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Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice
Published on: September 25, 2019
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Exosomes mediate hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission and NK-cell dysfunction
Yinli Yang1, Qiuju Han1, Zhaohua Hou1
1Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
Cellular & Molecular Immunology
|May 31, 2016
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) uses exosomes to infect hepatocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. HBV-positive exosomes impair NK cell function and immune responses, contributing to chronic hepatitis B (CHB) pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Exosomes mediate intercellular communication by transferring genetic material.
- The role of exosomes in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and immune response is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of exosomes in HBV transmission and their impact on natural killer (NK) cell function in chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
Main Methods:
- Detection of HBV nucleic acids and proteins in exosomes from CHB patients' sera.
- Tracking DiD-labeled exosomes in vitro using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.
- Assessment of NK cell functions, including cytokine production, cytotoxicity, proliferation, and response to stimulation.
Main Results:
- Exosomes from CHB patients contain HBV components and actively transfer HBV to hepatocytes.
- HBV-positive exosomes are taken up by NK cells, impairing their function (IFN-γ production, cytotoxicity, proliferation, survival).
- HBV infection via exosomes suppresses pattern-recognition receptors (e.g., RIG-I) on NK cells, dampening NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathways.
Conclusions:
- Exosomes play a significant role in HBV transmission and the development of NK cell dysfunction during CHB infection.
- Targeting exosome-mediated HBV transmission could be a therapeutic strategy for CHB.
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