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Increased apoptosis in HepG2.2.15 cells with hepatitis B virus expression by synergistic induction of interferon‐γ and tumour necrosis factor‐α
Author(s) -
Shi Hong,
Guan ShiHe
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2008.01835.x
Subject(s) - hepatitis b virus , hbsag , microbiology and biotechnology , apoptosis , interferon , biology , tumor necrosis factor alpha , hbeag , interferon gamma , alpha interferon , cell culture , virology , immune system , immunology , virus , biochemistry , genetics
Background: Interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were thought to be important immune mediators in host defence against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Aims: To examine the synergistic effect of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α on HBV‐expressing HepG2.2.15 cells and its potential mechanisms. Methods: Cell viability was quantitatively measured by 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Cell morphology was captured using light microscopy. The typical DNA ladder test was performed using agarose gel electrophoresis. HBsAg and HBeAg titre changes were quantified by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method. Gene expression was analysed using cDNA macroarrays. Results: Interferon‐γ (1000 U/ml) alone or combined with TNF‐α (5 ng/ml) treatment resulted in apoptosis in HepG2.2.15 cells, but no significant apoptosis in the parent non‐virus expressing HepG2 cells. IFN‐γ‐ and TNF‐α‐mediated apoptosis was reduced by lamivudine treatment in HepG2.2.15 cells. IFN‐γ combined with TNF‐α reduced the titre of hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B e antigen in the HepG2.2.15 cell line. For apoptosis‐related gene changes, IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF‐1) (12.2‐fold), c‐myc (V00568 4.7‐fold, L00058 2.4‐fold) and caspase 7 (2.3‐fold) genes were upregulated in the combination treatment group. Conclusion: Interferon‐γ and TNF‐α play a role in the cell death of HBV‐expressing HepG2.2.15 cells. Expression of HBV leads to IFN‐γ‐ and TNF‐α‐mediated apoptosis in the cells. Increased IRF‐1, c‐myc and caspase 7 gene expression may be responsible for the synergistic induction of apoptosis by IFN‐γ and TNF‐α.