[Interleukin-35 induced by hepatitis B virus inhibits viral replication and viral antigen secretion in hepatocytes]

Objective To explore the interaction between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and interleukin-35 (IL-35) in vitro. Methods HepG2 or LO2 cells were transfected with HBV 1.3-fold replicator (GenBank: GQ205440.1) plasmid or HBV coding gene expression plasmid. The expression of IL-35 in hepatocytes was detected by both real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. HepG2 or LO2 cells transfected with pHBV1.3 plasmid were then treated with IL-35. The effects of IL-35 on HBV replication and antigen secretion were evaluated by analyzing the levels of HBV-DNA and virus secreting antigen in supernatant. Results The expression of IL-35 in hepatocytes with HBV infection was elevated markedly compared to hepatocytes without HBV infection. Moreover, upregulation of IL-35 expression in hepatocytes was induced by the HBx, but not HBs, HBc and HBp. In turn, IL-35 inhibited HBV replication in HepG2 and LO2 cells. Conclusion IL-35 induced by HBx has anti HBV activity in hepatocytes, which is a potential target for clinical treatment of chronic hepatitis B.