Attenuated cytokine responses in porcine lymph node cells stimulated with CpG DNA are associated with low frequency of IFNalpha-producing cells and TLR9 mRNA expression

The immune stimulatory effects of synthetic CpG DNA, on porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) have been reported, but little is known about CpG-induced responses in other lymphoid tissues of pigs. We investigated innate immune responses induced by CpG DNA in cells from blood, lymph nodes (LN) and spleens of pigs. Porcine PBMC and lymph node cells (LNC) were stimulated in vitro with three classes (A-, B- and C-class) of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs), and a non-CpG control ODN. All three classes of CpG ODNs induced significant production of IFNalpha, TNFalpha, IL-1, IL-6 and IL-12 in PBMC. In contrast, in LNC, only IL-12 was stimulated by all three classes of CpG ODNs, while IFNalpha, and IL-6 were induced by A- and C-class ODNs. No TNFalpha was induced in LNC by any of the ODNs. Significant lymphocyte proliferation was induced in PBMC by all three classes of CpG ODNs and non-CpG control. However, in LNC, B- and C-class ODNs induced significant proliferation, while no proliferation was seen with A-class and non-CpG control ODN. All three classes of ODNs induced NK-like cytotoxicity in PBMC and spleen cells, but were less effective in inducing NK cytotoxicity in LNC. We then investigated the reasons for the relatively poor CpG-induced responses in LNC. Our investigations revealed that LNC had a lower frequency of IFNalpha-secreting cells and expressed low levels of TLR9 mRNA compared to PBMC. We conclude that the lower number of IFNalpha-secreting cells and receptor expression may contribute to the attenuated responses in LNC following stimulation with CpG ODN.     

Cytokine production and proliferation upon in vitro oligodeoxyribonucleotide stimulation of equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODN) may prove useful immune modulators in equine medicine. It is however important to assess the effects of each specific ODN in the species it is intended to be used in. The present study therefore aimed to evaluate some ODN for induction of cytokine production; i.e. type I interferons (IFN), IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and proliferation of equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). A panel of four ODN containing unmethylated cytosine-guanosine sequences (CpG) was used: ODN 1 and ODN 8 representing A-class; ODN 2006 representing B-class and ODN 2395 representing C-class-ODN. In addition, two ODN where CpG-motifs were reversed to GpC were included; ODN 2137 otherwise identical to ODN 2006 and ODN 5328 otherwise identical to ODN 2395. Cytokine concentrations were measured in cell culture supernatants after 24h of induction and proliferation was determined after 72 h of induction. Each ODN was tested with PBMC from at least 5 individual horses with and without the addition of lipofectin to cell cultures. Type I IFN, IFN-γ and TNF-α production was readily induced by ODN 1, ODN 2006 and ODN 2395 both in the presence and absence of lipofectin and all three types of ODN induced similar levels of cytokines. Proliferation of PBMC was clearly induced by ODN 2006 and ODN 2395 while ODN 1 only induced low-level proliferation. The levels of proliferation induced were not influenced by the presence of lipofectin. TGF-β production was not induced by any of the tested ODN. ODN 8, ODN 2137 and ODN 5328 were largely inactive in all assays. Thus, responses seemed dependent on or increased by CpG-motifs but presence of CpG-motifs did not necessarily confer activity since ODN 8 was inactive despite its CpG-motifs. Taken together, with equine PBMC distinctions in induction of different leukocyte functions between A-, B-, and C-class ODN were less obvious than what has been observed for human cells. These observations further stress the presence of species differences in ODN-induced responses.     

All three classes of CpG ODNs up-regulate IP-10 gene in pigs

The analysis of CpG ODN induced innate immune responses in different animal species has shown substantial similarities and differences in levels and types of induced cytokines profile. The objectives of these studies were to identify innate immune biomarkers activated by three classes of CpG ODNs in pigs. For this purpose, we investigated the kinetics of innate immune responses in immune cells from pigs following in vitro and in vivo stimulation with CpG ODNs. The mRNA expression of cytokine and chemokine genes were assayed by SYBR^@ green based quantitative real time PCR. A-class CpG ODN induced significant but transient levels of IFN-γ, IL-12 (P40), IL-6, IL-4 and TNF-α mRNA, C-class CpG ODN induced significant level of IFN-γ, IFN-α and IL-12 mRNA and the lowest level of IL-4 (Th-2 type) mRNA. A very low level of some cytokines stimulation was observed by GC ODNs. It is noteworthy, that IL-12 (P35) mRNA was significantly stimulated by B-class GpC ODN 7909. Interestingly, all classes of CpG ODNs induced significant level of IP-10 at 12 h post stimulation. These in vitro and in vivo observations suggest that interferon-γ inducible protein 10 (IP-10) may be a reliable biomarker for immune activity induced by CpG ODNs in pigs.     

Phosphorothioate oligodeoxyribonucleotides induce in vitro proliferation of chicken B-cells

The study aimed to evaluate short synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODN) as inducers of proliferation of chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and to identify the proliferating cells. A panel of different ODN; with phosphodiester and/or phosphorothioate backbone, with and without CpG-motifs, was therefore assessed for in vitro induction of proliferation.Six complete phosphorothioate ODN induced proliferation of PBMC while the complete phosphodiester or chimeric phosphodiester/phosphorohiate ODN did not. Moreover, CpG-motifs were not essential for induction of proliferation as responses to CpG-ODN were similar to those of their GpC controls. Two stimulatory phosphorothioate ODN were also used in phosphodiester form. In this comparison, only the phosphorothioate ODN were active despite the identical nucleotide sequences of their phosphodiester counterparts.In order to deliver DNA to the cytoplasm and decrease degradation of ODN by nucleases, stimulating as well as inactive ODN were treated with lipofectin prior to induction. However, proliferative responses were not influenced by lipofectin treatment and in analogy, none of the inactive ODN induced proliferation after lipofectin treatment.Among PBMC, ODN-responding cells were identified as predominantly Bu-1, immunoglobulin and major histocompatibility complex class II expressing cells, while CD3 expressing cells were not responding. Using magnetic cell separation of Bu-1 expressing cells prior to culture it was found that Bu-1 depleted cells did not proliferate upon ODN stimulation while the Bu-1 enriched cells were able to proliferate upon this stimulus.Taken together, among ODN in the present panel, only phosphorothioate ODN induced proliferation of PBMC. Responses were induced regardless of the presence of CpG-motifs and were not influenced by addition of lipofectin. Amid the chicken PBMC, predominantly cells of a B-cell phenotype proliferated in response to ODN stimulation and they were able to respond to this stimulus without the presence of other cell types.     

CpG oligodeoxynucleotides stimulate canine and feline immune cell proliferation.

Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) with unmethylated CpG dinucleotide motifs may be useful as non-specific immune system stimulants and adjuvants for protein or nucleic acid vaccines in humans and other primates. They may also be useful in cancer immunotherapy and in the modulation of allergic responses or mucosal immunity. To begin to determine the potential utility of CpG ODN technology in small animal veterinary medicine, we developed procedures to analyze the effects of CpG ODN on canine and feline blood, spleen and lymph node (LN) cells. We find that certain CpG ODN cause good lymphocyte proliferation (as monitored by [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation) in both canine and feline spleen and LN cells, but not in blood. This overall stimulatory effect of CpG ODN on spleen and LN cells is CpG dependent. The reverse sequences, GpC ODNs, do not cause significant lymphocyte proliferation in the cat; however, dogs are more sensitive to stimulation by the non-specific immune effects of the phosphorothioate backbone. We conclude that unmethylated CpG ODNs may also have potential uses as immune stimulants for vaccines and other antimicrobial agents in veterinary medicine for companion animals.     

Effects of CpG-B ODN on the protein expression profile of swine PBMC

The CpG motif within bacterial DNA is a potent immuno-stimulatory moiety. Here, using a 2-D electrophoretic approach, we investigated the effect of synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide containing a B type CpG motif (CpG-B ODN) on the protein expression profile of swine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). We found that several proteins including spondin 1, N-acetolactate alpha linked acidic dipeptidase; V kappa light chain, T cell receptor variable alpha chain, heat shock protein (Hsp) 60, Hsp70, KIAA0857 protein, and PNAS-146 were up-regulated in PBMC by CpG-B ODN stimulation. Further studies showed that CpG-B ODN-mediated Hsp60, Hsp70 and Hsp90 expressions were closely associated with the TLR9 signalling pathway. Pretreatment with inhibitors of Hsp70, Hsp90 and TLR9 all blocked the CpG-B ODN-mediated anti-apoptotic effect in swine PBMC. These results suggest that CpG-B ODN treatment of swine PBMC may enhance the expression of biologically active proteins, notably spondin 1, V kappa light chain, T cell receptor variable alpha chain and Hsps, which may play an important role in CpG-B ODN-mediated activation of immune responses and enhancement of swine PBMC survival.     

Systemic innate immune responses following intrapulmonary delivery of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides in sheep

Mucosal delivery of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) in mice has been shown to induce potent innate immunostimulatory responses and protection against infection. We evaluated the efficacy of CpG ODN in stimulating systemic innate immune responses in sheep following delivery to the pulmonary mucosa. Intrapulmonary (IPM) administration of B-Class CpG ODN in saline induced transient systemic responses which included increased rectal temperatures, elevated serum 2'5'-A synthetase and haptoglobin concentrations. The ODN dose required to induce detectable systemic responses following IPM delivery could be reduced by approximately 80% if the CpG ODN was administered in 30% emulsigen instead of saline. Intrapulmonary B-Class CpG ODN formulated in 30% emulsigen produced similar effects when compared to those seen following SC injection. These responses were CpG ODN-specific since control GpC ODN did not induce any detectable response. Intrapulmonary administration of both B-Class and the newly described C-Class CpG ODN produced similar effects indicating that both classes of CpG ODN were comparably effective in stimulating innate immune system following mucosal delivery. Administration of CpG ODN directly into the lungs or delivery of CpG ODN via an intratracheal (IT) infusion also produced similar systemic responses. These observations support the conclusion that mucosal delivery of CpG ODN is an effective route for induction of systemic acute phase responses and antiviral effector molecules in large animals, and may be helpful in controlling systemic infections.     

Enhancement of mucosal immune responses by intranasal co-delivery of Newcastle disease vaccine plus CpG oligonucleotide in SPF chickens in vivo

Immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) have been tested as immunoadjuvants for various vaccines in mice and human. Findings from previous reports suggest that CpG ODN can be used to enhance magnitude and balance of an immune response while reducing undesirable side effects of commercial vaccine, when delivered by parenteral route. Recently, it has been showed that CpG ODN is a promising mucosal adjuvant in mice, but data on mucosal immune responses induced by CpG ODN in other animals, especially in chickens, are scarce. Herein, we evaluated intranasal (IN) delivery of CpG ODN with newcastle disease (ND) vaccine (NDV) to determine its potential as a mucosal adjuvant to a commercial vaccine. CpG ODN augmented systemic (IgG in serum, T cell proliferation) and mucosal (IgA in intestinal washings and feces) immune responses against antigen. CpG ODN stimulated effectively both systemic and mucosal immune responses when delivered intranasally. Results from this study indicate that stimulatory CpG ODN is a potential effective mucosal adjuvant for the NDV in SPF chickens and may be applicable to husbandry animals.     

Enhancement of mucosal immune responses by intranasal co-delivery of Newcastle disease vaccine plus CpG oligonucleotide in SPF chickens in vivo

Immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) have been tested as immunoadjuvants for various vaccines in mice and human. Findings from previous reports suggest that CpG ODN can be used to enhance magnitude and balance of an immune response while reducing undesirable side effects of commercial vaccine, when delivered by parenteral route. Recently, it has been showed that CpG ODN is a promising mucosal adjuvant in mice, but data on mucosal immune responses induced by CpG ODN in other animals, especially in chickens, are scarce. Herein, we evaluated intranasal (IN) delivery of CpG ODN with newcastle disease (ND) vaccine (NDV) to determine its potential as a mucosal adjuvant to a commercial vaccine. CpG ODN augmented systemic (IgG in serum, T cell proliferation) and mucosal (IgA in intestinal washings and feces) immune responses against antigen. CpG ODN stimulated effectively both systemic and mucosal immune responses when delivered intranasally. Results from this study indicate that stimulatory CpG ODN is a potential effective mucosal adjuvant for the NDV in SPF chickens and may be applicable to husbandry animals.     

Bovine toll-like receptor 9: a comparative analysis of molecular structure, function and expression

Non-methylated CpG motifs, present in viral and bacterial DNA, are one of many pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP) recognized by the mammalian innate immune system. Recognition of this PAMP occurs through a specific interaction with toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and this interaction can induce cytokine responses that influence both innate and adaptive immune responses. Previous investigations determined that both the flanking sequences in synthetic CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODN) and the cellular pattern of TLR9 expression can influence species-specific responses to CpG ODN. Therefore, the structure, function and cellular distribution of bovine TLR9 were compared with what is known for mice and human. Analysis of the bovine TLR9 gene revealed greater sequence homology between cattle and humans than cattle and mice Similar CpG motifs induced optimal activation of both human and bovine leukocytes and these motifs were distinct from those which activated mouse leukocytes. Functional analyses with CpG ODN stimulated bovine blood leukocytes revealed that class A CpG ODN were more potent inducers of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) than class B CpG ODN. Furthermore, magnetic activated cell sorting of bovine blood leukocyte subpopulations implicated dendritic cells but not monocytes in the regulation of CpG ODN-induced IFN secretion. Thus, the cellular pattern of CpG ODN-induced responses in cattle shared many similarities with human leukocytes. Collectively, these analyses revealed substantial conservation of TLR9 structure and TLR9 function in blood leukocytes of humans, cattle and other domestic species.     

In vitro and in vivo modulation of the equine immune response by parapoxvirus ovis

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: While immune modulators are used routinely in equine medicine, their mechanism of action is not always known. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of a commercial preparation of inactivated parapoxvirus ovis (Orf virus; PPVO) on cytokine gene expression by equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: PBMC were prepared from 6 mixed-breed yearlings and cultured in vitro with PPVO with or without Concanavalin A (Con A) for 24 h. Effects on the expression of IFNalpha, IFNbeta IFNgamma, TNFalpha and IL-18 were analysed by real time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR). In addition, 12 yearling horses were treated with PPVO and whole blood RNA samples were prepared at regular intervals to assess effects on in vivo cytokine gene expression. Six of those yearlings were later treated with saline and served as treatment controls. Nine additional yearlings were injected intradermally with a single dose and their injection sites biopsied at 24 and 48 h for cytokine expression. RESULTS: In vitro culture of PBMC with PPVO led to a significant increase in IFNalpha and IFNbeta gene expression compared to mock-stimulated cultures. In addition, expression of IFNgamma and TNFalpha was significantly higher in PBMC stimulated with PPVO and Con A, than those stimulated with Con A alone. No changes were observed in IL-18 gene expression in vitro. Treatment of horses with a 3-dose regimen of PPVO resulted in elevation of IFNgamma gene expression, which was detected 24 h after the first dose and declined thereafter. Intradermal inoculation led to increased expression of IFNgamma along with IFNbeta, IL-15 and IL-18. CONCLUSIONS: Together these results indicate that PPVO stimulated IFNgamma production both in vitro and in vivo. Increased cytokine expression could account for its immunomodulatory activity. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The absence of adverse reactions and clear indications of increased expression of cytokine gene expression supports previous clinical uses for this immune modulator in those situations when increased expression of IFNgamma is warranted.     

CpG ODN对水貂免疫增强效果的研究

为获得对水貂具有免疫刺激活性的CpG ODN序列,设计合成了45种含不同CpG基序的DNA序列,应用MTS比色法测定合成CpG ODNs刺激水貂PBMC增殖的能力,结果有11条CpG ODN对水貂PBMC有刺激活性（SI＞2）;应用SI值大于5的6种CpG ODN分别与水貂伪狂犬灭活疫苗联合免疫水貂,免疫后经水貂血清抗伪狂犬中和抗体效价测定和水貂PBMC非特异性增殖效应检测,结果有3个CpG ODN序列对水貂具有较好免疫增强作用,分别是CpG-21(ATCGATTTGTCGTTATCGAT)、CpG-23(ATCGATGAACGTTAACGTTTC)和CpG-24(AACGTTCATCGATATCGATGT)。本研究获得3条对水貂具有较好免疫刺激活性的CpG ODN序列,可为水貂新型CpG佐剂的研究提供参考。     

Vaccination of cattle with Mycobacterium bovis culture filtrate proteins and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides induces protection against bovine tuberculosis

Culture filtrate protein (CFP) vaccines have been shown to be effective in small animal models for protecting against tuberculosis while immunisation with these types of vaccines in cattle has been less successful. A study was conducted in cattle to evaluate the ability of selected adjuvants and immunomodulators to stimulate protective immune responses to tuberculosis in animals vaccinated with Mycobacterium bovis CFP. Seven groups of cattle (n=5) were vaccinated with M. bovis CFP formulated with either Emulsigen or Polygen adjuvant alone or in combination with a specific oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN), polyinosinic acid: polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) or poly I:C and recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor. Two additional groups were vaccinated subcutaneously with BCG or non-vaccinated. In contrast to the strong interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) responses induced by BCG, the CFP vaccines induced strong antibody responses but weak IFN-gamma responses. The addition of CpG ODN to CFP significantly enhanced cell-mediated responses and elevated antibody responses to mycobacterial antigens. Of the CFP vaccinated groups, the strongest IFN-gamma responses to CFP vaccines were measured in animals vaccinated with CFP/Emulsigen+CpG or CFP/Polygen+CpG. The animals in these two groups, together with those in the BCG and non-vaccinated groups were challenged intratracheally with virulent M. bovis at 13 weeks after the first vaccination and protection was assessed, by examination for presence of tuberculous lesions in the lungs and lymph nodes, 13 weeks later at postmortem. While BCG gave the best overall protection against tuberculosis, significant protection was also seen in animals vaccinated with CFP/Emulsigen+CpG. These results establish an important role for CpG ODN in stimulating protective Th1 responses to tuberculosis in cattle and indicate that a sub-unit protein vaccine can protect these animals against tuberculosis.     

Bovine interleukin-12 and modulation of IFNgamma production.

The effects of IL-12 on the responses of cattle peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) antigen and ovalbumin (OVA) were tested, in vitro. IL-12 did not affect the proliferative responses of PBMC to these antigens but markedly accelerated and augmented the level of IFNgamma secreted. When tested on lymphoblasts rather than resting T-cells IL-12 also enhanced proliferation. In contrast IL-4 and, to greater extent, IL-10 inhibited the response. The effect of IL-12 on IFNgamma synthesis was confirmed at the level of IFNgamma. mRNA expression using Taqman PCR. CD4 and CD8 T-cell populations produced IFNgamma, however, CD4 T-cells comprised the largest contributors to the IFNgamma production. Gamma/delta T-cells did not contribute markedly. A comparison of the species cross-reactivity showed bovine IL-12 was also active in the human system. This study shows that antigen-driven responses in cattle can be significantly influenced by exogenous cytokines and suggests the IL-12/IL-10 balance is crucial for regulation of IFNgamma.     

Canine dendritic cells from peripheral blood and lymph nodes

Canine dendritic cells were prepared from peripheral blood or lymph nodes using a series of steps including fractionation on bovine plasma albumin (BPA), irradiation with 4000 R, incubation for 16–18 hours, and refractionation on BPA. Dendritic cells were recovered in the low density (LD) fraction containing approximately 0.6% of the unfractionated cells. Measured by the incorporation of ³H-thymidine, the response of the high density (HD) cells to neuraminidase-galactose oxidase (NGO) was lower than that of the unfractionated lymph node cells (LNC) but increased in a concentration dependent manner after the addition of a population of cells enriched for dendritic cells (30–70% by morphologic criteria). Cooperation between HD- and LD- cells was not restricted to identity of the major histocompatibility complex. Canine dendritic cells also displayed stimulatory activity higher than unfractionated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in a one way mixed leukocyte culture (MLC). Canine dendritic cells were nonadherent to plastic, were of low density, and remained viable and functional after irradiation. For the first time, canine dendritic cells have been identified in peripheral blood and lymph nodes and have been shown to act as accessory cells in the response of lymphocytes to NGO and as stimulator cells in a MLC.     

A functional and biochemical analysis of bovine class II MHC antigens using monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) reacting with bovine (2) ovine (3), murine (1) or human (1) Class II MHC antigens were examined for reactivity with bovine peripheral blood leucocytes (PBL) and lymph node cells (LNC) by immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation and the capacity to inhibit mixed lymphocyte responses (MLR), lectin- and antigen-induced blastogenesis. The 6 MAbs identified comparable percentages of Class II positive lymphocytes in PBL (40.8 to 54.2%) and LNC (6 to 11.5%) regardless of BoLA-A phenotype. Immunohistological staining of Class II MAb was localized principally to the lymphoid follicles in lymph nodes and to isolated epithelial reticular cells in the thymus. The anti-Class II MAb immunoprecipitated alpha- and beta- chains of 26-29K and 32-34K, respectively. These MAb inhibited proliferative responses in the MLR by between 25 and 74%, and diminished blastogenesis induced by specific antigens (purified protein derivative + PPD and ovalbumin) and B-lymphocyte mitogens (PPD, lipopolysaccharide and dextran sulphate) by between 45 and 75%, regardless of BoLA-A phenotype. In contrast, proliferation in response to concanavalin A and phytohaemagglutinin were unaffected by the anti- Class II MAb. Similarly these MAb did not affect lysis by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, the activity of which was depressed by anti-Class I MAbs and monospecific alloantisera.     

CpG寡核苷酸增强鸡新城疫疫苗免疫效力的研究

为了探讨CpG寡核苷酸（CpG oligonucleotide,CpG ODN）对鸡新城疫疫苗免疫效力的影响,将CpG2007与鸡淋巴细胞共孵育,测定淋巴细胞增殖率,结果发现CpG2007对鸡淋巴细胞具有显著的刺激活性。将CpG2007与不同浓度的新城疫抗原混合,制备灭活疫苗,免疫健康雏鸡。分别于免疫后不同时间采血,测定抗体效价和细胞因子表达量,并进行攻毒保护试验。结果发现,添加CpG ODN佐剂的试验组均比对应相同抗原剂量的免疫对照组的抗体水平高,产生抗体速度快;抗原剂量降低10倍的佐剂试验组与高抗原剂量免疫对照组抗体水平和攻毒保护率均相当,表明CpG ODN能显著增强新城疫疫苗的免疫效力,能促进机体产生更强烈的免疫应答,是有效的疫苗佐剂候选物质。     

Immunostimulatory DNA activates production of type I interferons and interleukin-6 in equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro

This study aimed to evaluate different nucleic acid preparations as cytokine inducers in equine cells. To induce cytokine production, bacterial plasmid DNA or short synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODN), with or without the transfection reagent lipofectin, were added to cultures of purified equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Cytokine activity was detected with bioassays in cell culture supernatants after 24h of induction and cytokine mRNA expression was detected using RT-PCR at 6h post induction. For IFN-alpha/beta it was found that both plasmid DNA and phosphodiester ODN, containing an unmethylated CpG-motif, were able to induce IFN production in the presence of lipofectin but not without. The levels of IFN varied with individuals and were often quite low. Moreover, methylation or removal of the CpG sequence completely abolished IFN induction. CpG-containing ODN with poly-guanine (G) sequences in the 5' and 3' ends induced considerably higher levels of IFN, especially when the poly-G sequences had a phosphorothioate backbone. ODN with poly-G sequences also had the ability to induce IFN in the absence of lipofectin but the levels of IFN induced were radically reduced compared to those induced with lipofectin. In contrast to IFN, which was only detected upon induction, low spontaneous IL-6 production was observed in unstimulated control cultures. Nevertheless, plasmid DNA and CpG-containing ODN were able to increase the IL-6 production threefold. All the IFN inducing ODN also induced IL-6 production and the levels of IL-6 induced seemed influenced by addition of lipofectin and presence of poly-G sequences in the same way as was observed for the IFN-production. However, a complete phosphorothioate ODN with a central CpG-motif and poly-C sequences, that did not induce IFN, readily induced IL-6 both in the presence and absence of lipofectin. In addition, there was also evidence that some ODN induced increased expression of IL-12p40 mRNA. To conclude, equine PBMC were able to recognize CpG-DNA and respond with both IFN-alpha/beta and/or IL-6 production. The levels of cytokine induced, and sometimes which cytokine induced, varied with, e.g., CpG-motifs used, the presence of poly-G sequences, ODN backbone chemistry and presence of lipofectin.     

Vaccination with Newcastle disease vaccine and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides induces specific immunity and protection against Newcastle disease virus in SPF chicken

Oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated CpG motifs (CpG ODN) have been proven to be immunoprotective in mouse models. However, little work has been conducted on in vivo immune responses in chicken with CpG ODN. The objective of this study was to investigate the immunoadjuvant effects of CpG ODN to Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine and its protective effects against ND virus in SPF chicken. In this report, the titre of serum IgG to ND vaccine and the proliferation of lymphocytes were monitored in SPF chickens. The results demonstrated that the above-mentioned immune responses were significantly stronger in chickens that received CpG ODN than in the birds that received only ND vaccine. Furthermore, ND vaccine plus CpG ODN protected SPF chicken from challenge with an otherwise lethal dose of ND virus. These data suggest that CpG ODN holds considerable promise as an adjuvant for future vaccines against ND virus.     

Monocytes are required for optimum in vitro stimulation of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells by non-methylated CpG motifs

Bacterial DNA and synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing unmethylated CpG motifs within certain flanking base pairs are recognized as a danger signal by the innate immune system of vertebrates. Using lymphocyte proliferative response (LPR) and IFN-gamma secretion assays, a panel of 38 ODN was screened for immunostimulatory activity on bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells. ODN composed of a nuclease resistant phosphorothioate backbone and a leading 5'-TCGTCGTT-3' motif with two 5'-GTCGTT-3' motifs were highly stimulatory in both assays. Flow cytometric analysis and cell-specific surface marker labeling determined that B-cells (surface IgM(+)) were the primary cell population responding in the LPR assay. Depletion of T cells (CD3(+)) from the PBMC population did not affect IFN-gamma secretion or B-cell proliferation when cultured with CpG-ODN. However, depletion of monocytes (DH59B(+)) completely abrogated the ability of CpG-ODN to stimulate IFN-gamma secretion, and significantly reduced the B-cell proliferative response. These data establish the identity of an optimal immunostimulatory CpG motif for cattle and demonstrate that monocytes play a pivotal role in the ability of cell populations to respond to CpG-ODN. These data provide insight for future studies investigating the mechanism of CpG-ODN bioactivity and its application in novel vaccine formulations and immunotherapy.