Characterization of feline T and B cells

Feline peripheral-blood lymphocyte populations (n = 22) were examined for the following markers: rosette formation with guinea pig erythrocytes (GPE-T cells), rosette formation with human RBC (HRBC-T cells), rosette formation with sheep RBC, mixed rosette formation with GPE-T cells and HRBC-T cells (total T cells), erythrocyte antibody-complement rosettes, and surface immunoglobulin. An average of 28% +/- 7% (range, 16% to 39%) of the feline lymphocytes formed rosettes with GPE-T cells, and 27% +/- 7% (range, 11% to 36%), with HRBC-T cells. An average of 57% +/- 9% (range, 33% to 75%) of the lymphocytes formed mixed rosettes. The erythrocyte antibody-complement rosette-forming cells and surface immunoglobulin-bearing cells were found in peripheral blood lymphocytes (10% +/- 6% and 24% +/- 8%, respectively). The murine monoclonal antibodies OKT 11 and HuLy-m1, specific for a framework determinant of human E-rosette receptor antigens, cross-reacted with feline cell membrane molecules recognizing a bimolecular complex (45,000 to 50,000 daltons) similar to that described in persons. We investigated the distribution of these E-rosette receptor-like antigens on feline lymphocytes. By complement-mediated lymphocytotoxicity, about 30% of the feline lymphocytes expressed the antigens. When lymphocytes were treated with HuLy-m1 antibody, spontaneous rosette formation with HRBC-T cells was significantly inhibited.     

成都地区猫传性腹膜炎病毒ORF3、7b以及S基因七肽重复区1序列的分析

猫传性腹膜炎(FIP)是由猫冠状病毒引起的猫科常见致死性传染病。为分析成都地区猫传性腹膜炎病毒(FIPV)部分基因的序列特征,本研究从11只FIP患猫的腹水中提取总RNA,采用普通PCR或套式PCR对FIPV的非结构蛋白基因ORF3 (3a、3b和3c)、7b以及S基因七肽重复区1 (HR1)序列进行PCR扩增并测序。结果显示:检测到FIRV的上述几个基因均呈遗传多样性,序列存在很大的个体间差异。3a和3b基因主要表现为氨基酸突变,3c基因在约89%的样品中存在截短。7b基因有7个位点的氨基酸被完全替换。S基因HR1序列融合肽的1045位甲硫氨酸被亮氨酸替换,其下游的1057位丝氨酸被丙氨酸替换。遗传进化树显示,本实验扩增的FIRV 7b及S基因HR1序列与GenBank中国外FIPV相应基因序列亲缘性较高。推测3c基因的截短和/或某些氨基酸的替换的共同作用与病毒的致病性有关。本研究结果为FIP的临床确诊提供了分子诊断依据,增加了临床诊断结果的可靠性。     

Molecular cloning and sequencing of feline CD7

Human CD7 is one of the earliest molecules to appear in T cell development. In this study, putative feline CD7 cDNA was identified based on its similarities with human and mouse CD7 genes. The feline CD7 cDNA contained an open reading frame consisting of 630 nucleotides. The amino acid sequence of feline CD7 had 47.7% identity with that of human CD7, and 52.9% with that of mouse CD7. In addition, the feline CD7 protein fused with histidine tag was expressed in 293T cells. The expression was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence assay.     

A report of 7 cases of feline vulval adenocarcinoma

Seven cases of feline vulval adenocarcinoma are reported. Follow-up information was available for 5 cats, and all but 1 of these was euthanized within 2-18 mo of diagnosis (median 9.2 mo) for reoccurrence of local disease (3 cases) and/or clinical signs consistent with metastases (3 cases). There was no relationship between histological features of the tumor and outcome.     

Chemokine receptors and co-stimulatory molecules: unravelling feline immunodeficiency virus infection

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection of the domestic cat induces an immunodeficiency characterised by a gradual depletion of CD4+ T-helper lymphocytes. The virus targets T-helper cells by way of an interaction between its envelope glycoprotein (Env) and the cell surface molecule CD134 (OX40), a member of the nerve growth factor receptor/tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily. The Env–CD134 interaction is a necessary prerequisite for the subsequent interaction with CXCR4, the only chemokine receptor identified to date to act as a co-receptor for FIV. As T-helper cell expression of CD134 and CXCR4 is restricted to activated cells, FIV targets selectively antigen-specific T-helper cells. With disease progression the cell tropism of the virus expands; this may be the result of changes in the way in which Env interacts with CD134, a less stringent Env–CD134 interaction enabling the Env to interact more readily with CXCR4 and thus broadening the cell tropism of virus. In contrast, viruses that are present in early infection may have a narrower cell tropism, reflecting a more stringent interaction with CD134. Accordingly, “early” viruses may target CD134-expressing cells more efficiently and be more resistant to neutralising antibody. It is these early viruses that may be transmitted and should be considered as candidates for the development of vaccine regimes and novel therapeutic agents.     

Evaluation of antibodies against feline coronavirus 7b protein for diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis in cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether expression of feline coronavirus (FCoV) 7b protein, as indicated by the presence of specific serum antibodies, consistently correlated with occurrence of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats. SAMPLE POPULATION: 95 serum samples submitted for various diagnostic assays and 20 samples from specific-pathogen-free cats tested as negative control samples. PROCEDURES: The 7b gene from a virulent strain of FCoV was cloned into a protein expression vector. The resultant recombinant protein was produced and used in antibody detection assays via western blot analysis of serum samples. Results were compared with those of an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for FCoV-specific antibody and correlated with health status. RESULTS: Healthy IFA-seronegative cats were seronegative for antibodies against the 7b protein. Some healthy cats with detectable FCoV-specific antibodies as determined via IFA were seronegative for antibodies against the 7b protein. Serum from cats with FIP had antibodies against the 7b protein, including cats with negative results via conventional IFA. However, some healthy cats, as well as cats with conditions other than FIP that were seropositive to FCoV via IFA, were also seropositive for the 7b protein. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Expression of the 7b protein, as indicated by detection of antibodies against the protein, was found in most FCoV-infected cats. Seropositivity for this protein was not specific for the FCoV virulent biotype or a diagnosis of FIP.     

Deletions in the 7a ORF of feline coronavirus associated with an epidemic of feline infectious peritonitis

A population of Persian cats experienced an epidemic of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) over 2 years. Twelve cases of FIP occurred in litters born during this period. Cats contracting FIP were all genetically related through the sire. Feline coronavirus (FCoV) genomic RNA was detected consistently in this study in biologic samples from adult cats, kittens suffering from FIP, and their siblings. Analysis of viral 7a/7b open reading frame (ORFs) were analyzed and revealed two distinct virus variants circulating in the population, one with an intact 7a ORF and one with two major deletions in the 7a ORF. The 7b ORFs were intact and similar among all virus isolates, although point mutations resulting in amino acid changes were present. The sire was determined to be infected with both variants, and was persistently virus-infected. We speculate the deletion variant arose from the non-deletion variant during viral replication in this population, possibly in the sire.     

Sequence variation within the capsid protein of Australian isolates of feline calicivirus.

The capsid protein of Australian feline calicivirus (FCV) isolates is demonstrably different from the prototype strain F9. Five Australian isolates of FCV, dating from 1970 to 1989, were analysed by western blotting and immunoprecipitation. Varying reactivity to a panel of F9 specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) was observed. DNA sequencing of RT-PCR generated clones supported the observation of variation between capsid proteins. Predicted amino acid sequences varied by 11 to 17.5% across the whole capsid when compared to the published F9 sequence. Differences in amino acid sequence were most apparent in previously described hypervariable regions (C and E). Within hypervariable region E differences of 22 to 34% were observed compared to F9. The observed lack of reactivity to F9 MAbs correlated with amino acid changes within previously characterized binding sites within region E.     

Optimization of culture conditions for feline × murine heterohybridomas

Feline splenocytes were fused to the murine myeloma lines NSO or Ag8. Autologous serum and taurine were used as media supplements for the cat × mouse heterohybridomas. The best results were obtained by the use of NSO as fusion line with taurine-supported media.     

Coordinate expression of cytokeratins 7 and 20 in feline and canine carcinomas.

Forty-seven feline and 60 canine epithelial tumors were studied to test the coordinate expression of cytokeratin 7 (CK 7) and cytokeratin 20 (CK 20) using commercially available monoclonal antibodies and an avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase staining technique. Previously, the distribution of both cytokeratins was examined in normal tissues from 4 cats and 4 dogs. The pattern of distribution of CK 7 in normal tissues was similar, with minor differences, to that described in humans, whereas the reactivity pattern of CK 20 in cats and dogs was wider than that in humans. The subset of tumors strongly expressing CK 7 and CK 20 included pancreatic adenocarcinomas (100%), transitional cell carcinomas (75%), and endometrial carcinomas (67%) in the cat. None of the canine tumors had this immunophenotype. Feline (50%) and canine (56%) mammary gland carcinomas and canine cholangiocarcinomas (67%) were the only tumors presenting the CK 7 +/CK 20- immunophenotype, whereas the CK 7-/CK 20+ immunophenotype included thyroid carcinomas (100%), intestinal adenocarcinomas (60%), bronchioloalveolar carcinomas (50%), and renal carcinomas (50%) in the cat and intestinal adenocarcinomas (56%), gastric adenocarcinomas (50%), and ovarian carcinomas (50%) in the dog. The CK 7-/CK 20- immunophenotype included the rest of the analyzed tumors. The immunohistochemical evaluation of coordinate expression of both CK 7 and CK 20 in feline and canine carcinomas using monoclonal antibodies provides important information that can help to discriminate among carcinomas from different primary sites and could be particularly helpful in the determination of the primary site of origin of carcinomas presenting as metastatic disease.     

Identification of feline blood B and T lymphocytes by cell electrophoresis.

The electrokinetic properties of feline blood lymphocytes isolated by centrifugation over Ficoll-Isopaque gradient were investigated. A biphasic electrophoretic mobility (EPM) distribution was regularly observed with a low-mobility (LM) population (mean EPM: 0.82) accounting for 32% of blood lymphocytes and a high-mobility (HM) population (mean EPM: 1.09) representing 68% of blood lymphocytes. Following fractionation on nylon-wool columns, lymphocytes with B-cell properties (64% sIg⁺; 9% guinea pig erythrocytes (GPE)-rosette⁺, PHA and Con A unresponsive) were enriched in the adherent fraction and belonged mainly (78%) to the LM population. In contrast, lymphocytes with T properties (5% sIg⁺, 42% GPE-rosette⁺, PHA and Con A responsive) were recovered in the effluent fraction and comprised 84% of HM elements.Thus, in cat blood, LM lymphocytes are likely to represent in majority B cells and HM lymphocytes T cells. This indicates that cell electrophoresis provides an interesting mean for differentiating B and T cells in the cat.     

Combination chemotherapy of canine and feline cryptococcosis using subcutaneously administered amphotericin B

Six cases (3 cats, 3 dogs) of cryptococcosis were cured using combination chemotherapy that included amphotericin B. We developed a simple, practical and inexpensive method of administering amphotericin B as a subcutaneous infusion during the treatment of these patients. For this, the calculated dose of amphotericin B (0.5 to 0.8 mg/kg) was added to 400 mL, for cats, or to 500 mL, for dogs, of 0.45% saline containing 2.5% dextrose. These amounts were given subcutaneously 2 or 3 times weekly over several months, to a total cumulative dose of 8 to 26 mg/kg body weight. Subcutaneous infusions were generally well tolerated by the animals, although concentrations of amphotericin B in excess of 20 mg/L resulted in local irritation. This protocol enabled the administration of larger, and thus more effective, quantities of amphotericin B without producing marked azotaemia.     

Expression of rabbits BAFF in Escherichia coli with costimulatory effect on B cell proliferation

In this paper, the cDNA encoding the extracellular soluble domain of rabbit BAFF (rsBAFF) was subcloned into the pET28a vector and the recombinant rsBAFF protein was solubly produced in Escherichia coli. Recombinant rsBAFF protein of 17.1 kDa was then purified to a purity of 95% by using Ni²⁺-IDA resin. In vitro, purified rsBAFF protein was able to promote the survival/proliferation of B-lymphocytes of rabbits, mice and humans in the presence of anti-IgM antibodies. These findings indicate that the recombinant rsBAFF produced in E. coli have the bioactivity, and functional cross-reactivity occurs between rabbit and other mammalians BAFF proteins.     

布鲁氏菌病VirB8-PCR诊断试剂盒的特异性评价

使用VirB8-PCR诊断试剂盒对布鲁氏菌标准株、疫苗株及新疆分离株共7株布鲁氏菌的VirB8基因序列扩增、克隆并与Genbank中发表的VirB8基因序列(AF226278)进行比较和分析,发现:该基因非常保守,7株布鲁氏菌的同源性在99.2%以上,其中A菌与Rev1基因序列100%同源,B菌与Genbank发表的基因序列100%同源;牛种(544A、A19)和羊种(M5、Rev1)分别各自在相同部位发生了相同的碱基突变,因此VirB8基因有可能做为布鲁氏菌疫苗菌的鉴定分类基因。VirB8基因在布鲁氏菌中高度保守,可作为布鲁氏菌检测模板,VirB8-PCR诊断试剂盒特异、敏感,检测结果可靠。     

10株牛源非结核分枝杆菌16S rRNA基因序列分析

本研究应用结核分枝杆菌的16S rDNA序列分析方法,鉴定非结核分枝杆菌菌株。应用PCR方法从10株牛源非结核分枝杆菌中扩增16S rDNA基因5'端片段并测序。用DNA分析软件将所获得的序列与GenBank中分枝杆菌序列相比较,计算种间相似性,构建系统发育树,对菌株进行分类与鉴定。结果显示,10株牛源非结核分枝杆菌中浅黄分枝杆菌1株;偶发分枝杆菌1株;母牛分枝杆菌2株;新金色分枝杆菌4株;另有2株N8和N9分别与新金色分枝杆菌和偶发分枝杆菌有较好的亲缘关系。检测结果提示,非结核分枝杆菌在牛群中存在应引起重视,而且它们对人畜的致病性需要进一步研究,以便采取有效的防制措施确保人类及畜群的健康。