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DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1597522
Macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles mediate a long-lasting innate immune response against hepatitis C virus
Publikationsverlauf
Publikationsdatum:
19. Dezember 2016 (online)
Background: Interferons play a pivotal role in the first line defense against viral infections. Macrophages are both important producers and responders to type I and II interferons and participate in antiviral immune responses. Yet, the precise role of macrophages in the immune response against hepatitis C virus (HCV) has not been entirely elucidated. In the present study, we therefore aim to further characterize mechanisms of macrophage-mediated antiviral immune responses against hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Methods: THP-1 cells and monocyte-derived macrophages from human buffy coats were stimulated with type I and II interferons. Whole supernatants and purified extracellular vesicles secreted from interferon-pulsed macrophages were transferred to Huh-7.5 cells harboring subgenomic HCV replicons. HCV replication was quantified by quantitative PCR. Macrophage-derived supernatants and extracellular vesicles were analyzed by cytokine arrays, RNA-sequencing, flow cytometry and electron microscopy.
Results: Macrophages secrete a variety of cytokines shortly after stimulation with type I and II interferons, which orchestrate a fast but short-lasting antiviral state against HCV. In addition, interferon-pulsed macrophages secrete extracellular vesicles which induce a late, but long-lasting (5 – 7 days) inhibitory effect on HCV replication. Though extracellular vesicles of both THP-1 cells and primary human macrophages exhibit antiviral qualities, they are different with respect to vesicle size and content of extracellular vesicle markers. Preliminary results indicate that long-coding RNAs may mediate the long-lasting antiviral effects of macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles.
Conclusion: Macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles mediate long-lasting inhibitory effects on HCV replication in vitro, which may bridge the time until efficient adaptive immune responses are established.
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