Molecular characterization of Theileria orientalis piroplasm protein encoded by an open reading frame (To ORF2) in a genomic fragment

In the present study, a novel antigenic protein expressed in the piroplasm stage of Theileria orientalis was characterized. A 4,707 bp genomic fragment amplified by PCR contained two open reading frames (ORFs). The deduced amino acid sequence of the first ORF showed significantly high similarlity to the ubiquitin carboxy terminal hydrolases/proteases while the second ORF (To ORF2) showed homology to several surface antigens of plasmodia. To ORF2 was expressed to determine whether the protein product is expressed by the parasite. In western blot analysis, bovine antiserum from a T. orientalis-infected calf recognized the recombinant protein containing a C-terminal part of the ORF expressed by baculovirus system. Western blot analysis with the anti-To ORF2 mouse serum recognized a 48 kDa protein in T. orientalis piroplasm lysates. Indirect immunofluorescence antibody test by confocal scanning laser microscopic analysis showed that antisera against the recombinant protein recognized T. orientalis piroplasm in the infected erythrocyte. The results from this study indicate that To ORF2 protein is expressed at the piroplasm stage and is immunogenic. This novel antigenic To ORF2 protein could be exploited for vaccine development against bovine piroplasmosis.     

高致病性猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒非结构蛋白Nsp4的表达及其抗血清的制备

根据GenBank中已发表的高致病性猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒（Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus,PRRSV）HuN4株全基因组序列,设计合成一对引物,对PRRSV HuN4株非结构蛋白Nsp4（Nonstructural protein 4基因进行RT-PCR扩增,克隆到原核表达载体pET30a（＋）中,构建重组表达载体pET30a-Nsp4,经酶切测序鉴定。将pET30a-Nsp4转化表达菌株BL21（DE3）,诱导可表达分子量约为27kDa重组蛋白。Westernblot显示其具有较好的反应原性,经镍离子亲和层析（Ni-NTA）纯化获得了高纯度的可溶性重组蛋白。将纯化的Nsp4蛋白免疫BALB／c小鼠,抗血清ELISA效价达1：16000,Western blot和IFA表明,所制备的抗血清能够特异性识别PRRSV自身表达的Nsp4蛋白。本研究获得了可溶性的PRRSV Nsp4蛋白,制备了Nsp4特异性多抗血清,为进一步研究Nsp4蛋白的亚细胞定位及功能奠定了基础。     

日本脑炎病毒NS3基因截短表达及其在神经细胞定位研究

根据GenBank发表的日本脑炎病毒(Japanese encephalitis virus,JEV)基因序列,合成用于克隆编码病毒NS3蛋白C端的基因片段(955~1857 bp)的引物。从感染JEV的细胞样品中,采用RT-PCR扩增出大小约900 bp的目的片段,插入到pET-28a(+)表达载体,诱导表达出NS3C蛋白。将该重组蛋白免疫小鼠制备NS3C抗血清,通过间接免疫荧光和Western blot验证,该抗血清能特异识别JEV感染Vero细胞中的NS3蛋白。使用该抗血清研究了JEV在神经细胞内的亚定位,发现NS3主要定位于JEV感染的神经细胞的胞浆中,并在细胞核周围分布明显。     

Inhibition of PSMD4 alters ZP1 ubiquitination state and sperm–oocyte‐binding ability in pigs

The aim of this study was to determine how the duration of culture affects the ubiquitination of zona pellucida (ZP) proteins (ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3) during porcine oocyte maturation in vitro. We analysed the changes in ZP protein ubiquitination under three conditions: (i) during oocyte maturation from stage GV to MII; (ii) in oocytes cultured for different periods of time; and (iii) in oocytes treated with an antibody against PSMD4. Our results show that ZP1 and ZP2 are ubiquitinated at the GV stage, while ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3 are ubiquitinated at the MII stage, and band intensities for these proteins were significantly different between the GV and MII stages (p < .05). We also found that ubiquitination occurs in ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3 after cultured for 46, 52, 58 and 64 hr, and that the level of ubiquitinated ZP1 was significantly different in oocytes that were cultured for different time periods. Finally, treatment with an antibody against PSMD4 resulted in a significant decrease in ZP1 ubiquitination (p < .05), without affecting ZP2 or ZP3. The number of attached sperms per oocyte was also significantly different between control and anti‐PSMD4‐treated groups. Thus, we concluded that ZP1 and ZP2 are ubiquitinated at the GV stage, and ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3 are ubiquitinated at the MII stage. As the duration of culture increases, the ubiquitination levels of ZP proteins decrease. We also found that PSMD4 improves ZP1 ubiquitination during in vitro culture of porcine oocytes and effectively inhibits sperm–oocyte binding.     

Expression of the Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP) of Chlamydophila abortus,Chlamydophila pecorum,and Chlamydia suis in Escherichia coli using an Arabinose‐inducible Plasmid Vector

The ompA genes encoding the 40 kDa major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Chlamydophila (Ch.) abortus, Ch. pecorum, and Chlamydia (C.) suis were cloned into the arabinose‐inducible plasmid vector pBADMycHis, and recombinant MOMPs (rMOMP) from the three chlamydial species were expressed at high levels in Escherichia (E.) coli. The proteins lacking the 22 aa N‐terminal signal peptide were expressed as insoluble cytoplasmic inclusion bodies which were readily purified using immobilized metal‐affinity chromatography. The rMOMPs including the N‐terminal signal peptide were expressed and translocated as a surface‐exposed immunoaccessible protein into the outer membrane of E. coli. Transformants expressing this full‐length rMOMP were significantly reduced in viability. Purified native elementary bodies (EB) and rMOMPs of the three chlamydial species purified from the E. coli cytoplasm were used for immunization of rabbits. The resulting sera were analysed for their ability to recognize homologous and heterologous rMOMP and native EB. When testing rMOMP antisera against rMOMP and EB antigens, marked cross‐reactivities were detected between the three species. Using EB antisera and rMOMPs as antigens, a significant species‐specific reactivity was measured.     

Microscopic detection of IgY‐Fc binding signal in the inner layers of ovarian follicular tissue in quail

In avian species, it has been assumed that an Fc receptor in the ovarian follicles mediates immunoglobulin Y (IgY) transport into the yolk. However, no such receptor responsible for IgY has been identified to date. To examine potential IgY binding activity in the entire ovarian follicle, whole‐mount sections of quail ovarian follicle were incubated with the Fc fragment of chicken IgY (cIgY). Whole‐mount frozen sections of the second largest ovarian follicle were prepared, and then the sections were incubated with digoxigenin‐labeled Fc or Fab fragments of cIgY. Microscopic observation revealed that incubation with the cIgY‐Fc fragment produced a binding signal in the inner layer of the ovarian follicular tissues, most likely in the granulosa cell layer. However, no such signal was detected when the sections were incubated with cIgY‐Fab. Coincubation of the ovarian sections with Alexa488‐labeled cIgY‐Fc and antiserum raised against ZP1, an envelope protein specifically localized in the perivitelline layer, demonstrated that the source of the Fc binding signals partly coincided with the perivitelline layer. In conclusion, our data suggest that potential IgY binding substances interacting with the Fc domain are present in the inner layers of ovarian follicular tissues, most likely in the granulosa cell layer and/or in the perivitelline layer.     

Identification and characterization of proteoglycans in bovine neonatal skeletal muscle

In order to provide background for understanding biological roles of proteoglycans (PG) in developing skeletal muscle, we have isolated and characterized PG in bovine neonatal skeletal muscle. Two types of PG were isolated from skeletal muscle by density gradient ultracentrifugation and ion‐exchange chromatography. One was a small PG (PG‐S) with a molecular size of 100–130 kDa, another was a large PG (PG‐L) with a molecular size of 300–500 kDa. The glycosaminoglycan chains of PG‐S and PG‐L were dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, respectively, judged by cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis. Immunoblot assays revealed that both PG bound to type I, II, III and IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin. Unlike PG‐S, PG‐L bound to type V collagen and hyaluronic acid. Small proteoglycans had a core protein of 45 kDa, which reacted with the antibody against the decorin core protein. The N‐terminal amino acid sequence of the PG‐S core protein was consistent with that of decorin from bovine bone and tendon. Thus, PG‐S from neonatal skeletal muscle was identified as decorin in bovines. Immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies against PG‐L and PG‐S demonstrated that PG‐L was located both in the perimysium and endomysium, but PG‐S was localized exclusively in the perimysium. These findings suggest that the characterized PG may have distinct roles in the ECM construction of developing skeletal muscle.     

鲤春病毒血症病毒核蛋白的原核表达及初步鉴定

为原核表达鲤春病毒血症病毒(SVCV)核(N)蛋白,本研究采用RT-PCR方法扩增SVCV N蛋白基因(SVCV-N),克隆于原核表达载体pET-28a(+)中,并转化到大肠杆菌Rosetta中进行表达.SDS-PAGE分析表明,SVCV-N基因在大肠杆菌中获得高效表达,表达产物约47 ku,与预期相符.Western blot检测表明,该重组蛋白可以被SVCV阳性血清所识别.     

Partial characterization of structure and function of a xylanase gene from the rumen hemicellulolytic bacterium Eubacterium ruminantium

A gene encoding for xylanase activity in the rumen hemicellulolytic bacterium Eubacterium ruminantium was cloned into pBR322 in Escherichia coli (E. coli ). The primary clone had a 5.7 kb insert produced by Eco RI partial digestion. Subcloning followed by sequencing allowed for the discovery that this enzyme has a glycosyl‐hydrolase family 10 catalytic domain with a family 9 carbohydrate binding module at C‐terminus and a region partially homologous to a family 22 carbohydrate binding module at N‐terminus. Cloned xylanase is specifically active against xylan and oligoxyloside to produce xylobiose and xylotriose, showing optimal pH and temperature at 7.0 and 50°C, respectively. Molecular size of the xylanase (91 kDa) was confirmed by zymogram analysis of the E. coli clone, which agreed with the predicted size from the DNA sequence. Functions of the two modules at C‐ and N‐termini were evaluated by using xylanase variants with and without the respective module and the C‐terminal module was found to be functional in binding to acid‐swollen cellulose and insoluble oat‐spelt xylan, whereas the N‐terminal module was inactive for binding them.     

Comparison of pig, rabbit and mouse IgG response to Streptococcus suis serotype 2 proteins and active immunization of mice against the infection.

The aim of this study was to compare the IgG response of different animal species to Streptococcus suis serotype 2 proteins and to evaluate the immunogenic potential of these proteins in the mouse experimental model of infection. The protein profiles of ten different S. suis capsular type 2 isolates were compared by Western blotting using antisera produced in mice, rabbits and pigs against the reference strain. Strains were grown overnight in Todd-Hewitt broth, harvested by centrifugation, processed in a French press cell and digested with lysozyme. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was then performed and proteins transferred to nitrocellulose. The rabbit antiserum recognized seventeen common immunoreactive proteins, of which, proteins of 33, 44, 96, 122 kDa were present in all strains. Two, 128 and 136 kDa proteins were recognized by swine serum in many strains. An additional protein of 30 kDa was recognized by the mouse antiserum. These seven proteins, originating from the reference strain, were excised directly from polyacrylamide gels, mixed with incomplete Freund's adjuvant and given to groups of five mice on days 0 and 10. Immunoglobulin G response to each protein was monitored on day 20 using Western blots. Mice were then experimentally infected on day 21. Results indicated that vaccination with proteins of 33, 44, 128 and 136 kDa resulted in an IgG response and protection against the challenge with the reference strain, but gave only a partial protection against another virulent S. suis serotype 2 strain.     

猪圆环病毒2型Cap蛋白表达及免疫原性鉴定

以猪圆环病毒2型（Porcine circovirus type 2,PCV2）WH株基因组DNA为模板,扩增ORF2截短基因,经BamH I/NotI双酶切处理后与经相同酶切处理的pET32a（＋）原核表达载体连接,获得重组质粒pET32a-Cap2。将重组质粒转化至BL21（DE3）,经IPTG诱导,对表达产物进行SDS-PAGE和Western blot分析。纯化的重组蛋白免疫小鼠,并对获得的血清进行间接ELISA检测和中和活性测定。SDS-PAGE分析表明,ORF2截短基因在大肠杆菌中得到表达,蛋白分子质量大小为40 kDa,重组PCV2 Cap蛋白主要以上清的形式存在。Western blot证实重组蛋白能够识别抗PCV2阳性血清。经间接ELISA检测,鼠抗PCV2 Cap血清抗体效价能达到1：25 600,间接免疫荧光检测分析表明,鼠抗PCV2 Cap血清能特异性识别PCV2感染细胞中的Cap蛋白。病毒血清中和实验证实,抗PCV2 Cap血清抗体具有中和病毒的活性,中和效价为1：36。猪圆环病毒2型Cap蛋白的表达,为进一步研究该蛋白的功能及Cap蛋白亚单位疫苗和检测试剂盒的制备奠定了基础。     

Identification of the heat shock protein 70 (HLHsp70) in Haemaphysalis longicornis

A Haemaphysalis longicornis heat shock protein 70 (HLHsp70) was identified from a cDNA library synthesized from tick eggs. The HLHsp70 cDNA is 2311 bp in length and encodes 661 amino acid residues with the predicted molecular weight of 72.5 kDa and an isoelectronic point (pI) of 5.2. It also contains the highly conserved functional motifs of the Hsp70 family and a specific endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal "KDEL" that is common among ER-localized proteins. The HLHsp70 exhibits 90% amino acid identity to the putative Hsp70 of Ixodes scapularis, and 85% to Gallus gallus 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein precursor. Real time RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of the Hsp70 in ovaries and salivary glands were significantly higher than in other tested tissues in partially fed females. Although the expression level of the HLHsp70 was constantly low in unfed ticks, it was significantly induced by blood-feeding. Further, the expression was positively correlated to the temperature (4-37°C, tested). Western blot analysis showed that the rabbit antiserum against the recombinant HLHsp70 protein (rHLHSP70) recognized bands of approximately 100, 72, and 28 kDa from egg lysates, as well as a 72kDa fragment in protein extracts from partially fed larvae. Immunization of rabbits with the rHLHSP70 did not result in a statistically significant reduction of female tick engorgement and oviposition. These results suggest that although HLHSP70 plays a role in the physiological activities of ticks, as a constitutive protein it was not suitable for selection as a candidate vaccine antigen against ticks.     

Heterologous Expression of a Gene Encoding a 35 kDa Protein of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis in Escherichia coli

The full-length open reading frame coding for a potentially immunogenic 35 kDa protein of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis was generated using polymerase chain reaction technology. The gene was inserted in-frame into Escherichia coli expression plasmid pQE32. The resulting recombinant plasmid pPMP35 was transformed into E. coli M15. Analysis of the E. coli induced with isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside revealed that the protein accumulated into the cytoplasm as insoluble inclusion bodies. The level of expression of the recombinant 35 kDa protein (P35) was more than 30% of the total protein of E. coli cells. Expression of the recombinant protein was confirmed by immunoblotting. The P35 reacted with a rabbit antiserum raised against a sonicate of M. a. paratuberculosis. The protein was also recognized by serum from a goat with clinical paratuberculosis. Further, a polyclonal antiserum against P35 recognized a 35 kDa band in a membrane fraction of M. a. paratuberculosis. Also, the protein provoked a significant skin reaction in outbred guinea pigs sensitized with M. a. paratuberculosis, as well as in those sensitized with Mycobacterium avium. The results indicate that the 35 kDa protein of M. a. paratuberculosis is a membrane protein, having a role in the cellular immune response.     

Selection of immunodominant mimics of IROMP-99 of rabbit Pasteurella multocida from a random 12-peptide library

A random 12-peptide library was used to screen immunodominant mimics of 99kDa iron-regulated outer membrane protein (IROMP-99) of rabbit Pasteurella multocida. In the present study, expression of IROMPs of rabbit P. multocida strain C51-12 were analyzed by SDS-PAGE, and Western blot to determine the specificity of rat antiserum antibodies against IROMP-99. Only IROMP-99 whose expression was induced under iron-restricted conditions was detected on nitrocellulose paper. The phage display library was screened with rat normal and IROMP-99-specific antiserum. The positive phage clones were identified using enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA) and inhibition assays for their reactivity to the antiserum. Out of the 18 randomly selected positive clones that showed higher reactivity to rat antiserum, only ten clones efficaciously inhibited binding of rat antisera to IROMPs and their displayed peptides were determined. Alignment using DNAStar-MegAlign software, results showed that motif WHxTxP was highly conserved among nine clones, only clone A7 had no obvious linear homology with either. Our findings suggest that the motif WHxTxP could be an immunodominant mimic epitope of IROMP-99 of rabbit P. multocida strain C51-12.     

Isolation of bovine ovarian inhibin, its immunoneutralization in vitro and immunolocalization in bovine ovary

A purification scheme involving gel permeation chromatography, anion exchange chromatography and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to isolate from bovine follicular fluid (FF) biologically-active inhibin of molecular weight 32 kDa. Chromatographic fractions were monitored for inhibin-like biological activity (ILA) using a simplified bioassay procedure in which a suppression of total basal FSH production by rat pituitary cells in monolayer culture indicates the presence of ILA. Approximately 3 mg protein having an ILA potency (ED50 value in in vitro bioassay) of 1.7 ng/ml was obtained from 4 1 crude bovine FF (260 g protein; ILA potency 3750 ng/ml) reflecting an approximate 2200-fold purification factor with an overall recovery of about 3%. The isolated material appeared as a single major UV absorbance peak on RP-HPLC and as a single band (32 kDa) when subjected to SDS-PAGE (15% gel) under non-reducing conditions. Under reducing conditions the molecule dissociated into 2 subunits of apparent molecular weight 22 and 14 kDa confirming that it is probably identical to the 31/32 kDa form of bovine ovarian inhibin previously reported by two other independent research groups. An antiserum raised in a chicken against the isolated material completely neutralized the suppressive effects of both 32 kDa inhibin and bovine FF on basal production of FSH by rat pituitary cells in vitro but only partially reversed the suppressive effects of both porcine and human FF. Immunohistochemical staining of sections of bovine ovary and of isolated preparations of bovine granulosa cells using this antiserum confirmed that granulosa cells are a major source of inhibin. The observation that specific immunostaining was not confined to these cells, however, suggests that they may not be the exclusive source of immunoreactive inhibin in the bovine ovary.     

Production and characterization of two Streptococcus suis capsular type 2 mutants.

Two avirulent mutants of Streptococcus suis capsular type 2 (M2 and M42) were produced from a highly virulent strain. Mutant M2, obtained after serial subcultures of the parent strain in the presence of rabbit anti-capsular type 2 serum, no longer possessed the type-specific capsular antigen, as demonstrated by serotyping methods and immunoelectron microscopy. The Lancefield group D antigen could not be detected on the cell surface of this mutant using the immunogold labelling technique. SDS-PAGE of lysozyme treated cells demonstrated that a 44 kDa protein which was present in the parent strain, was absent in mutant M2. Immunoblotting using rabbit whole cell homologous anti-serum revealed that the protein was strongly immunogenic. Mutant M2 was totally avirulent in mice, and the homologous antiserum completely failed to protect mice against challenge with the parent strain. However, mutant M42, obtained after passages of the parent strain at 42 degrees C, remained capsulated but lacked the same 44 kDa protein as mutant M2. The quantity of sialic acid present in the capsule was similar to that of the parent strain. Despite the presence of antibodies against the capsule, antiserum prepared against M42 only partially protected mice against a challenge with the parent strain. The 44 kDa cell wall protein could act as a virulence factor as well as an important immunogen of S. suis capsular type 2.     

Detection of specific antibodies anti-Neospora caninum in the fallow deer (Dama dama)

Sera from 335 farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) at the breeding station in Kosewo Górne in the Mazurian Lake District, North-East Poland, were investigated for the presence of antibodies against Neospora caninum. The distribution of age groups was as follow: >4 years - 154 animals; 2 years - 76 animals; 1 year - 105 animals. Ten sera with the optical density exceeding 0.159 absorbance units (i.e., cut-off value) in ELISA test were also analyzed by Western blot. Western blot analysis revealed seroreactivity against immunodominant N. caninum antigens of 37, 25, and 16kDa; however, in some sera additional bands were also visible. This is the first screening studies for antibodies against N. caninum in farmed fallow deer in Poland, in the region where neosporosis was confirmed in cattle and in farmed and free-ranging European red deer (Cervus elaphus).     

Serodiagnosis of leptospirosis in pigs using an axial filament enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

The axial filament (AF) from Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola was isolated by cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation of 2% sarcosyl treated whole cells. Isolation of AF was confirmed by electron microscopic examination, by protein-A immunogold labelling, sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and immunoblotting. Analysis by SDS-PAGE of the purified preparation showed relatively weak bands of molecular size 41 kDa and 21 kDa, and strong bands of 35 kDa and 34.5 kDa. Immunoblot analysis using antiserum to the AF against sonicated leptospires of a variety of serovars showed prominent reaction against the 41, 35, and 34.5 kDa protein bands, as well as against minor bands of molecular weight 43, 39, and 37 kDa. Antisera prepared against leptospiral serovars also identified minor bands at 33 and 32 kDa. Immunoblots with antiserum to whole cells of serovar bratislava detected the 35 and 34.5 kDa AF bands of Borrelia burgdorferi moderately and of Treponema hyodysenteriae only slightly in comparison to leptospiral AF. Antibody to B. burgdorferi did not detect the leptospiral AF antigen. Immunoblots with antiserum to T. hyodysenteriae showed a marked reaction with a 41 kDa band of B. burgdorferi but only a very minor reaction with leptospiral AF. The AF was tested in an AF-ELISA against sera from 260 pigs, many of which reacted in the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) against one or more leptospiral serovars. A sensitivity of 97.1% and a specificity of 93.1% was determined in comparison to the MAT. Only moderate correlation was observed between titres detected in the AF-ELISA and the MAT (r = 0.4). When sonicated whole cells (WC) of serovar canicola were used in an ELISA (WC-ELISA), high correlation was observed between AF-ELISA and WC-ELISA (r = 0.97). These findings show that the AF-ELISA can be used effectively as a species-specific antigen for the serological diagnosis of leptospirosis in swine and that sonicated whole cells can substitute excellently for purified AF as the antigen source. These findings may be extrapolated to the use of AF in immunodiagnosis of leptospirosis in other species.