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Up-regulation of IL-12 expression in patients with chronic hepatitis B is mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway

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Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replicates noncytopathically in hepatocytes, but HBV or proteins encoded by HBV genome could induce cytokines, chemokines expression by hepatocytes.IL-12 is a typical proinflammatory cytokine that plays a critical role in host defense against pathogens, including the HBV. However, the role of IL-12 in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains unclear. The aims of this study were to detect the expression of IL-12 in CHB patients and explore the molecular mechanism of HBV-induced IL-12 expression. The results showed that serum levels and hepatic expression of IL-12 were significantly upregulated in CHB patients. HBx protein increased IL-12 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, inhibition of PI3K/Akt significantly decreased the HBx-induced IL-12 expression and Akt activation. Taken together, these results indicate that the molecular mechanism of HBV-induced IL-12 expression involves activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway by HBx, leading to transactivation of the IL-12 p35 and p40 promoters.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Infection Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, 453100, China

    Hong-wei Wang, Hai-li Gao, Xiao-xia Wei & Xin-hong Wang

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  1. Hong-wei Wang
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  2. Hai-li Gao
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  3. Xiao-xia Wei
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  4. Xin-hong Wang
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Correspondence to Xin-hong Wang.

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Wang, Hw., Gao, Hl., Wei, Xx. et al. Up-regulation of IL-12 expression in patients with chronic hepatitis B is mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway. Mol Cell Biochem 407, 135–142 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-015-2463-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-015-2463-6

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