Biology of porcine T lymphocytes

The present review concentrates on the biological aspects of porcine T lymphocytes. Their ontogeny, subpopulations, localization and trafficking, and responses to pathogens are reviewed. The development of porcine T cells begins in the liver during the first trimester of fetal life and continues in the thymus from the second trimester until after birth. Porcine T cells are divided into two lineages, based on their possession of the alphabeta or gammadelta T-cell receptor. Porcine alphabeta T cells recognize antigens in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted manner, whereas the gammadelta T cells recognize antigens in a MHC non-restricted fashion. The CD4+CD8- and CD4+CD8lo T cell subsets of alphabeta T cells recognize antigens presented in MHC class II molecules, while the CD4-CD8+ T cell subset recognizes antigens presented in MHC class I molecules. Porcine alphabeta T cells localize mainly in lymphoid tissues, whereas gammadelta T cells predominate in the blood and intestinal epithelium of pigs. Porcine CD8+ alphabeta T cells are a prominent T-cell subset during antiviral responses, while porcine CD4+ alphabeta T cell responses predominantly occur in bacterial and parasitic infections. Porcine gammadelta T cell responses have been reported in only a few infections. Porcine T cell responses are suppressed by some viruses and bacteria. The mechanisms of T cell suppression are not entirely known but reportedly include the killing of T cells, the inhibition of T cell activation and proliferation, the inhibition of antiviral cytokine production, and the induction of immunosuppressive cytokines.     

Induction of inducible CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T lymphocytes by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)

Increases in numbers or activities of regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) have been linked to the establishments of several persistent infections. It has been previously shown that porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) can negatively modulate the host immune responses, resulting in persistent infection and secondary immunodeficiency. Recently, the existence of porcine CD4⁺CD25⁺ Tregs has been demonstrated. We investigated the effect of PRRSV on the CD4⁺CD25⁺ Tregs. The CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were identified, using the anti-human anti-Foxp3 monoclonal antibody. In vitro culture of porcine PBMC in the presence of PRRSV, but not classical swine fever virus, significantly increased the numbers of Foxp3⁺ lymphocytes, particularly in the CD4⁺CD25^high subpopulation. The time-course study revealed that PRRSV significantly increased the numbers of viral-specific CD4⁺CD25^highFoxp3⁺ subpopulation in the culture starting from 12 h through the end of the observation period. Consistent to the results obtained by flow cytometry, enhanced Foxp3 gene expression was observed in the PBMC cultured with PRRSV in a time-course manner. The presence of monocyte-derived DC in the co-culture significantly enhanced the induction of CD4⁺CD25⁺ Foxp3⁺ T lymphocytes. The PRRSV-induced CD4⁺CD25^high T lymphocytes exhibited suppressive activity when co-cultured with PHA-activated, autologous peripheral blood leukocytes, indicating the suppressive activity of the PRRSV-specific Tregs. In addition, PRRSV exposure significantly increased the numbers of PRRSV-specific CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ subpopulation in the PBMC of infected pigs at 10 days post-infection. In summary, the results indicated that PRRSV could increase the numbers of viral-specific, inducible regulatory T lymphocytes in the porcine PBMC, both in vitro and in vivo. The findings suggested the novel immunomodulatory mechanism induced by PRRSV.     

Characterization of porcine xenoreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) against mouse P815 cells were detected after stimulation of porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with irradiated Balb/c splenocytes. In vivo priming prior to in vitro stimulation slightly enhanced CTL activity, but lysis of targets was undetectable from lymphocytes from non-immune or immune animals that were not cultured with mouse splenocytes. After primary culture with Balb/c (H-2d) splenocytes, specific killing of P815 (H-2d) targets and not L929 (H-2k) targets indicated that recognition was specific for the H-2 locus. Similarly, CTL primed by mouse cells from either of two congenic strains recognized targets with alleles homologous to the stimulating cells. The anti-murine CTL was confirmed to be a CD8+ T cell based on studies using specific monoclonal antibodies to the porcine CD4 or CD8 cells. The cells responsible for the cytotoxicity of P815 targets lacked the characteristics of non-specific NK cells because (1) naive PBMC were unable to lyse NK targets (K562 cells) during the 4 h cytotoxic assay and (2) CTL killing of P815 targets increased with time after primary stimulation, whereas killing of K562 cells remained low at all times. These results suggest that porcine CTL can be readily generated against the xenogeneic mouse major histocompatibility complex.     

猪NLRP3蛋白的原核表达与多克隆抗体制备

为了获得猪源NLRP3重组蛋白以及针对猪NLRP3蛋白的多克隆抗体,本试验采用原核表达技术对猪源NLRP3蛋白的主要抗原区域进行了截短表达与鉴定,并以重组蛋白为免疫原免疫兔制备兔抗NLRP3蛋白多克隆抗体。结果显示,经RT-PCR方法扩增到大小为864 bp的NLRP3蛋白的主要抗原区域基因;将目的片段定向克隆至pET-32α原核表达载体,转化大肠埃希菌BL21,经IPTG诱导获得了大小为50 000的重组蛋白;重组蛋白经纯化后Western blot检测其可与抗His标签单克隆抗体发生特异性反应;以纯化蛋白为免疫原制备的兔抗NLRP3蛋白多克隆抗体的抗体效价达1∶25 600,Western blot检测其可与NLRP3重组蛋白发生特异性反应。结果表明,获得了具有良好反应活性的NLRP3重组蛋白与多克隆抗体,为研究NLRP3蛋白的结构与功能、NLRP3蛋白与猪炎症性疾病的相互作用机制奠定了基础。     

猪圆环病毒2型ORF3编码蛋白的体外表达

设计特异引物,以猪圆环病毒2型(PCV-2)杭州株HZ0201的基因组DNA为模板,PCR扩增出ORF3基因,构建了pGEX-4T-1-ORF3原核表达载体和pEGFP-C2-ORF3真核表达载体。ORF3基因全长315 bp,编码105个氨基酸。SDS-PAGE、Western blot分析及真核PK15细胞转染结果显示:ORF3蛋白在大肠杆菌中以包涵体形式存在,分子量大小约为37.7 ku;ORF3重组蛋白在真核PK15细胞的细胞核和细胞浆都有表达,尤其在细胞核中表达量较高,且对细胞有一定的毒性。     

利用猪源SUMO3标签蛋白可溶性表达猪腺病毒3型的Hexon基因高变区蛋白

利用猪源小泛素化相关修饰蛋白可溶性表达猪腺病毒3型(PADV-3)的主要衣壳蛋白六邻体蛋白(Hexon)基因的高变区蛋白,为检测试剂盒和亚单位疫苗的开发奠定基础。本试验扩增出猪腺病毒3型的Hexon基因中的超变区(HVR_1～HVR_6)片段,并在其N端添加猪源的SUMO3的蛋白基因,连接到pET28a质粒,构建出pET28a-Hexon-HVR_(1-6)、pET28a-pigSUMO3-Hexon-HVR_(1-6)重组质粒,经过PCR以及双酶切验证并测序确认无碱基突变后,转入大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)感受态细胞,用IPTG诱导进行表达,经超声波破碎后进行SDS-PAGE验证标签蛋白的促溶情况,将表达量最高的融合蛋白进行大量表达并纯化,Western blot鉴定分析。结果显示:在1 100 bp左右可见扩增出来目的基因片段;SDS-PAGE表明在32 kDa、37 kDa处可以看到目的蛋白,细菌破碎后发现SUMO3标签蛋白显著提高Hexon-HVR_(1-6)蛋白可溶性;免疫印迹结果显示融合蛋白可以被His_6标签的特异性抗体和PADV-3的阳性血清特异性识别。以上结果表明成功表达出了PADV-3的主要结构蛋白Hexon-HVR_(1-6),加入猪源的SUMO3标签后能显著提高重组蛋白的可溶性,且反应性和特异性良好。     

猪圆环病毒3型Rep蛋白的表达与多克隆抗体制备

为研究猪圆环病毒3型(PCV3)Rep基因在大肠杆菌中表达产物的反应原性和免疫原性,本试验对Rep基因进行原核表达和纯化,鉴定表达产物与PCV3阳性血清的反应性;制备重组Rep蛋白的多克隆抗体,Western blot鉴定多克隆抗体与重组Rep蛋白的特异性识别能力,通过ELISA测定多克隆抗体的效价。结果显示,Rep在大肠杆菌中获得大量表达,且主要以包涵体形式存在,重组蛋白相对分子质量约为32 000,经纯化后得到单一条带。表达的重组Rep蛋白可以与PCV3阳性血清发生反应。制备的大鼠抗Rep血清与表达的重组Rep蛋白发生特异性反应,且效价大于1∶32 000。表明本试验表达的Rep具有良好的免疫原性和反应原性,为PCV3的ELISA诊断试剂盒研制提供依据。     

PRRSV NC株ORF3基因的克隆、序列分析及表达

为原核表达猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒(PRRSV)的ORF3基因,本研究根据GenBank登录PRRSV美洲株ATCC VR2332的ORF3基因序列,利用Primer 6.0软件设计合成一对特异性引物,经RT-PCR扩增得到了大小为765bp的片段。将扩增的ORF3基因截短为495bp和750bp片段分别克隆于原核表达载体pGEX-KG中,在IPTG的诱导下进行Gp3重组蛋白的截短表达,经western blot检测证实表达的2种截短重组蛋白均具有良好的与抗体的反应活性,从而为进一步研制新型疫苗提供了实验依据。     

Immunohistochemical investigation of Foxp3 expression in the intestine in healthy and diseased dogs

ABSTRACT: Intestinal immune regulation including development of oral tolerance is of great importance for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. Concerning this, regulatory T cells (Tregs) occupy a pivotal role in cell-mediated immunosuppression. Dysregulation of mucosal immunology leading to an abnormal interaction with commensal bacteria is suggested to play a key role in the pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in men and dogs. The aim of this study was to characterise the expression of Foxp3 in the normal canine gut of 18 dogs (mean age: 6.03 years), in 16 dogs suffering from IBD (mean age: 5.05 years), and of 6 dogs with intestinal nematode infection (mean age: 0.87 years) using immunohistochemistry. In the duodenum, Tregs in healthy dogs declined from villi (median: 10.67/62 500 μm2) to crypts (median: 1.89/62 500 μm2). Tregs were further increased in the villi of middle-aged dogs (median: 18.92/62 500 μm2) in contrast to juvenile (median: 3.50/62 500 μm2) and old (median: 9.56/62 500 μm2) individuals. Compared to healthy controls, animals suffering from IBD revealed reduced numbers of Tregs in duodenal villi (median: 4.13/62 500 μm2). Dogs with intestinal nematode infection displayed increased numbers of Tregs (median: 21.06/62 500 μm2) compared to healthy animals.Age-related changes indicate a progressive establishment of oral tolerance and immunosenescence in the canine elderly. The results further suggest that a defect in Treg homeostasis may be involved in the pathogenesis of canine IBD. In contrast, increased numbers of Tregs in the duodenum may be due to nematode infection.     

Correlation of Foxp3 positive regulatory T cells with prognostic factors in canine mammary carcinomas

Regulatory T cells (Treg) cells play a crucial role in tumor progression by suppressing anti-tumor immunity, but are not well-documented in veterinary oncology. To identify the characteristics of Treg cells in tumor microenvironments, the numbers of Treg cells were analyzed and compared with histological prognostic factors and molecular biomarkers in canine mammary carcinoma (MC) tissues (n=37). Abundant Treg cells were associated with high histological grade and lymphatic invasion. The numbers of Treg cells infiltrating intratumoral areas markedly increased in tumors with poor prognostic factors, such as high histological grade, lymphatic invasion, and necrosis. These findings suggest that Treg cells play a role in canine MC progression. Furthermore, Treg cell numbers in intratumoral compartments may provide a potential prognostic factor when assessing canine MCs, which may in turn lead to the development of new immunologic therapeutics.     

猪捷申病毒3D蛋白的原核高效表达及其反应活性

根据猪捷申病毒（PTV）Swine／CH／IMH／03株核苷酸序列，设计了1对特异性引物，以全长基因组重组质粒pSK—PTVFL为模板扩增了3D基因，并将扩增产物定向克隆到原核表达载体pET30a（＋）中，阳性质粒转化BL21（DE3），阳性菌经0．3mmol／L IPTG诱导后，进行Western—blotting检测。结果显示，3D蛋白获得了高效表达，表达量占菌体总蛋白的66．1％，且重组蛋白能与PTV Swine／CH／IMH／03株阳性血清发生特异性反应。表明，3D蛋白能在大肠杆菌中高效表达，并具有良好的免疫原性，这为开发相应的鉴别诊断技术奠定了基础。     

Granular mucosal lymphocytes in porcine small intestine

A subpopulation of purified, interepithelial lymphocytes from porcine small intestinal mucosa contained cytoplasmic granules. Toluidine blue staining revealed metachromatic granules in 13.64% (606/4,450) cells. The cells had scant organelles, a single large nucleus with obvious invagination of the nuclear membrane, and prominent chromatin. Each cell contained 1 to 10 cytoplasmic membrane-bound granules, 0.6 to 1.5 micron in diameter. These findings indicated that the granular mucosal lymphocytes are related morphologically to mucosal mast cells. The presence of serotonin in the granules, confirmed by the serotonin releasing test, provided functional evidence that granular mucosal lymphocytes are related to mucosal mast cells.     

Infiltrating Foxp3+ Regulatory T cells and Histopathological Features in Canine Classical and Spermatocytic Seminomas

In humans, regulatory T (T reg) cells are known to play a critical role in both the regulation of immune homoeostasis and the progression of cancer. However, there is little information about the identification, characterization and the function of T reg cells in canine tumours. We identified T reg cells in 28 canine seminoma samples using a Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) antibody and investigated the relationship between T reg cell infiltration and histopathological features of classical and spermatocytic seminomas (SE and SS, respectively). The Foxp3 protein showed nuclear immunostaining in infiltrating lymphocytes, and Foxp3+ cells were diffused or focally distributed in seminoma tissues. Foxp3+ cells were frequently present in the SS histotype, in seminomas that showed no evidence of tumour cell invasion into the vessels and in seminomas showing a diffuse growth pattern with three cell types. Neither the SE/SS histotype nor the histopathological features of the tumour correlated with Foxp3+ cell counts. These results indicate that Foxp3+ T reg cells may be associated with a less malignant histological phenotype or may not play a critical role in the immune response of canine seminomas. Moreover, Foxp3+ T reg cells may be associated with SS seminoma, but further studies, involving a larger number of samples, are required to better understand whether these cells play a critical role in the immune response in canine seminomas. This is the first report to demonstrate the characteristics of T reg cell infiltration in canine seminoma.     

猪IL-2与IL-6的融合表达及活性研究

为获得具有猪白细胞介素-2(pIL-2)和猪白细胞介素-6(pIL-6)双重活性的融合蛋白,研究其作为高效免疫佐剂的可行性,本研究利用基因重组技术将克隆到的pIL-2和pIL-6的成熟肽基因利用一段柔性Linker序列串联后插入到原核表达载体pBV220中,转化大肠杆菌,42℃诱导表达得到融合蛋白pIL-6-2,对蛋白进行纯化复性后用MTT法检测其生物学活性。结果显示不同浓度pIL-6-2蛋白对小鼠脾淋巴细胞的增殖活性差异很大,0.1μg/mL浓度的pIL-6-2活性最好。本研究为利用该蛋白作为高效免疫制剂的应用奠定了良好基础。     

猪14-3-3蛋白家族基因生物信息学分析

14-3-3蛋白在哺乳动物中均有表达,是一类高度保守的酸性蛋白家族,广泛参与各种信号传导途径,具有十分重要的功能。本研究以猪的14-3-3蛋白家族为研究对象,运用生物信息学方法,首先对猪(Sus scrofa)14-3-3蛋白家族基因组数据库进行搜素,获得猪14-3-3蛋白家族的7个亚型。然后通过对所有的猪14-3-3蛋白家族的DNA序列及各种表达序列标签(Expression Sequence Tags,ESTs)作进一步比对分析。结果表明:猪14-3-3蛋白家族的7个亚型在猪中均有表达;蛋白质多序列匹配分析表明猪14-3-3蛋白存在多个保守结构域,在各功能区段相当保守;通过基因结构分析、ESTs表达分析和蛋白质预测分析表明,14-3-3蛋白质家族均为亲水性蛋白,且不同亚型在猪体内不同组织表达,参与不同的生物学功能。本文将为猪14-3-3蛋白家族进一步的功能分析提供研究基础。     

CD27 expression discriminates porcine T helper cells with functionally distinct properties

Differentiation of porcine T helper cells is still poorly investigated, partly due to a lack of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for molecules involved in this process. Recently, we identified a mAb specific for porcine CD27 and showed that CD27 is expressed by all naïve CD8α^- T helper cells but divides CD8α⁺ T helper cells into a CD27⁺ and a CD27^- subset. In the present study, detailed phenotypical and functional analyses of these T-helper cell subpopulations were performed. Naïve CD8α^-CD27⁺ T helper cells predominantly resided in various lymph nodes, whereas higher proportions of CD8α⁺CD27⁺ and CD8α⁺CD27^- T helper cells were found in blood, spleen and liver. Both CD8α⁺CD27⁺ and CD8α⁺CD27^- T helper cells were capable of producing IFN-γ upon in vitro polyclonal stimulation and antigen-specific restimulation. Experiments with sorted CD8α^-CD27⁺, CD8α⁺CD27⁺ and CD8α⁺CD27^- T-helper cell subsets following polyclonal stimulation revealed the lowest proliferative response but the highest ability for IFN-γ and TNF-α production in the CD8α⁺CD27^- subset. Therefore, these cells resembled terminally differentiated effector memory cells as described in human. This was supported by analyses of CCR7 and CD62L expression. CD8α⁺CD27^- T helper cells were mostly CCR7^- and had considerably reduced CD62L mRNA levels. In contrast, expression of both homing-receptors was increased on CD8α⁺CD27⁺ T helper cells, which also had a proliferation rate similar to naïve CD8α^-CD27⁺ T helper cells and showed intermediate levels of cytokine production. Therefore, similar to human, CD8α⁺CD27⁺ T helper cells displayed a phenotype and functional properties of central memory cells.     

猪YTHDF2蛋白原核表达及多克隆抗体的制备

YTH家族蛋白2(YTH domain-containing family protein,YTHDF2)作为一种m~6A修饰的结合蛋白,可对底物mRNA的剪接,翻译,降解等过程进行调控。本研究通过RT-PCR首次获得了猪YTHDF2编码基因序列,全长1 743 bp,编码580个氨基酸,基因进化树分析显示该基因在各物种间保守性较高。将猪YTHDF2编码基因克隆至原核表达载体pET-28a (+)中,重组质粒pET-28a (+)-YTHDF2在大肠杆菌BL-21菌株中进行原核表达,成功获得了大量带His标签的猪YTHDH2重组蛋白,大小约70 kD。以纯化的重组蛋白为抗原免疫新西兰大白兔制备猪YTHDF2多抗血清,ELISA结果表明制备的兔抗猪YTHDF2多抗血清效价为1:204 800,间接免疫荧光(IFA)和Western blot试验均表明该多克隆抗体具有良好的反应性和特异性。猪YTHDF2基因序列的获得及多克隆抗体的制备为进一步研究YTHDF2在猪mRNA m~6A甲基化过程中的生物学功能奠定了基础。     

Detection and molecular characterization of porcine type 3 orthoreoviruses circulating in South Korea

Orthoreoviruses infect virtually all mammalian species, causing systemic infections including mild gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses. However, little is known about the prevalence or genetic diversity of porcine orthoreoviruses in South Korea. We examined 237 diarrheic fecal samples collected from 78 pig farms around the country. RT-PCR utilizing primers specific for the L1 gene of mammalian orthoreoviruses showed that 45 (19.0%) samples were positive. The 10 strains isolated from orthoreovirus-positive samples formed typical perinuclear cytoplasmic inclusion bodies and had an atypical hemagglutination pattern; these are characteristics of type 3 orthoreovirus. Phylogenetic analysis of the S1 gene in these 10 Korean and other strains showed that type 3 orthoreoviruses could be divided into four lineages; the 10 Korean strains were included in porcine lineage IV, along with T3/porcine/Sichuan/2006. Sequence analysis showed that strains in lineage IV had nucleotide identities of 97.0-98.1% and deduced amino acid identities of 96.4-98.2%. Sequence analysis of the σ1 protein, a viral attachment protein, revealed that the amino acid sequences associated with neurotropism (amino acids 198-204, 249I, 350D, and 419E) were highly conserved among the Korean strains, confirming that neural tropism was present. In conclusion, our findings suggest that porcine orthoreovirus infections are endemic in pig farms in South Korea and that the 10 novel Korean porcine orthoreoviruses belong to porcine lineage IV of type 3 orthoreovirus. In addition, sequence analysis of S1 genes encoding the σ1 protein showed that the 9 of 10 Korean porcine orthoreoviruses exhibited neural tropism.