TNF-alpha inhibition ameliorates HDV-induced liver damage in a mouse model of acute severe infection.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

HDV infection induces the most severe form of human viral hepatitis. However, the specific reasons for the severity of the disease remain unknown. Recently, we developed an HDV replication mouse model in which, for the first time, liver damage was detected.

Methods

HDV and HBV replication-competent genomes and HDV antigens were delivered to mouse hepatocytes using adeno-associated vectors (AAVs). Aminotransferase elevation, liver histopathology, and hepatocyte death were evaluated and the immune infiltrate was characterized. Liver transcriptomic analysis was performed. Mice deficient for different cellular and molecular components of the immune system, as well as depletion and inhibition studies, were employed to elucidate the causes of HDV-mediated liver d

SUBMITTER: Usai C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7200939 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature