鸡主要组织相容性复合体分子结构与抗病性关系研究进展

主要组织相容性复合体(major histocompatibility complex, MHC)作为鸡免疫系统中的一个重要部分，主要负责将抗原表位递呈到特异性T淋巴细胞中，诱导免疫应答反应。鸡MHC优势表达1个MHCⅠ分子BF2和1个MHCⅡ分子BLB2,其中MHCⅠ分子结合来自细胞质中蛋白多肽，MHCⅡ分子结合来自细胞内囊泡中蛋白多肽和细胞外源性多肽。MHC等位基因多态性对其分子空间结构和结合肽段特性非常重要。不同单倍型MHC由于等位基因的差异其肽结合基序也存在差异，进而影响MHC分子递呈抗原肽数量，影响T细胞免疫应答强度，最终导致不同单倍型鸡对同一病原体表现出抗性或易感性。与人MHC分子相比，紧凑且简单的鸡MHC优势表达单个Ⅰ类分子的特性可以决定鸡是否会对某种病原体存在抗性。为了更好地认识鸡MHC分子在病毒感染过程中的作用及抗病性机制，解析其结构并进行功能研究非常必要。作者主要介绍了鸡MHC的分子结构特征，重点比较了不同单倍型MHC分子结构差异与抗病性的关系，总结了鸡MHC肽结合基序和禽流感病毒抗原肽的鉴定工作，为进一步理解MHC分子递呈肽给T淋巴细胞的机制和开发T细胞表位疫苗奠...     

鸡MHCⅠ分子三维结构与抗原多肽结合特征的研究进展

随着养殖规模的扩大,鸡病毒性传染病的种类和复杂程度日益增加,许多养殖场遭受了巨大的经济损失。疫苗免疫是控制鸡病毒性传染病的主要手段,但由于多种原因,使免疫鸡群仍有疫病暴发。多项研究表明,鸡主要组织相容性复合体Ⅰ类分子(MHCⅠ)在抗病毒免疫应答中起着十分关键的作用,MHCⅠ决定鸡对马立克氏病毒(MDV)、劳氏肉瘤病毒(RSV)等病毒的抗性与易感。编码BF分子(鸡的MHCⅠ分子)的BF基因(鸡的MHCⅠ)包含两类Ia基因,即BF1 (以前称为BFⅠ、BFⅡ或次要的BF)和BF2 (以前称为BFIV或主要的BF)基因。在确定BF2分子结构和功能方面的研究,已经取得了相当深入的进展,之后的研究明确了BF2分子是鸡唯一的以递呈抗原方式来诱导CTL特异性免疫反应的分子。多项研究表明,鸡BF2分子三维结构与鸡马立克氏病(MD)和劳氏肉瘤病(RS)等病毒病的遗传抗性密切相关。论文以鸡BF2分子三维结构与抗原多肽结合特征为出发点,对鸡BF2分子三维结构进行分析,并着重分析其与抗原多肽相互作用关键位点的空间结构,进而从结构免疫学角度,解析鸡BF2分子对MD/RS遗传抗性的影响,为养禽业中抗病育种、病毒多肽抗原筛选及疫苗设计提供理论依据。     

鸡MHCⅠα和β2m链基因真核表达载体的构建及其在293T细胞中的表达

为进一步研究主要组织相容性复合体Ⅰ类(major histocompatibility complex,MHCⅠ)分子在免疫应答中的作用机制,试验经PCR克隆获得MHCⅠα和β_2m链基因,随后插入带有荧光标签蛋白的真核表达载体,成功构建了重组质粒pEGFP-MHCⅠα和pmCherry-MHCⅠβ_2m,并通过脂质体法转染293T真核表达细胞。荧光显微镜观察可见,MHCⅠα和β_2m分子主要分布于真核细胞的内膜系统,改变了与之融合的荧光蛋白在细胞内的定位。此外,Western blotting检测可见大小约68.3和41.3ku的目的蛋白反应带,表明重组质粒能够在293T细胞中顺利表达,且表达蛋白与鸡MHCⅠ类分子的相应抗体可发生特异性结合反应,具有良好的免疫学活性。     

鸡MHCⅠ类分子信号肽的预测及其序列特征

旨在进一步研究MHCⅠ类分子作用机制,分析MHCⅠ类分子α链和β2m链的信号肽序列特征。运用信号肽分析软件预测淮南麻黄鸡MHCⅠ类分子的α链和β2m链信号肽区域,通过序列比对,进一步分析鸡MHCⅠ类分子2条链的序列特征。信号肽分析软件预测结果表明,鸡MHCⅠ类分子的α链和β2m链均存在信号肽,且均由21个氨基酸残基组成。序列分析结果表明,鸡MHCⅠ类分子β2m链信号肽区域的氨基酸序列较为保守,但α链信号肽区域则呈现出一定的多态性,有23.8%的氨基酸残基发生突变。此外,将鸡MHCⅠ类分子信号肽序列与鸭、人和鼠的相应区域进行比对,表明鸡与鸭的α链和β2m链分子信号肽相似性均较高,分别为60%和65%,但与人和鼠的相似性均较低。     

鸡MHCⅠα和β2m的原核表达与多克隆抗体的制备

为制备MHCⅠ基因工程疫苗的基础材料,构建了鸡MHCⅠ分子重组质粒并进行原核表达,进而制备鸡MHCⅠ分子的多克隆抗体。应用PCR方法,克隆鸡MHCⅠα和β2m基因,构建重组载体pETMHCⅠα和pET-MHCⅠβ2m,经PCR、双酶切和测序鉴定后,将重组质粒在大肠埃希菌Rosetta中进行诱导表达,融合蛋白纯化后,接种昆明小鼠制备多克隆抗体,血清稀释后用免疫印迹法(Western blot)分析。结果表明,鸡MHCⅠα和β2m基因在大肠埃希菌中成功表达,融合蛋白分子质量分别约为52.1ku和33.0ku;制备的鼠抗鸡MHCⅠα和β2m链多克隆抗体,经Western blot检测证实抗体特异性较强,可进一步用于鸡MHCⅠ分子的研究。     

MHC分子在动物疫病防治中的作用

主要组织相容性复合体(MHC)是个高度多态性的基因群。MHC基因产物根据结构和功能的不同可分为4种类型:MHC-Ⅰ、MHC-Ⅱ、MHC-Ⅲ及MHC-Ⅳ。其中MHC-Ⅰ、MHC-Ⅱ类是能够递呈抗原的分子,在调节免疫应答和免疫细胞发育中发挥作用,而MHC-Ⅲ和MHC-Ⅳ类分子具有与免疫反应相关的其他功能。在某些病毒感染的疾病中,病毒     

淮南麻黄鸡MHCⅠα链基因的克隆及序列分析

典型的主要组织相容性复合体(MHC)是抗原递呈的关键分子,具有重要的免疫功能,与多种疾病密切相关。为深入了解地方品种鸡MHCⅠ类α分子的特征,尤其是抗原结合区域的特点,通过RT-PCR技术获得了29个淮南麻黄鸡完整的α链基因,并进行了分析。结果显示,淮南麻黄鸡MHCⅠα分子高度多态,但主要集中在α1和α2区域,该区变异氨基酸位点共68个,其中高度变异22个。淮南麻黄鸡MHCⅠ分子α1和α2区域氨基酸序列同源性介于79.3%~99.5%之间,仅少部分序列完全一致。鸡氨基酸序列同源性与鸭较高,介于57.6%~64.1%之间;其次为人和鼠。进化分析显示,淮南麻黄鸡MHCⅠ分子α1和α2区域分属于两个类群,但未显示明显的品种差异。此外,鸡与鸭的亲缘关系较近,与其他物种则遗传距离较远。研究结果表明,淮南麻黄鸡MHC分子在进化过程中呈现高度的多态性,但受到病原体的选择压力,多态性主要位于抗原肽结合部分的α1和α2区域。     

猪MHC结构与分类研究进展

猪主要组织相容性复合物(MHC)位于第7号染色体上,一般分为3大类,即Ⅰ类基因、Ⅱ类基因和Ⅲ类基因。近年来又发现非传统的称之为Ⅳ类的基因,约长300kb。MHC分子不但具编码移植抗原、调控免疫应答中免疫球蛋白和补体的生成等功能,而且其产物还具产生及转运抗原多肽等方面的作用和功能。     

畜禽MHCⅠ分子抗原结合槽研究进展

主要组织相容性复合体Ⅰ（major histocompatibility complex, MHCⅠ）结构的解析可直观地阐释其结合抗原表位的机理,进而有效利用其特异性细胞毒性T淋巴细胞（cytotoxic T lymphocyte, CTL）免疫应答。目前已报道的畜禽MHCⅠ精细结构包括牛（N*01301、N*01801）、猪（SLA-1*0401）和鸡（BF2*2101、BF2*0401、BF2*0201、BF2*1401）,以上MHCⅠ复合体结构由α1、α2和α3共3个α链和β₂m组成。其抗原结合槽多肽由A、B、C、D、E、F 6个口袋组成,一般B、F口袋决定了不同MHCⅠ分子结合不同性质的抗原多肽。鉴于同一物种不同的MHCⅠ等位基因及不同物种MHCⅠ基因的序列差异性,使得不同的MHCⅠ分子结合不同性质的抗原多肽片段,此外,不同MHCⅠ分子也可递呈同样的抗原多肽,实现不同MHCⅠ分子的交叉递呈。畜禽MHCⅠ的结构清晰地阐释其递呈抗原多肽的机理,促进了畜禽免疫学和疫苗应用的研究。     

鸡β2微球蛋白基因克隆及其在大肠杆菌中的高效表达与纯化

β2微球蛋白（β2m）是组成主要组织相容性复合体（MHC）Ⅰ类分子复合体的轻链分子,对于MHCⅠ类分子在细胞表面稳定表达和有效递呈抗原肽必不可少。本试验从来航鸡全血细胞中克隆了鸡β2m（Chβ2m）全基因,利用软件预测了其信号肽序列,并构建了表达成熟Chβ2m的重组载体,在大肠杆菌表达系统中以包涵体形式高效表达。将所得包涵体溶于8 mol/L脲,并在变性条件下对包涵体中的重组Chβ2m进行纯化,获得了高纯度的Chβ2m,为制备MHCⅠ四聚体及探索禽类MHCⅠ类分子结构与功能的关系提供了条件。     

白术、微米白术和白术多糖对断奶仔猪生长性能和肠道形态及微生态区系的影响

试验选用96头平均体重14.82 kg左右的杜×长×大断奶仔猪,随机分成4组,每组3栏,每栏8头(公母各半)。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验1、2、3组分别添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖和1%微米白术。试验期30 d。结果表明:在生长性能方面,与对照组相比,1%微米白术添加组可显著提高日增重(P0.05)、降低饲料增重比和腹泻率,而且效果优于1%80目白术组和0.2%白术多糖组,在肠道形态和肠道微生态区系方面,与对照组相比,日粮添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖、1%微米白术均可不同程度的提高十二指肠和空肠的绒毛高度,加深十二指肠和空肠的隐窝深度,并且增加肠道微生态区系的多样性,其中以1%微米白术添加组的效果最佳。     

Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia

Sissay, M.M., Uggla, A. and Waller, P.J., XXXX. Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, XXXX. A 2-year abattoir survey was carried out to determine the prevalence, abundance and seasonal incidence of gastro-intestinal (GI) nematodes and trematodes (flukes) of sheep and goats in the semi-arid zone of eastern Ethiopia. During May 2003 to April 2005, viscera including liver, lungs and GI tracts were collected from 655 sheep and 632 goats slaughtered at 4 abattoirs located in the towns of Haramaya, Harar, Dire Dawa and Jijiga in eastern Ethiopia. All animals were raised in the farming areas located within the community boundaries for each town. Collected materials were transported within 24 h to the parasitology laboratory of Haramaya University for immediate processing. Thirteen species belonging to 9 genera of GI nematodes (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, Nematodirus filicollis, N. spathiger, Oesophagostomum columbianum, O. venulosum, Strongyloides papillosus, Bunostomum trigonocephalum, Trichuris ovis, Cooperia curticei and Chabertia ovina), and 4 species belonging to 3 genera of trematodes (Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Paramphistomum {Calicohoron} microbothrium and Dicrocoelium dendriticum) were recorded in both sheep and goats. All animals in this investigation were infected with multiple species to varying degrees. The mean burdens of adult nematodes were generally moderate in both sheep and goats and showed patterns of seasonal abundance that corresponded with the bi-modal annual rainfall pattern, with highest burdens around the middle of the rainy season. In both sheep and goats there were significant differences in the mean worm burdens and abundance of the different nematode species between the four geographic locations, with worm burdens in the Haramaya and Harar areas greater than those observed in the Dire Dawa and Jijiga locations. Similar seasonal variations were also observed in the prevalence of flukes. But there were no significant differences in the prevalence of each fluke species between the four locations. Overall, the results showed that Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum, Fasciola and Paramphistomum species were the most abundant helminth parasites of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia.     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Prevalence of gastric lesions in racing Alaskan sled dogs

Human and equine athletes are reported to have a high prevalence of gastric disease, and anecdotal evidence suggests a similar phenomenon applies to racing sled dogs. To investigate the prevalence of gastric disease in racing sled dogs, we conducted 2 gastroscopy studies on dogs competing in the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. A pilot study of dogs that were either dropped from the 2000 Iditarod Sled Dog Race because of illness or that finished the race indicated that, approximately 5 days after competing, 10 of 28 dogs (35%) had endoscopic evidence of gastric ulceration, erosion, or hemorrhage. The next year, an endoscopic study of 73 dogs participating in the 2001 Iditarod race was performed in order to evaluate a larger population of dogs. Data from 70 of these dogs could be used; 34 (48.5%) had ulceration, erosion, gastric hemorrhage, or some combination of these findings. When this group of 70 dogs was compared retrospectively to a control group of 87 dogs presented to the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the Iditarod sled dogs had a significantly higher prevalence (P = .049) of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that, similar to athletes of other species, elite canine athletes have an increased prevalence of gastric disease compared to the canine population at large.     

Y‐chromosomal variation of local goat breeds of Turkey close to the domestication centre

Genetic variations in chromosome Y are enabling researchers to identify paternal lineages, which are informative for introgressions and migrations. In this study, the male‐specific region markers, sex‐determining region‐Y (SRY), amelogenin (AMELY) and zinc finger (ZFY) were analysed in seven Turkish native goat breeds, Angora, Kilis, Hair, Honaml?, Norduz, Gürcü and Abaza. A SNP in the ZFY gene defined a new haplotype Y2C. All domestic haplogroups originate from Capra aegagrus, while the finding of Y1A, Y1B, Y2A and Y2C in 32, 4, 126 and 2 Turkish domestic goats, respectively, appears to indicate a predomestic origin of the major haplotypes. The occurrence of four haplotypes in the Hair goat and, in contrast, a frequency of 96% of Y1A in the Kilis breed illustrate that Y‐chromosomal variants have a more breed‐dependent distribution than mitochondrial or autosomal DNA. This probably reflects male founder effects, but a role in adaptation cannot be excluded.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Feline intracranial neoplasia: retrospective review of 160 cases (1985-2001)

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of different tumor types within a large cohort of cats with intracranial neoplasia and to attempt to correlate signalment, tumor size and location, and survival time for each tumor. Medical records of 160 cats with confirmed intracranial neoplasia evaluated between 1985 and 2001 were reviewed. Parameters evaluated included age, sex, breed, FeLV/FIV status, clinical signs, duration of signs, number of tumors, tumor location(s), imaging results, treatment, survival times, and histopathologic diagnosis. Most of the cats were older (11.3 +/- 3.8 years). Primary tumors accounted for 70.6% of cases. Metastasis and direct extension of secondary tumors accounted for only 5.6 and 3.8% of cases, respectively. Twelve cats (7.5%) had 2 or more discrete tumors of the same type, whereas 16 cats (10.0%) had 2 different types of intracranial tumors. The most common tumor types were meningioma (n = 93, 58.1%), lymphoma (n = 23, 14.4%), pituitary tumors (n = 14, 8.8%), and gliomas (n = 12, 7.5%). The most common neurological signs were altered consciousness (n = 42, 26.2%), circling (n = 36, 22.5%), and seizures (n = 36, 22.5%). Cats without specific neurological signs were common (n = 34, 21.2%). The tumor was considered an incidental finding in 30 (18.8%) cats. In addition to expected relationships (eg, meninges and meningioma, pituitary and pituitary tumors), we found that lesion location was predictive of tumor type with diffuse cerebral or brainstem involvement predictive of lymphoma and third ventricle involvement predictive of meningioma.     

A brief history of the prevention of infectious diseases by immunisations

Infectious diseases have always been a terrible scourge for humans. The appearance of these plagues, as they were called without distinction, was generally connected to various conditions: asters, climatic changes or religious reasons. The concept of contagious, and then infectious, diseases came slowly. Variolation, i.e. transmission of ‘virulent’ matter to induce a natural disease and the immunity against it, was brought from Constantinople to England by Lady Montague, in 1721. This ‘variolation’ technique was also often performed in veterinary medicine against diseases like sheep-pox or pleuropneumonia. As ‘vaccination’ is the term generally accepted for ‘immunisation’, variolation can be the word designating such a technique. The second period of the history of immunisation began, in 1880, with the studies of Pasteur and his collaborators. A great number of bacterial vaccines were developed: dead, live but attenuated or only parts of pathogens. The viruses were produced in animals, then in eggs and at last, in tissue cultures. Second generation vaccines appeared with genetic engineering: recombinant vaccines, vector vaccines, nucleic acids vaccines, and markers vaccines, among others. These novel technologies can permit the development of new ones and improve the quality of the vaccines already existing.