in HBV DNA by at least 10-fold compared to baseline or an absolute increase to >10ˆ5 IU/mL with abnormal liver function. ResultsThe median duration of EGFR TKI treatment was 10.5 months (95% confidence interval: 8.2–12.8). Sixteen (9.36%) patients met the criteria of HBV reactivation during EGFR TKI treatment, with an annual incidence of 7.86%. HBV reactivation occurred during erlotinib treatment in 6 patients, followed by 5 patients with gefitinib treatments, 3 patients with osimertinib treatment and 2 with afatinib treatment. No independent risk factor for HBV reactivation was identified. ConclusionNSCLC patients receiving EGFR TKI treatment may have a clinically meaningful risk of HBV reactivation during the treatment period. Thus, monitoring liver function, HBV viral load and serology of HBV (i.e., HBeAg and anti-HBc) during EGFR TKI therapy is recommended for NSCLC patients with positive HBsAg.

Effect of Treatment of Hepatitis C by Directly Acting Antivirals (DAA) on Chronic Hepatitis C, B Coinfected Patients

Background: Persons with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who are co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) may be at risk for reactivation of HBV infection during or following HCV treatment. HBV and HCV share similar modes of transmission, and co-infection with the two viruses does occur. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of HCV anti-viral treatment (DAAS) on HBV in HCV and HBV Coinfected patients. Patients and methods: The study was performed in Internal Medicine Department (Outpatient Clinic and the Inpatient Ward), Mahalla Hepatology Teaching Hospital, Gharbia, Egypt during the period from August 2016 to November 2017 on 20 HCV and HBV co-infected patients ranged from 18-70 years old. Results: The age of patients ranging from 26 to 65 years old (median 44). Male represent 55% and female represent 45% which showed male predominance. Patients were treated by different types by Hcv antiviral treatment (DAAS) like (SOF+DAC), (SOF+SIM), (SOF+DAC+RBV). At baseline, 12 patients had detectable HBV viral load, 5 Patients had positive (HBsAg) and undetectable HBV viral load and 3 patients had negative (HBsAg) and undetectable HBV viral load. Total number of HBV reactivated cases were 12 patients, 3 of them reactivated by increasing HBV DNA, and 5 of them reactivated by both increasing HBVDNA and ALT flare. Conclusion: HBV reactivation is a severe, life-threatening consequence of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Reactivation may be associated with DAA therapy in patients with HCV/HBV co-infection. HBV reactivation can be prevented through the use of pretreatment screening and anti-HBV prophylactic treatment.

Effect of Treatment of Hepatitis C by Directly Acting Antivirals (DAA) on Chronic Hepatitis C, B Coinfected Patients

Background: Persons with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who are co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) may be at risk for reactivation of HBV infection during or following HCV treatment. HBV and HCV share similar modes of transmission, and co-infection with the two viruses does occur. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of HCV anti-viral treatment (DAAS) on HBV in HCV and HBV Coinfected patients. Patients and methods: The study was performed in Internal Medicine Department (Outpatient Clinic and the Inpatient Ward), Mahalla Hepatology Teaching Hospital, Gharbia, Egypt during the period from August 2016 to November 2017 on 20 HCV and HBV co-infected patients ranged from 18-70 years old. Results: The age of patients ranging from 26 to 65 years old (median 44). Male represent 55% and female represent 45% which showed male predominance. Patients were treated by different types by Hcv antiviral treatment (DAAS) like (SOF+DAC), (SOF+SIM), (SOF+DAC+RBV). At baseline, 12 patients had detectable HBV viral load, 5 Patients had positive (HBsAg) and undetectable HBV viral load and 3 patients had negative (HBsAg) and undetectable HBV viral load. Total number of HBV reactivated cases were 12 patients, 3 of them reactivated by increasing HBV DNA, and 5 of them reactivated by both increasing HBVDNA and ALT flare. Conclusion: HBV reactivation is a severe, life-threatening consequence of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Reactivation may be associated with DAA therapy in patients with HCV/HBV co-infection. HBV reactivation can be prevented through the use of pretreatment screening and anti-HBV prophylactic treatment.

Prediction and clinical implications of HBV reactivation in lymphoma patients with resolved HBV infection: focus on anti-HBs and anti-HBc antibody titers

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation (HBV-R) and hepatitis related to HBV-R are well-recognized complications that occur in patients who have undergone cytotoxic chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy. The degree of HBV-R in this population varies from self-limited or asymptomatic hepatitis to acute liver failure, which may lead to life-threatening events. However, no established treatment or standard surveillance method exists for monitoring patients to predict the development of HBV-R during or after chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy, particularly regarding resolved HBV infection. Prophylactic antiviral agents and regular monitoring of HBV-DNA levels are known to be useful methods for preventing HBV-R; however, these methods require considerable financial resources, and such resources are limited in the endemic areas of HBV infection. Most patients with resolved HBV infection do not develop a hepatitis flare or self-limited HBV-R with only an increase in HBV DNA. However, some patients may develop HBV-R even 1year or more after the last chemotherapy treatment. Therefore, predicting the development of HBV-R and its timing is difficult, and exploring markers that could help predict whether or when HBV reactivation occurs is necessary. In this review, we address the predictive risk factors for HBV-R in patients with resolved HBV infection, focusing on the ability of anti-HBs and anti-HBc to predict HBV-R. We conclude that the combination of anti-HBc and anti-HBs titers may be a reliable and useful predictor for managing HBV-R.

Characteristics of Treatment-naïve HBV-Infected Individuals with HIV-1 Coinfection: A Cross-sectional Study from South India

AbstractPurpose: Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection has become a major health problem across the globe. The increased life expectancy of HIV-1 patients due to antiretroviral therapy has led to the emergence of liver disease as a major mortality factor among them. The purpose of the study was to examine the baseline characteristics of HBV in treatment-naïve HBV/HIV coinfection from southern India compared to monoinfected individuals. Materials and Methods: The study was cross sectional in design, and samples were examined from 80 HIV-1, 70 HBV and 35 HBV/HIV-coinfected individuals using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, real-time polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry assays. Results: There was a significant increase in HBV DNA (P = 0.0001), higher hepatitis B e antigen percentage difference (P = 0.027) and lower CD4 counts (P = 0.01) among the HBV/HIV-coinfected individuals, but no difference in the HIV-1 viral load compared to HIV-1-monoinfected individuals. Also, the aspartate aminotransferase levels, prothrombin time and the international normalised ratio were significantly high among coinfected individuals. Conclusion: These findings conclude that HIV-1 coinfection can have serious implications on the outcome of HBV-related liver disease. To the contrary, HBV infection had no consequence on the progression of HIV-1 disease but distinctly lowered CD4+ T-cells.

Naturally Occurring Mutations within HBV Surface Promoter II Sequences Affect Transcription Activity, HBsAg and HBV DNA Levels in HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients.

Mutations in hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface promoter II (SPII) have not been well studied in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. We aimed to investigate SPII mutations in such patients and their biological and clinical impacts. Direct sequencing was used to detect SPII mutations in 106 HBeAg-positive treatment-naïve CHB patients with genotype C (82.1% (87/106) was C2) HBV infection. Results showed that mutation frequency in transcription factor (TF) unbinding region was significantly higher than that in TF binding region of SPII (C1: 3.4% vs. 1.3%; C2: 2.6% vs. 1.3%; p < 0.0001). Luciferase assay revealed distinct promoter activities among SPII mutants; especially SPII of G120A mutant had a 15-fold higher activity than that of wild-type (p < 0.001). In vitro experiments in HepG2 cells showed that G82A, A115C and G120A mutants increased the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels, while C18T had an opposite effect. G82A, A115C and G120A mutants boosted the intracellular HBV total RNA level. G120A mutation resulted in an increased HBV DNA level in vitro, consistent with the serological results in patients. Thus, novel SPII mutations would affect promoter activity, HBsAg, HBV DNA and HBV total RNA levels, suggesting their potential biological and clinical significances.

Associations of human leukocyte antigen and interleukin-18 gene polymorphisms with viral load in patients with hepatitis B infection.

This study aimed to assess the associations of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR and interleukin (IL)-18 gene polymorphisms with hepatitis B virus (HBV).Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed between December 2006 and December 2015 at Xiangyang Central Hospital. HBV patients were assigned to the high and low viral load groups, respectively, according to HBV copies. HLA-DRB1∗03 polymorphisms and IL-18 polymorphisms were detected by sequence-specific primer-polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP) and PCR-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR), respectively. T cell subgroups were identified by flow cytometry, and IL-18, IL-12, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-4, and IL-10 expression levels were assessed by ELISA. A total of 630 subjects were included in the analysis.Compared with healthy controls, the chronic HBV group showed significantly lower IL-18 (P < .001), IL-12 (P < .001), and IFN-γ (P < .001) expression levels, and markedly increased IL-4 (P < .001) and IL-10 (P < .001) amounts. Th2 cytokine expression was high in HLA-DRB1∗03 positive (+) HBV patients, with low Th1 cytokine levels. The ratios of CD4+/CD8+ and Th1/Th2 cells decreased with increasing HBV DNA levels. The chronic HBV group showed a relatively high frequency of -137G in the IL-18 gene, while IL-18 expression was low in homozygous GG genotype individuals.Polymorphisms in the HLA-DRB1∗03 and IL-18 genes are associated with viral load in HBV. HLA-DRB1 and IL-18 gene polymorphisms are involved in the regulation of the Th1/Th2 balance and expression of relevant cytokines that influence immune responses in HBV.