Temporal appearance of structural and nonstructural bluetongue viral proteins in infected cells, as determined by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry

The temporal appearance of 4 viral proteins was detected in bluetongue virus (BTV)-infected Vero cells by indirect immunofluorescence staining with monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to BTV structural proteins VP2 and VP7 and nonstructural proteins NS1 and NS2. Bluetongue viral proteins were detected at distinct intervals after inoculation of Vero cells; VP7 was first detected 3 hours after inoculation, NS1 and NS2 at 5 hours after inoculation, whereas VP2 was not detected until 8 hours after inoculation. Patterns of fluorescence varied with the fixative used, but each MAb induced a distinct pattern of fluorescence in infected cells. Flow cytometry, which was used with each of the 4 MAb, proved to be an accurate and sensitive method of detecting BTV-infected P3 mouse myeloma cells. The temporal appearance of each viral protein in BTV-infected P3 cells was similar to that detected in BTV-infected Vero cells. Advantages of flow cytometry over conventional immunofluorescence staining to detect BTV-infected cells included: (1) enumeration of the proportion of infected cells in a population; (2) further characterization of infected cells, including estimates of their viability; and (3) computer-assisted storage and analysis of data obtained.     

African horse sickness virus structure

African horse sickness virus (AHSV), of which there are nine serotypes (AHSV-1, -2, etc.), is a member of Orbivirus genus within the Reoviridae family. Both in morphology and molecular constituents AHSV particles are comparable to those of bluetongue virus (BTV), the prototype virus of the genus. The two viruses have seven structural proteins (VP1–7) organized in two layered capsid. The outer capsid is composed of VP2 and VP5. The inner capsid, or core, is composed of two major proteins, VP3 and VP7, and three minor proteins, VP1, VP4 and VP6. Within the core is the virus genome. This genome consists of 10 double-stranded (ds)RNA segments of different sizes, three large, designated L1–L3, three medium, M4–M6, and four small, S7–S10. In addition to the seven stuctural proteins that are coded by seven of the RNA species, four non-structural proteins, NS1, NS2, NS3 and NS3A, are coded by three RNA segments, M5, S8 and S10. The two smallest proteins (NS3 and NS3A) are synthesized by the S10 RNA segment, probably from different in-frame translation initiation codons. Nucleotide sequences of eight RNA segments (L2, L3, M4, M5, M6, S7, S8 and S10) and the predicted amino acid sequences of the encoded gene products are also available, mainly representing one serotype, AHSV-4. In this review the properties of the AHSV genes and gene products are discussed. The sequence and hybridization analyses of the different AHSV dsRNA segments indicate that the segments that code for the core proteins, as well as those that code for NS1 and NS2 proteins, are highly conserved between the different virus serotypes. However, the RNA encoding NS3 and NS3A, and the two segments encoding the outer capsid proteins, are more variable between the AHSV serotypes. A close phylogenetic relationship between AHSV, BTV and epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), three Culicoides-transmitted orbiviruses, has been revealed when the equivalent sequences of genes and gene products are compared. Recently, the four major AHSV capsid proteins have been expressed using recombinant baculoviruses. Biochemically and antigenically these proteins are similar to the authentic proteins. Since the AHSV VP7 protein is highly conserved among the different serotypes, it has been utilized as a diagnostic reagent. The expressed VP7 protein has also been purified to homogeneity and crystallized for three-dimensional X-ray analysis. The expressed outer capsid proteins, VP2 and VP5, have been purified and used to raise antisera in rabbits. The VP2 antisera neutralize virus infections in vitro indicating the importance of this protein for vaccine development.     

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against an avian group A rotavirus.

Fifteen monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against an avian group A rotavirus were cloned and characterized. Eight of the 15 MAbs had neutralizing activity (N-MAbs). Five of the N-MAbs (1G1, 5B8, 4E2, 3G1, 2E3) were VP4-specific by radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA), and two N-MAbs (2D11, 6E8) were possibly VP7-specific (faint bands by RIPA). One N-MAb (4H12) of undefined protein specificity cross-reacted with serotype 3 simian rotaviruses. The other seven N-MAbs did not cross-react with any of the eight distinct serotypes of human and mammalian rotaviruses tested. Of the seven non-neutralizing MAbs, three were VP6-specific (3H10, 4B12, 5F6), two were VP8-specific (6C9, 1D1), one was VP4-specific (4E9), and one was of undefined protein specificity (1B11). Four non-neutralizing MAbs recognized only avian group A rotavirus in cell-culture immunofluorescence tests (6C9, 1D1, 4E9 and 5F6), whereas two MAbs (3H10 and 4B12) cross-reacted with all human and animal rotaviruses tested. The MAb 1B11 did not recognize any human rotavirus serotypes but cross-reacted with all nonhuman animal rotavirus serotypes. The MAbs produced in this study should be useful for the detection and further characterization of avian group A rotaviruses.     

Characterization of proteins of chicken infectious anemia virus with monoclonal antibodies.

Eight monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) were developed. These MAbs identified three isolates adapted to grow in the Marek's disease chicken cell line MSB1 (Cux-1, GA-1, and Conn-B) and the chicken-propagated CIA-1 isolate. All MAbs stained MSB1 in the same way with mostly perinuclear staining, although larger nuclear inclusions and cytoplasmic staining were also detected. None of the MAbs neutralized Cux-1. All MAbs reacted in a direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with Cux-1 antigen treated with 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate followed by extraction with chloroform, but not with MSB1 cells infected with Cux-1 or chloroform-extracts of these cells. Three viral proteins--VP1, VP2, and VP3--with estimated sizes of 45, 30, and 16 kilodaltons (kd), respectively, were immunoprecipitated using the MAbs and Cux-1-infected cell lysates. The 16-kd protein was the major VP. In addition, a 79-kd protein was detected in infected cell lysates by immunoprecipitation with CIAV-antibody-positive and -negative chicken serum, and CIAV-specific and non-specific MAbs.     

蓝舌病病毒衣壳蛋白VP2、VP5、VP7酵母双杂交诱饵质粒的构建及鉴定

蓝舌病病毒(bluetongue virus,BTV)的结构主要由3层衣壳蛋白组成,其中VP2、VP5蛋白构成了BTV的外层衣壳,VP7蛋白构成了BTV的中间衣壳,最内层衣壳则由VP3蛋白构成。VP2、VP5及VP7蛋白在BTV侵染宿主细胞的过程中起着非常重要的作用。为了研究BTV与宿主细胞相互作用的分子机制,本研究将BTV的VP 2、VP 5、VP 7基因分别克隆到pGBKT7载体中,成功构建了pGBKT7-VP2、pGBKT7-VP5与pGBKT7-VP73个诱饵质粒,且通过自激活和毒性验证,证明所构建的3个质粒均无自激活作用,对酵母细胞无毒性作用。本研究为今后利用酵母双杂交筛选VP2、VP5、VP7蛋白中与宿主细胞相互作用的蛋白做好了铺垫,为深入研究BTV与宿主细胞的相互作用奠定了基础。     

Construction and Identification of Yeast Two-hybrid Bait Plasmids of Capsid Proteins VP2, VP5 and VP7 of Bluetongue Virus

The structure of bluetongue virus(BTV) was consisted of three layers of capsid proteins, VP2 and VP5 proteins consisted the outer capsid of BTV, VP7 protein consisted the middle capsid of BTV, VP3 consisted the inner capsid of BTV.When BTV infected host cells, VP2, VP5 and VP7 proteins of BTV played important roles in the process of infecting host cells.In order to study the molecular mechanism of interaction between BTV and host cells, we cloned VP 2, VP 5 and VP 7 genes into pGBKT7 vector, three recombinant bait plasmids pGBKT7-VP2, pGBKT7-VP5 and pGBKT7-VP7 were successfully constructed, and then the self-activation and toxicity of the bait plasmids were tested.The results showed that three bait plasmids all had no self-activation and toxicity to yeast cells.This research made a steppingstone for the screening of host-cell protein interacting with VP2, VP5 and VP7 proteins using yeast two-hybrid system, and laid a foundation for investigating the interaction between BTV and its host cells.     

Identification of virus-specific antigens in cultured cells infected with Marek's disease virus serotype 2 and CVI-988 strain

For the identification of serotype-specific antigens of Marek's disease virus (MDV) serotype 1 (MDV1) or serotype 2 (MDV2), a total of 24 hybridoma clones, secreting monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against CVI-988 (MDV1) or HPRS-24 (MDV2) strain, were established and characterized by immunofluorescence assay, virus neutralization and immunoprecipitation analysis. Based upon the molecular weights (mol. wt.) of the immunoprecipitated polypeptides, the MAbs were subdivided into 7 groups. Among them, two groups of MAbs reacted with antigens that have not been reported, were identified. MAbs belonging to the first group reacted with CVI-988- and MDV2-specific antigens with mol. wt. ranging from 29 K to 34 K (29/34 K). This antigen was not found in cells infected with Md/5 and JM strains of MDV1, and the results of kinetic analysis of antigen expression showed this antigen appeared to be related to late membrane antigens. MAbs belonging to the second group immunoprecipitated MDV2-specific antigens with mol. wt. of 37 K, 33 K and 31 K from HPRS-24-infected cells or with those of 37 K, 34 K and 31 K from SB-1(MDV2)-infected cells, and these antigens appeared to be related to early antigens. MAbs belonging to the other 5 groups included those which recognized similar antigens reported previously or the antigens characterized insufficiently in this study.     

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to budgerigar fledgling disease virus major capsid protein VP.

Eleven hybridoma cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against intact budgerigar fledgling disease (BFD) virions were produced and characterized. These antibodies were selected for their ability to react with BFD virions in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Each of these antibodies was reactive in the immunofluorescent detection of BFD virus-infected cells. These antibodies immunoprecipitated intact virions and specifically recognized the major capsid protein, VP1, of the dissociated virion. The MAbs were found to preferentially recognize native BFD virus capsid protein when compared with denatured virus protein. These MAbs were capable of detecting BFD virus protein in chicken embryonated cell-culture lysates by dot-blot analysis.     

抗蓝舌病病毒VP7和NS2蛋白单克隆抗体的制备及鉴定

为建立蓝舌病病毒(BTV)的检测方法和研究该病毒蛋白的功能,本研究利用BTV血清8型(BTV8)免疫BALB/c小鼠,取免疫后的小鼠脾淋巴细胞与SP2/0细胞融合,制备单克隆抗体(MAb).并以BTV8作为包被抗原建立间接ELISA方法,经筛选获得了8株稳定分泌抗BTV8 MAb的杂交瘤细胞株(1B2、1F6、2B1、2D10、3B6、3D9、4D4和4D12).Western blot结果显示,MAb 1F6、2B1、2D10、3B6、3D9与BTV8 VP7蛋白反应,MAb B2、4D4、4D12与BTV8 NS2蛋白反应.间接免疫荧光结果显示,该8株MAb与24型BTV血清型呈不同的反应论系.本研究所获得的MAb为建立BTV免疫学检测方法和相关病毒蛋白的功能研究提供了实验依据.     

Isolation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against structural proteins of infectious laryngotracheitis virus

Thirteen infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV)-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were isolated after immunization of mice with purified infectious laryngotracheitis virions. On the basis of their reactions in western blot analyses of ILTV-infected cells, the MAbs were assigned to five different virus proteins or protein groups. Two of the viral target proteins could be identified after transient expression of cloned ILTV genes in eucaryotic cells. The MAbs of group II detected a 60-kD protein that was shown to be the ILTV homologue of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein (g)C. The MAbs of group I reacted with the positional homologue of HSV-1 gJ, which is encoded by the open reading frame (ORF) 5 gene within the unique short genome region of ILTV. The ORF 5 gene product of ILTV was previously described as a 60-kD glycoprotein (gp60), whereas multiple protein bands with apparent molecular masses of 85, 115, 160, and 200 kD were identified in the present study. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that both gC and gJ of ILTV are localized in the envelope of virus particles, whereas the 15-kD protein detected by the MAbs of group III presumably represents a tegument component. Immunofluorescence analyses of infected cells demonstrated that the epitopes of the gC- and gJ-specific MAbs are conserved in all tested ILTV isolates originating from different parts of the world and that these MAbs are also suitable for in situ antigen detection in tissues of ILTV-infected chickens. The remaining ILTV-specific MAbs recognized viral proteins of 22 kD (group IV) and 38 kD (group V) that were not further characterized up to now.     

鹿流行性出血病毒分子生物学研究进展

鹿流行性出血病毒是一种在全世界野生及驯养的有蹄动物中广泛存在的重要病原体.该病毒属呼肠病毒科环状病毒属,有12个血清型,是一种有10个节段(L1-L3、M4-M6、S7-S10)的双链RNA病毒,编码10个蛋白(VP1-7和NS1、NS2、NS3/NS3A).VP7蛋白具有很强的抗原性且保守性最高.VP2与病毒型特异性有关,可诱导产生中和抗体.VP3为群特异性抗原,高度保守,具有亲水性保守区域.非结构蛋白NS1、NS2和NS3/NS3A及其编码序列均相当保守.该病毒的分子生物学诊断技术主要有PCR和核酸探针杂交技术.     

Vesicular stomatitis virus replicon expressing the VP2 outer capsid protein of bluetongue virus serotype 8 induces complete protection of sheep against challenge infection

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is an arthropod-borne pathogen that causes an often fatal, hemorrhagic disease in ruminants. Different BTV serotypes occur throughout many temperate and tropical regions of the world. In 2006, BTV serotype 8 (BTV-8) emerged in Central and Northern Europe for the first time. Although this outbreak was eventually controlled using inactivated virus vaccines, the epidemic caused significant economic losses not only from the disease in livestock but also from trade restrictions. To date, BTV vaccines that allow simple serological discrimination of infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA) have not been approved for use in livestock. In this study, we generated recombinant RNA replicon particles based on single-cycle vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vectors. Immunization of sheep with infectious VSV replicon particles expressing the outer capsid VP2 protein of BTV-8 resulted in induction of BTV-8 serotype-specific neutralizing antibodies. After challenge with a virulent BTV-8 strain, the vaccinated animals neither developed signs of disease nor showed viremia. In contrast, immunization of sheep with recombinant VP5 - the second outer capsid protein of BTV - did not confer protection. Discrimination of infected from vaccinated animals was readily achieved using an ELISA for detection of antibodies against the VP7 antigen. These data indicate that VSV replicon particles potentially represent a safe and efficacious vaccine platform with which to control future outbreaks by BTV-8 or other serotypes, especially in previously non-endemic regions where discrimination between vaccinated and infected animals is crucial.     

Virus-neutralizing and passively protective monoclonal antibodies to infectious bursal disease virus of chickens.

Murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were produced to assist in the identification and characterization of the virus-neutralizing epitopes of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). Only MAbs that reacted in Western blotting with viral protein 2 (VP2) or immunoprecipitated VP2 neutralized the infectivity of the virus in cell culture and passively protected young chickens from infection. Three of the neutralizing MAbs did not react with denatured viral proteins. Additivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays indicated that the six virus-neutralizing MAbs recognized two spatially independent epitopes. The ability of two of the virus-neutralizing MAbs to neutralize a variant of IBDV that had escaped neutralization by all the other MAbs confirmed the existence of two distinct neutralizing epitopes. The results support the hypothesis that there are at least two non-overlapping epitopes recognized by the virus-neutralizing MAbs reported in this study, although these may still be within one conformational site on VP2 of IBDV.     

Bluetongue virus: virology, pathogenesis and immunity

Bluetongue (BT) virus, an orbivirus of the Reoviridae family encompassing 24 known serotypes, is transmitted to ruminants via certain species of biting midges (Culicoides spp.) and causes thrombo-hemorrhagic fevers mainly in sheep. During the 20th century, BTV was endemic in sub-tropical regions but in the last ten years, new strains of BTV (serotypes 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 16) have appeared in Europe leading to a devastating disease in naive sheep and bovine herds (serotype 8). BTV enters into insect cells via the viral inner core VP7 protein and in mammalian cells via the external capsid VP2 haemagglutinin, which is the major determinant of BTV serotype and neutralization. BTV replicates in mononuclear phagocytes and endothelial cells where it induces expression of inflammatory cytokines as well as apoptosis. BTV can remain as nonreplicating entities concealed in erythrocytes for up to five months. Homologous protection against one BTV serotype involves neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses directed to the external VP2 and VP5 proteins, whereas heterologous protection is supported by T cells directed to the NS1 non structural protein and inner core proteins. Classical inactivated vaccines directed to a specific serotype generate protective immunity and may help control current epidemic situations. New recombinant vaccine strategies that allow differentiating infected from vaccinated animals and that generate cross protective immunity are urgently needed to efficiently combat this worldwide threatening disease.     

蓝舌病病毒17型VP2蛋白单克隆抗体的制备及其抗原表位的鉴定

为制备蓝舌病病毒(BTV)血清17型VP2蛋白的单克隆抗体(MAb)及鉴定其抗原表位,本研究用原核表达系统部分重叠表达的两段VP2蛋白共同免疫BALB/c小鼠,采用细胞融合技术获得杂交瘤细胞,通过以重组VP2蛋为白包被抗原的间接ELISA筛选获得2株稳定分泌抗BTV17 VP2蛋白的MAbs杂交瘤细胞株,分别命名为3F4和4H10.Ig亚类鉴定2株MAbs均为IgG1/k链.Western blot证明,2株MAbs均能识别重组VP2蛋白.间接免疫荧光试验表明:2株MAbs均与BTV17呈阳性反应,其中MAb 3F4与BTV1、BTV2、BTV3、BTV5、BTV8、BTV11、BTV13、BTV16、BTV23、茨城病病毒(IBAV)、牛轮状病毒(BRV)、牛呼肠孤病毒(RV)均呈阴性反应,但与BTV10和BTV24呈弱阳性反应.利用合成多肽对VP2抗原表位鉴定结果表明,MAb 3F4识别的抗原表位为540DPWNNR545,MAb 4H10识别的抗原表位为540DPWNNRA546.本研究结果为建立BTV17型特异性检测方法及VP2功能研究奠定了基础.     

Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of antibody to epizootic hemorrhagic disease of deer virus.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay has been developed to detect antibodies to epizootic hemorrhagic disease of deer virus (EHDV). The assay incorporates a monoclonal antibody to EHDV serotype 2 (EHDV-2) that demonstrates specificity for the viral structural protein, VP7. The assay was evaluated with sequential sera collected from cattle experimentally infected with EHDV serotype 1 (EHDV-1) and EHDV-2, as well as the four serotypes of bluetongue virus (BTV), BTV-10, BTV-11, BTV-13, and BTV-17, that currently circulate in the US. A competitive and a blocking format as well as the use of antigen produced from both EHDV-1- and EHDV-2-infected cells were evaluated. The assay was able to detect specific antibody as early as 7 days after infection and could differentiate animals experimentally infected with EHDV from those experimentally infected with BTV. The diagnostic potential of this assay was demonstrated with field-collected serum samples from cattle, deer, and buffalo.     

鸭1型甲肝病毒亚型VP1蛋白单克隆抗体的研制及鉴定

为制备抗鸭1型甲肝病毒亚型（DHAV-1a）结构蛋白VP1的单克隆抗体（MAbs）,本研究以pGEX-VP1重组蛋白免疫BALB/c小鼠,同时以纯化浓缩的全病毒作为包被抗原,建立了筛选抗VP1蛋白阳性杂交瘤细胞株的间接ELISA方法,经融合、筛选制备杂交瘤细胞及鉴定MAbs的稳定性、特异性、腹水效价和中和活性等生物学活性,获得了2株持续且稳定分泌抗体的杂交瘤细胞（1A2和5G3）。MAbs腹水ELISA效价分别为1：3.2×10⁴和1：2.0×10⁶。亚类鉴定均为IgG1/κ型。Western blotting结果显示,2株MAbs均能与DHAV-1a VP1蛋白和DHAV-1a全病毒发生特异性反应。特异性试验结果显示2株MAbs能与鸭1型甲肝病毒（DHAV-1）和DHAV-1a发生交叉反应。中和试验结果显示5G3株具有中和活性。结果表明2株MAbs的ELISA效价高、特异性强、稳定性好,均能与DHAV-1和DHAV-1a全病毒发生特异性反应,其中一株具有中和活性。     

鸡传染性贫血病毒VP3蛋白的原核表达及其单克隆抗体的研制

本研究首先利用同源重组一步克隆法将鸡传染性贫血病病毒(CIAV)的VP3基因克隆到pGEX-6P-1原核表达载体上,经IPTG诱导及SDS-PAGE分析成功获得了重组蛋白rGST-VP3的表达.随即以纯化的重组蛋白rGST-VP3免疫Balb/c小鼠,通过脾细胞与SP2/0细胞融合以及间接免疫荧光(IFA)筛选,获得2株稳定分泌CIAV-VP3抗体的杂交瘤细胞株,分别命名为CIAV-VP3-4D7和CIAV-VP3-4G8;亚型鉴定表明,CIAV-VP3-4D7和CIAV-VP3-4G8均为IgG1;效价测定发现,CIAV-VP3-4D7和CIAV-VP3-4G8的腹水间接免疫荧光效价分别为1:102400与1:12800;Western blot进一步证实,CIAV-VP3-4D7和CIAV-VP3-4G8均能识别重组蛋白rGST-VP3.本研究结果为后期研究VP3蛋白在CIAV致病中作用及其诱导凋亡分子机制奠定了坚实的物质基础.     

Development and Identification of Monoclonal Antibodies against VP1 Protein of DHAV-1a

To prepare the monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against DHAV-1a, hybridomas were produced by fusing SP2/0 cells with spleen cells from mouse immunized with DHAV-1a pGEX-VP1 recombinant protein. Two hybridomas stablely secreting MAbs against VP1 protein were identified by indirect ELISA detection with DHAV-1a as coating antigen. The ascetic fluids of MAbs were 1:3.2×10⁴ and 1:2.0×10⁶, respectively. The MAbs were IgG1 with κ chain. Western blotting analysis showed that the MAbs could recognize the recombinant VP1 protein and DHAV-1a. The neutralization tests showed that one MAb (5G3) had better neutralization activity. Therefore, the results showed that the ELISA titers and specialities of two MAbs were very good, with excellent stability. In addition, they all had cross interaction with DHAV-1 and DHAV-1a, one of which had good neutralization activity.     

抗蓝舌病病毒VP6和VP7蛋白单克隆抗体的制备及鉴定

为制备针对蓝舌病病毒(BTV)的单克隆抗体(MAb),本研究利用血清型1型BTV(BTV1)免疫BALB/c鼠,将其脾淋巴细胞与SP2/0进行融合,并用BTV1包被ELISA板,通过间接ELISA方法筛选出3株稳定分泌抗BTV1的MAb的杂交瘤细胞株(2B10、3D4和4H8)。利用表达BTV1主要蛋白的真核表达重组质粒转染BHK-21后,对所制备的杂交瘤细胞株上清进行间接免疫荧光(IFA)以及western blot鉴定,结果显示:2B10和4H8与VP7蛋白反应,而3D4与VP6蛋白反应。同时,IFA鉴定结果进一步表明,3株MAb与24个血清型的BTV均可以发生反应。本研究制备的MAb为建立BTV免疫学检测方法和相关病毒蛋白的功能研究奠定了基础。