Carrier-state infection of feline T-lymphoblastoid cells with feline calicivirus

The susceptibility of feline T lymphocytes to feline calicivirus (FCV) in vitro was investigated using feline T-lymphoblastoid cell lines, namely MYA-1 and FL74 cells. The virus titers of supernatants in FCV-infected MYA-1 and FL74 cell cultures increased rapidly, and FCV antigens were also detected in the FCV-infected cells. There were slight differences in the molecular weights of capsid proteins expressed in FCV-infected MYA-1, FL74 and Crandell feline kidney cells. MYA-1 and FL74 cells were productively and persistently infected with FCV, and FCV antigens were observed in the FCV-infected cells for more than one month. At 3 months post infection, FCV-infected FL74 cells that stopped producing infectious FCV could be reinfected with FCV. However, no cytopathic effects were observed.     

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.     

马立克氏病病毒６４８株囊膜糖蛋白gI基因的克隆和表达的研究

根据马立克氏病病毒（ＭＤＶ）强毒株ＧＡ的基因序列，设计和合成一对引物，以特超强毒６４８株基因组ＤＮＡ为模板，通过ＰＣＲ技术，扩增其囊膜糖蛋白gI基因阅读框（ＯＲＦ）中，除去其Ｎ－端编码疏水区的１６５个碱基对（bp)以外的蓁部分；将ＰＣＲ产物按正确的阅读框架定向克隆到表性载体pGEX-6P-1中谷胱甘肽转移酶（ＧＳＴ）基因的下游，将重组质粒转化进大肠杆菌ＢＬ２１株，在１．０mMIPTG浓度和３０℃的条件下诱导，gI-GST基因融合蛋白获得了理想的表达；经聚丙烯酰胺凝脉电泳，West-ern-blot试验，通信班下其表达的融合蛋白产物大小为预期的６３ＫＤ。将表达产物回收后免疫小鼠，所得抗血清可与ＭＤＶ感染的鸡胚成纤维细胞（ＣＥＦ）在免疫荧光试验（ＦＡ）中呈细胞膜阳性染色。试验结果表明，在大肠杆菌中表达的６４８株ＭＤＶgI基因的融合蛋白产物保留了天然蛋白的某些抗原性。     

Mapping neutralizing and non-neutralizing epitopes on the capsid protein of feline calicivirus

Neutralizing epitopes on feline calicivirus (FCV) capsid protein were mapped using chimeric capsid proteins recombinant between two FCV isolates that do not show any cross-neutralization. The three chimeric proteins examined were expressed in murine L929 cells employing an MVA/T7 vaccinia virus expression system and inoculated into major histocompatibility complex haplotype-matched C3/HN mice. Based on the neutralizing antibody titre the neutralizing epitope(s) could be mapped to the 5' hypervariable region of the E region or potentially to the C region. The epitopes of some non-neutralizing antibodies were mapped with the same chimeric proteins to the regions B or D and F of the FCV capsid protein.     

Identification of species-specific and interspecies-specific polypeptides of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae

Temporal antisera (TA) prepared in susceptible Leg-horn-type chickens against Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M synoviae were evaluated to determine the extent of cross-reactivity in ELISA and hemagglutination inhibition tests. Species-specific and interspecies-specific polypeptides were identified after electrophoretic separation and protein immunoblotting with reference antisera, TA, and a monoclonal antibody specific for M gallisepticum. Mycoplasma gallisepticum antiserum cross-reacted with M synoviae polypeptides in ELISA and TA immunoblots. Two major M synoviae polypeptides (88 and 53 kilodaltons [kD]) cross-reacted with M gallisepticum antisera in TA immunoblots. An M gallisepticum polypeptide of 70 kD cross-reacted with M synoviae in TA immunoblots. In contrast, M gallisepticum and M synoviae reference antisera cross-reacted when immunoblotted with heterologous antigens. A monoclonal antibody specific for M gallisepticum bound to a 69-kD polypeptide in lectin-purified and whole-cell M gallisepticum protein fractions in immunoblot assays. The lectin-purified fraction hemagglutinated chicken RBC. Seemingly, the 69-kD polypeptide may constitute all or part of the M gallisepticum hemagglutinin.     

Nucleotide sequence of UK and Australian isolates of feline calicivirus (FCV) and phylogenetic analysis of FCVs.

We have determined the first complete genome sequence and capsid gene sequences of feline calicivirus (FCV) isolates from the UK and Australia. These were compared with other previously published sequences. The viruses used in the comparisons were isolated between 1957 and 1995 from various geographical locations and obtained from cats showing a range of clinical signs. Despite these diverse origins, comparisons between all strains showed a similar degree of sequence variation within both ORF1 (non-structural polyprotein) and ORF2 (major capsid protein) (amino acid distances of 7.7-13.0% and 8.8-18.6%, respectively). In contrast, ORF3 (putative minor structural protein) sequences indicated a more heterogenous distribution of FCV relatedness (amino acid distances of 1.9-17.9%). Phylogenetic analysis suggested that, unlike some other caliciviruses, FCV isolates within the current data set fall into one diverse genogroup. Within this group, there was an overall lack of geographic or temporal clustering which may be related to the epidemiology of FCV infection in cats. Analysis of regions of variability in the genome has shown that, as well as the previously identified variable regions in ORF2, similar domains exist within ORFs 1 and 3 also, although to a lesser extent. In ORF1, these variable domains largely fall between the putative non-structural protein functional domains.     

Elaboration of chemotactic substances by alveolar cells: possible mechanisms for the initial neutrophilic response in feline caliciviral pneumonia.

In vitro experiments established that the interaction of feline calicivirus (FCV) with alveolar macrophages and pneumocytes results in the generation of chemotactic factors that produce directed migration of neutrophils in Boyden chambers. Factors were produced independent of immune mechanisms and of discernible serum factors. Lysates of noninfected alveolar macrophages and pneumocytes did not possess chemotactic activity, indicating that chemotactic factors were not preformed in these cells. Noninfected alveolar macrophages also elaborated neutrophil chemotactic factors in culture; however, activity was greater when macrophages were infected with FCV. The results of this study suggested that the neutrophilic response in the peripheral portion of the lung of cats exposed to aerosols of FCV was the result of the elaboration of complete chemotactic factors from FCV-infected alveolar cells.     

Mapping Neutralizing and Non‐Neutralizing Epitopes on the Capsid Protein of Feline Calicivirus

Neutralizing epitopes on feline calicivirus (FCV) capsid protein were mapped using chimeric capsid proteins recombinant between two FCV isolates that do not show any cross‐neutralization. The three chimeric proteins examined were expressed in murine L929 cells employing an MVA/T7 vaccinia virus expression system and inoculated into major histocompatibility complex haplotype‐matched C3/HN mice. Based on the neutralizing antibody titre the neutralizing epitope(s) could be mapped to the 5′ hypervariable region of the E region or potentially to the C region. The epitopes of some non‐neutralizing antibodies were mapped with the same chimeric proteins to the regions B or D and F of the FCV capsid protein.     

Analysis of protein expression by mammalian cell lines stably expressing lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus ORF 5 and ORF 6 proteins

Lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus (LDV) has a strict species-specificity. Because only a subset of mouse primary macrophages have been identified that can support LDV replication in vitro, the precise molecular mechanism of viral entry and replication remains unclear. To analyze the LDV envelope proteins, which probably mediate viral attachment to the host cell, we developed a mammalian system for stable co-expression of LDV open reading frame (ORF) 5- and ORF 6-encoded proteins (ORF 5 and ORF 6 proteins), which correspond to envelope VP-3 and M/VP-2, respectively, and compared these expressed proteins to the native ones. Western blotting analysis combined with N-glycanase digestion revealed that ORF 5 and ORF 6 proteins were similar in size to native VP-3 and M/VP-2, and that ORF 5 protein was N-glycosylated, like the native VP-3. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that both ORF 5 and ORF 6 proteins were distributed throughout the cytoplasm and were colocalized in most cells. Moreover, ORF 5 protein was localized both in the perinuclear region and the Golgi complex and transported to the cell surface. This mammalian expression system in which the exogenously expressed proteins closely resemble the native proteins will provide the experimental basis for further studies of the interactions between LDV envelope proteins and host cells.     

Mycoplasma gallisepticum hemagglutinin V1hA, pyruvate dehydrogenase PdhA, lactate dehydrogenase, and elongation factor Tu share epitopes with Mycoplasma imitans homologues

Mycoplasma gallisepticum is a major pathogen of poultry. Mycoplasma imitans is genetically and antigenically closely related to M. gallisepticum, but so far, only a few proteins of M. imitans have been identified as sharing epitopes with M. gallisepticum. In this study, we identified three proteins of M. gallisepticum that share with M. imitans epitopes defined by monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). MAb 9D4 reacted with the 67-kD hemagglutinin V1hA (previously termed pMGA) of M. gallisepticum and with its continuously expressed 40-kD protein. This MAb also reacted with a 40-kD protein of M. imitans, but not with its putative V1hA. Two-dimensional (2D) immunoblots of M. gallisepticum strains showed that their 40-kD proteins reacting with MAb 9D4 are expressed as major forms with isoelectric points (pI) around 6, and also as less-abundant forms differing in pI. In M. imitans, major forms of 40-kD proteins recognized by MAb 9D4 had pI around 6, whereas minor forms had pI between 5.5 and 5.8. The N-terminal sequence of the M. gallisepticum 40-kD protein recognized by MAb 9D4 strongly indicates that this protein is pyruvate dehydrogenase E1, subunit alpha (PdhA protein, also termed AcoA). The position of elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), detected by the reference MAb GB8, was very similar in the 2D proteome maps of M. gallisepticum and M. imitans (MW of about 45 kD; pI - 5.6). In both M. gallisepticum and M. imitans, MAb 7G1 reacted with proteins of about 36 kD with similar charges (major forms with pI of about 8). The position of this protein in the proteome map of M. gallisepticum and its N-terminal sequence strongly suggest that MAb 7G1 recognizes lactate (malate) dehydrogenase (Ldh or Mdh). Comparison of 2D proteomes of 10 M. gallisepticum strains indicated that positions of EF-Tu, PdhA, and Ldh proteins are rather consistent and can be used as reference points in further analyses of the M. gallisepticum proteome.     

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.     

猪圆环病毒1型和2型Rep蛋白在大肠杆菌中的表达与纯化

分别以猪圆环病毒1型基因组和重组质粒pCI-PCV2-ORF1为模板,利用PCR扩增了猪圆环病毒1型和2型的ORF1基因,随后克隆到pET-28a( )和pET-32a( )两种原核表达载体上。测序正确的重组质粒分别转化E.coli BL21(DE3),进行目的蛋白的诱导表达。SDS-PAGE和Western blot分析表明,猪圆环病毒1型和2型的ORF1均能在pET-28a和pET-32a中分别以重组蛋白His-Rep(40 Ku)和Trx-His-Rep(54 Ku)的形式表达。进一步纯化后测定重组蛋白的浓度,推算出猪圆环病毒1型和2型的His-Rep蛋白产量分别为34 mg/L菌液和14 mg/L菌液,Trx-His-Rep蛋白产量则为12 mg/L菌液和10 mg/L菌液。这些纯化的蛋白在Western blot中能够与猪抗猪圆环病毒2型阳性血清发生特异性反应,显示其具有良好的免疫学活性。本研究建立的猪圆环病毒重组Rep蛋白的原核表达系统及其纯化方法,为下一步开展Rep蛋白功能等相关研究奠定了基础。     

家蚕质型多角体病毒感染应答的假定蛋白基因全长cDNA克隆与表达特征分析

在感染家蚕质型多角体病毒(BmCPV)的家蚕中肠组织中发现一个差异表达的假定蛋白基因。利用cDNA末端快速扩增(RACE)技术克隆了该假定蛋白基因的全长cDNA。用生物信息学方法进行基因序列与结构分析表明:该基因全长cDNA序列为486bp,包含108bp的5′端非翻译区序列(5′-UTR)和153bp的3′端非翻译区序列(3′-UTR),开放阅读框(ORF)为225bp,编码74个氨基酸,蛋白分子质量为6.888kD,等电点为5.27;该基因由3个外显子和2个内含子组成,ORF位于第2外显子内,编码蛋白含二次跨膜结构,多肽链表现为疏水性,在多肽链上的第15～16氨基酸残基可能是信号肽的切割位点。RT-PCR结果显示该基因在家蚕5龄幼虫的丝腺、血液、脂肪体、生殖腺及中肠组织中均有表达;荧光定量PCR结果表明该基因在感染Bm-CPV的家蚕中肠组织中的表达水平为正常家蚕中肠组织的6.28倍。研究结果为进一步解析该基因的功能奠定了基础。     

Characterization of the subunit particles of feline calicivirus

In the culture fluid from cells infected with feline calicivirus (FCV) F4 strain, the infectious and smaller non-infectious subunit particles were detected by complement fixation (CF) test after sucrose gradient centrifugation. The results of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analyses confirmed the existence of the subunit particles of FCV, and showed that the infectious and subunit particles were mainly composed of 65K capsid protein. The subunit particles were further purified by ion-exchange chromatography and sucrose gradient centrifugation. The purified subunit and infectious particles had the same neutralizing epitope on 65K protein detected by immunoblot analysis with a neutralizing monoclonal antibody. Antigenic comparison between the infectious and subunit particles by the CF tests using an antiserum against heterologous strain of FCV F14 indicated that the subunit particles might have more highly conserved antigens of FCV than the infectious particles.     

猪流行性腹泻病毒CH/S株N蛋白基因的遗传变异及其原核表达

应用RT-PCR和nested-PCR方法扩增得到含猪流行性腹泻病毒CH/S株N蛋白基因的目的片段,并将其进行了克隆、序列测定及分析。CH/S株N蛋白基因含有一个长1326bp的ORF,编码由441个氨基酸残基组成的多肽,未发现碱基的插入和缺失。CH/S与CV777、Chinju99、JS-2004-2和LJB/03N蛋白基因ORF的序列同源性分别为97.1%、96.8%、96.7%和96.5%;推导的氨基酸序列的同源性分别为97.7%、97.1%、97.1%和96.8%。以阳性质粒为模板,用分别含有BamHⅠ和XhoⅠ酶切位点的上、下游引物扩增得到ORF,其PCR产物经BamHⅠ和XhoⅠ双酶切后定向克隆到pET-30a载体,构建的重组质粒命名为pET-30a-PN;将pET-30a-PN转化到大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中,在IPTG诱导下进行表达;SDS-PAGE结果表明表达出与预期大小相符的约54.4Ku的重组蛋白,重组蛋白以包涵体形式存在;薄层扫描结果表明表达产物占菌体总蛋白的30.5%;Western blot分析表明表达的重组蛋白能与抗PEDV高免血清反应,说明该重组蛋白具有免疫学活性。     

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.     

猪脑心肌炎病毒非结构蛋白3AB基因在重组杆状病毒中的表达与鉴定

利用PCR方法扩增获得EMCV非结构蛋白3AB基因,并将其克隆至杆状病毒转座载体pFastBacTM中,提取阳性克隆质粒转化至DH10Bac感受态细菌,通过蓝白斑筛选和PCR鉴定,得到重组杆状病毒穿梭载体Bacm id-3AB,经脂质体介导转染sf9细胞获得重组杆状病毒,并IFA和W estern b lotting鉴定其抗原性。结果表明,EMCV 3AB基因在昆虫细胞中获得成功表达,分子量约16 ku,具有良好的EMCV抗原性。因此利用杆状病毒表达系统成功表达了EMCV 3AB基因,为该病毒抗原表位和诊断方法研究奠定了重要基础。     

A universal polymerase chain reaction for the detection of psittacine beak and feather disease virus.

A universal PCR assay was designed that consistently detected psittacine beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) in psittacine birds affected with psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) from different geographic regions across Australia. Primers within open reading frame 1 (ORF1) of the BFDV genome consistently amplified a 717 bp product from blood and/or feathers of 32 birds with PBFD lesions. The PCR did not amplify a product from the feathers or blood from 7 clinically normal psittacine birds. Primers based on regions outside of ORF1 did not consistently produce a PCR product, suggesting there was some genomic variation outside ORF1. The amplified ORF1 PCR products of 10 BFDV isolates, from different psittacine species and from various regions around Australia, were cloned and comparative DNA sequence analysis demonstrated 88-99% of the ORF1 fragments. The derived amino acid sequences of the amplified ORF1 fragments demonstrated similar identity between all 10 isolates. Within ORF1, there was complete conservation of the putative nucleotide binding site and marked conservation of 2 other motifs previously identified as essential components of the replication-associated proteins of other circoviruses and geminiviruses.     

猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒SCQ株ORF5基因在E.coli中表达的初步研究

根据已测定的猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒SCQ株序列设计1对引物,应用PCR方法从重组质粒PMD-ORF5扩增得到缺失信号肽序列的基因片段dORF5,将dORF5克隆至原核表达载体PBAD/Myc-His B上,成功地构建了重组表达质粒PBAD/Myc-His B-dORF5,转化大肠埃希菌TOP10感受态细胞,经阿拉伯糖诱导表达,SDS-PAGE可检测到分子质量约为19.4 ku的目的蛋白,经蛋白质分析软件Bandscan分析,其表达量可达17.1%。Western blotting分析结果表明,该重组蛋白可被兔抗PRRSV血清所识别,这为进一步研究GP5蛋白的结构、功能和开发新型诊断试剂盒、新型疫苗提供了理论与物质基础。     

Feline calicivirus VP2 is involved in the self-assembly of the capsid protein into virus-like particles

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is considered the most common upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) associated pathogen in cats. We previously expressed FCV VP1 capsid protein in insect cells by baculovirus system and we observed that this protein self-assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs) different in size and lacking the typical cup-like depressions of caliciviruses. In the present study, VP1 and the small basic structural protein VP2 of FCV were individually expressed by baculovirus system. Coinfection of insect cells with both recombinant viruses resulted in VP1 and VP2 self-assembly to form depressions similar to native capsids in size and appearance, demonstrating that VP2 interacts with the VP1 protein in the formation of VLPs.