Epigenetic transmission of feline infectious peritonitis

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (F.I.P.) was diagnosed in the kittens of two successive litters born to a female presumed also infected.At the same time, the two fathers and the other subjects of the cattery remained asymptomatic of F.I.P.The clinical observations, supported by electrophoretic data, suggest the possibility of a direct transmission of the disease by the mother to her offspring, either by the transplacentary pathway (epigenetic transmission) or via the milk.     

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。     

Antibody-mediated enhancement of disease in feline infectious peritonitis: Comparisons with dengue hemorrhagic fever

Non-immune kittens passively immunized with feline serum containing high-titered antibodies reactive with feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) developed a more rapid disease after FIPV challenge than did kittens pretreated with FIPV antibody-negative serum. Antibody-sensitized, FIPV challenged—kittens developed earlier clinical signs (including pyrexia, icterus, and thrombocytopenia) and died more rapidly than did non-sensitized, FIPV-challenged kittens. Mean survival time in sensitized kittens was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced compared to non-sensitized kittens (mean ± SEM, 10.0 ± 0.6 days vs. 28.8 ± 8.3 days, respectively). Lesions induced included fibrinous peritonitis, disseminated pyogranulomatous inflammation and necrotizing phlebitis and periphlebitis. FIPV antigen, immunoglobulin G, complement (C3) and fibrinogen were demonstrated in lesions by immunofluorescence microscopy.The pathogenesis of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in persons bears striking resemblance to that of FIP in experimental kittens. In both FIP and DHF, non-neutralizing antibody may promote acute disease by enhancement of virus infection in mononuclear phagocytes or by formation of immune complexes, activation of complement and secondary vascular disturbances.     

Interferon-gamma in the serum and effusions of cats with feline coronavirus infection

The aim of this study was to quantify and compare interferon-γ (IFN-γ) concentrations in the serum of clinically normal cats infected with feline coronavirus (FCoV) with its concentration in the sera and effusions of cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a disease associated with infection with a mutated form of FCoV.Clinically normal FCoV-infected cats living in catteries with a high prevalence of FIP had the highest serum IFN-γ concentrations. The serum concentration of IFN-γ was not significantly different in cats with FIP compared with clinically normal FCoV-infected animals living in catteries with a low prevalence of the disease. Moreover, the concentration of IFN-γ was significantly higher in the effusions than in the serum of cats with FIP, probably due to IFN-γ production within lesions. These findings support the hypothesis that there is a strong, ‘systemic’ cell mediated immune response in clinically normal, FCoV-infected cats and that a similar process, albeit at a tissue level, is involved in the pathogenesis of FIP.     

A comparison between immunofluorescence staining on smears from Membrana nictitans (M3 test), immunohistopathology and routine pathology in cats with suspected feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

An indirect immunofluorescence method using smears from membrana nictitans (M3 test) to diagnose feline corona virus (FCV) infection was compared with immunohistopathology (using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFFA) performed on organs (IFO], and routine pathology (RP) in cats with suspected feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). A close correlation between the 2 immunofluorescence methods (IFO and M3) was observed. Although the M3 test requires samples from only 1 organ per animal, both the sensitivity and specificity were high (80%), when compared to IFO (using samples from an average of 5 organs per animal). In 21% of the cats with suspected FIP typical pathological lesions were found. As the M3 test is relatively easy to perform, it could reduce work-load of pathology laboratories and provide valuable data for clinical and epidemiological use.     

猫传染性腹膜炎病毒N蛋白在昆虫细胞-杆状病毒系统中的表达与鉴定

本研究旨在利用昆虫细胞-杆状病毒表达系统表达猫传染性腹膜炎病毒(Feline infectious peritonitis virus,FIPV)N蛋白,并制备抗该蛋白的多克隆抗体,用于FIPV临床抗原/抗体诊断及N蛋白功能研究。参考GenBank中FIPV的N基因序列,选择FIPV毒株N基因(登录号:KC461235.1),并对该N基因进行密码子优化、基因合成,酶切后将N基因连接至pFastBac1载体,转化大肠杆菌DH5α感受态细胞,经氨苄西林抗性筛选阳性克隆,提取质粒经酶切及测序鉴定正确后,转化大肠杆菌DH10Bac感受态细胞,经蓝白斑筛选及PCR鉴定后,最终成功构建重组杆状病毒质粒Bacmid-N,转染Sf9细胞包装杆状病毒,于28℃温箱培养4 d后收集感染Sf9细胞上清,并通过镍离子亲和层析纯化获得重组N蛋白。经SDS-PAGE及Western blotting鉴定结果表明,本研究成功利用昆虫细胞-杆状病毒表达系统表达出大小约为51 ku的FIPV重组N蛋白。将该蛋白与弗氏佐剂按一定比例混合后,免疫6周龄BALB/c小鼠。用间接ELISA方法检测小鼠血清抗体效价可达1∶102400;利用Western blotting和间接免疫荧光试验对N蛋白多克隆抗体进行检测分析,结果表明,真核表达的重组蛋白免疫原性良好,多克隆抗体具有良好的反应原性,可特异识别FIPV感染细胞。本研究为FIPV抗原/抗体诊断试剂盒的研发奠定了基础。     

Relationship between rate of infection and markers of inflammation/immunity in Holy Birman cats with feline coronavirus

The aim of this study was to assess whether Holy Birman cats (HB) have a peculiar immune profile and a higher rate of infection by feline coronaviruses (FCoV). Leucocyte and lymphocyte subsets, antibody titers, α₁-acid glycoprotein (AGP), globulin fractions, IL-4, IL-12 and IFN-γ in blood and fecal FCoV excretion were determined in HB (n = 75) and in cats from other breeds (n = 94). Significantly higher CD4/CD8 ratio, IFN-γ concentration and IL12/IL4 ratio and significantly lower IL-4 concentration and proportion of shedders were found in HB than in other breeds. No other differences were found. In conclusion, this study did not provide evidence of peculiar immune profiles in HB, except for a prevalent Th1 profile, that may explain why in our caseload the rate of shedders was lower in HB than in other breeds.     

猫传染性腹膜炎病毒N蛋白在昆虫细胞-杆状病毒系统中的表达与鉴定

本研究旨在利用昆虫细胞-杆状病毒表达系统表达猫传染性腹膜炎病毒（Feline infectious peritonitis virus,FIPV）N蛋白,并制备抗该蛋白的多克隆抗体,用于FIPV临床抗原/抗体诊断及N蛋白功能研究。参考GenBank中FIPV的N基因序列,选择FIPV毒株N基因（登录号：KC461235.1）,并对该N基因进行密码子优化、基因合成,酶切后将N基因连接至pFastBac1载体,转化大肠杆菌DH5α感受态细胞,经氨苄西林抗性筛选阳性克隆,提取质粒经酶切及测序鉴定正确后,转化大肠杆菌DH10Bac感受态细胞,经蓝白斑筛选及PCR鉴定后,最终成功构建重组杆状病毒质粒Bacmid-N,转染Sf9细胞包装杆状病毒,于28 ℃温箱培养4 d后收集感染Sf9细胞上清,并通过镍离子亲和层析纯化获得重组N蛋白。经SDS-PAGE及Western blotting鉴定结果表明,本研究成功利用昆虫细胞-杆状病毒表达系统表达出大小约为51 ku的FIPV重组N蛋白。将该蛋白与弗氏佐剂按一定比例混合后,免疫6周龄BALB/c小鼠。用间接ELISA方法检测小鼠血清抗体效价可达1：102 400;利用Western blotting和间接免疫荧光试验对N蛋白多克隆抗体进行检测分析,结果表明,真核表达的重组蛋白免疫原性良好,多克隆抗体具有良好的反应原性,可特异识别FIPV感染细胞。本研究为FIPV抗原/抗体诊断试剂盒的研发奠定了基础。     

金定鸭不同组织和血液中TLR1、TLR2、TLR4、TLR5的表达差异分析

试验旨在研究不同Toll样受体（Toll-like receptor,TLR）在鸭不同组织中的表达情况,选取300日龄雄性金定鸭10只,解剖后采集其血液及脾脏、肝脏、睾丸、肺脏、下丘脑、垂体、皮肤、腿肌、心脏、肾脏、胸肌、盲肠、小肠、胸腺,采用Primer Premier 5.0软件设计特异性引物,并用实时荧光定量PCR法检测TLR1、TLR2、TLR4、TLR5在不同组织中的相对表达情况。结果显示,各基因扩增产物的熔解曲线均有一特异性的单峰,无其他杂峰,说明引物的特异性较强,可以准确定量。4种目的基因与内参基因的扩增效率在101.4%~105.0%之间,均接近100%,相关系数（R²）为0.98~1.000。TLR1、TLR2、TLR4、TLR5 4种TLRs在金定鸭不同组织和血液中均有表达,但每种TLR受体在各组织中表达水平略有差异,其中TLR1在下丘脑中表达量最低,在胸肌中最高;TLR2在小肠中的表达量最低,在肺脏中最高;TLR4、TLR5在睾丸中的表达量最低,在皮肤中最高。以上结果说明,鸭TLRs在多种组织中能够广泛表达,本试验结果可为TLRs在鸭源感染过程中的作用机理研究提供科学依据。     

Analysis of TLR1,TLR2,TLR4 and TLR5 Expression in Different Tissues of Jinding Duck

The aim of this study was to explore the expression profiles of Toll-like receptor (TLR) in different tissues,and to lay the foundation of TLRs research for ducks.Ten male Jinding ducks of 300 days of age were slaughtered,and the blood sample and 14 different kinds of tissues (spleen, liver, testise, lung,hypothalamus,pituitary gland,skin,leg muscle,heart,kidney, chest muscle,caecum,small intestine and thymus) were collected. The Primer Premier 5.0 software was used to design specific primers and the quantitative Real-time PCR method was used to detect the relative expression levels of TLR1,TLR2,TLR4 and TLR5 mRNA. The results showed that there were only one specific peak on the melting curve of each gene amplification products,indicating that the specificity of the primers were strong. The amplification efficiency of the target genes was 101.4% to 105.0% and the correlation coefficient (R²) was 0.98 to 1.000. The four kinds of TLRs expressed in all of the 14 tissues and blood with varying abundance in different tissues for each of the 4 kinds of TLRs.The expression levels of TLR1 was lowest in hypothalamus,and highest in chest muscle. The expression levels of TLR2 was lowest in small intestine,and highest in lung. The lowest expressed tissues for TLR4 and TLR5 were testis, and the highest expressed tissues were skin.The study indicated that TLRs were widely expressed in various tissues of duck,which laid the foundation for further study on the role mechanism of duck TLRs in the process of pathogen infection.     

猪Toll样受体9基因的克隆、序列分析及其结构预测

本研究应用反转录-聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)扩增技术,从猪脾脏淋巴细胞中,克隆了猪Toll样受体9基因(pTLR9).基因序列分析表明,克隆的pTLR9基因ORF为3 093 bp,编码1 030个氨基酸,含18.5%的亮氨酸,含有24个氨基酸的信号肤序列,属于Ⅰ型跨膜受体,具有富含亮氨酸的重复序列(LRR)和Toll/IL-1R同源区结构域;与GenBank上登载的pTLR9参考序列(AY859728)的同源性为99.3%,与牛、马、羊和人的同源性较高,与家鼠、褐鼠的次之,TLR9的演化关系与亲缘关系密切.     

红嘴鸥TLR7基因克隆与生物信息学分析

【目的】克隆野生鸟类红嘴鸥Toll样受体7(TLR7)基因,并对其编码蛋白进行生物信息学分析,为后期TLR7蛋白的抗病毒活性研究做准备。【方法】采用cDNA末端快速扩增技术(rapid amplification of cDNA ends, RACE)扩增红嘴鸥TLR7基因全序列,通过生物信息学软件分析TLR7基因序列、稀有密码子、相似性及其编码蛋白的理化性质、跨膜区域、信号肽、N-糖基化位点、磷酸化位点和亚细胞定位,分别利用SOPMA和SWISS-MODEL软件预测TLR7蛋白的二级结构和三级结构。【结果】试验成功克隆红嘴鸥TLR7基因(GenBank登录号:MZ668652),全长1 720 bp,开放阅读框(ORF)大小为1 182 bp,存在39个稀有密码子,其中含8个连续稀有密码子,编码393个氨基酸;红嘴鸥TLR7基因与GenBank中原鸡、红腹角雉、鹌鹑、绿头鸭、黑天鹅、山雀、白鹭、帝企鹅、红喉潜鸟和巴布亚企鹅的TLR7基因相似性分别为85.7%、84.9%、85.4%、87.0%、87.8%、86.8%、91.0%、93.1%、93.1%和93.1%。系统进化树结果显示...     

Expression dynamics of Toll-like receptors mRNA and cytokines in porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide

The Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 is critical for the recognition of Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) but in porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) it may cooperate with other TLRs and lead to the production of inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, we analyzed TLR1-10 mRNA expression in porcine PBMCs stimulated with LPS over time (1-48 h) by using quantitative real-time PCR and cytokine proteins level by ELISA in culture supernatant. TLR1-10 mRNA was detectable in porcine PBMCs. When compared with the control (non-stimulated), TLR1 mRNA were increased (p<0.05) at 3 h after challenge with 1 μg/ml LPS, whereas TLR1 and TLR2 mRNA were increased (p<0.01) at 6 h after challenge with 10 μg/ml LPS. TLR4 increased (p<0.001) at 3h after challenge with LPS and remained constant. TLR5 and TLR6 mRNA increased (p<0.05) at 9 h and 1 h after of LPS stimulation, respectively. The mRNA of CD14 and MD2 were increased (p<0.001) at 1h after LPS stimulation. Additionally, at most of the time analyzed, the mRNA expression increased with the dose of LPS. The LPS concentration had influence (p<0.05) on all the TLRs expression except TLR10; whereas time had effect (p<0.05) on all TLRs expression except TLR2, 3, 6 and 10. When compared to the control, the cytokines IL1b, IL8 and TNFα proteins were increased (p<0.001) immediately at 1 h after LPS stimulation and remained constant till 48 h. IL12b was increased (p<0.001) 12 h after challenge with 10 μg/ml of LPS. Although IL8 level was the highest, the higher (p<0.05) expression of all these inflammatory cytokines indicate that upon interacting with TLRs, LPS exerted inflammatory response in PBMCs through the production of Th1 type cytokines. The production of cytokines was influenced (p<0.001) by both the dose of LPS and the stimulation time. Hence, the porcine PBMCs are likely able to express all members of TLRs.     

Use of albumin quotient and IgG index to differentiate blood- vs brain-derived proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid of cats with feline infectious peritonitis

BACKGROUND: Inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS) is a frequent condition in cats but etiology often remains unsolved. Routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis can be extended through the calculation of the albumin quotient (Q(alb)), a marker of the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and IgG index, an estimate of intrathecal IgG synthesis. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to validate nephelometric methods for CSF protein analysis, and to use the Q(alb) and IgG index to discriminate blood- and brain-derived immunoglobulin fractions in cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). METHODS: Cats presented to our clinic between 2001 and 2005 were included in the study based on clinical and laboratory data and histopathologic findings at necropsy. Cats were grouped as having nonneurologic disease (controls; n=37), brain tumors (n=8), FIP involving the CNS (n=12), and extraneural FIP (n=12). CSF-total protein (TP) was measured and albumin and IgG concentrations were measured in paired CSF/serum samples; Q(alb) and IgG index were calculated. Intraassay and interassay precision of the nephelometric assays were determined using pooled samples. RESULTS: Coefficients of variation for the nephelometric assays ranged from 2.7% to 7.2%. In control cats, CSF-TP concentration ranged from 0.06 to 0.36 g/L, Q(alb) ranged from 0.6 to 5.7 x 10(-3), and IgG index ranged from 0.3 to 0.6. Q(alb) and IgG index were significantly higher in cats with brain tumors and cats with CNS-FIP compared with other groups. Compared with control cats, pleocytosis was evident in 8 of 12 (67%) cats and CSF-TP was increased in 3 of 12 (25%) cats with CNS-FIP. CONCLUSION: Nephelometry is a reliable method for measurement of CSF protein, albumin, and IgG in cats. The Q(alb) and IgG index did not identify a CSF protein pattern specific for BBB dysfunction or intrathecal IgG synthesis in cats with CNS-FIP.     

荷斯坦乳牛乳腺和乳腺上皮细胞中Toll样受体及辅助因子编码基因的检测

参照牛TLR4、TLR2、CD14、MD-2基因序列设计了相应基因的引物。采用RT-PCR技术检测了体外培养的荷斯坦乳牛乳腺和乳腺上皮细胞中Toll样受体TLR4、TLR2及辅助因子CD14、MD-2基因。结果显示,乳腺上皮细胞中存在TLR4、TLR2、CD14和MD-2四个基因的表达,而乳腺中除MD-2未检测到外,其余3个基因均扩增成功。说明该受体及辅助因子可能参与了乳腺的先天性免疫防御。该研究为探讨乳腺的先天性免疫及乳腺上皮细胞在乳腺先天性免疫中的作用奠定了基础。     

Expression of Toll-like receptors 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD-2 in the normal equine cornea, limbus, and conjunctiva

Objective Human corneal cells have detectable levels of TLRs 1‐10. TLRs 2 and 4 are the major corneal receptors, recognizing the PAMPs associated with fungal invasion in humans. The conjunctiva and limbus contain TLRs 2, 4, and 9. Our purpose was to determine the expression of TLRs 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD‐2 in the normal equine cornea, conjunctiva, and limbus. Methods Corneal, limbal, and conjunctival tissues were collected from seven euthanized horses having no evidence of ocular disease. RNA extraction with DNase‐1 digestion was performed followed by RT‐PCR to determine expression of TLRs 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD‐2. Products were resolved by electrophoresis on 1.5% agarose gels and visualized using ethidium bromide staining. Results Expression of TLRs 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD‐2 was present in the cornea, limbus, and conjunctiva of each horse, except one horse, where TLR3 expression was unable to be demonstrated in the dorsal and ventral conjunctiva. Conclusions Confirming the expression of TLRs in equine ocular tissues is an initial step in identifying how they play a role in infectious keratitis, particularly fungal. The results further support the use of equine ocular tissues as a model for human fungal keratitis. Studies of the TLR expression together with their cytokine profile induced during equine fungal keratitis may help further clarify the pathogenesis of the disease and possibly lead to the development of new treatment protocols for both equines and humans.     

Genetic characterization of bovine viral diarrhea virus strains in Beijing,China and innate immune responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in persistently infected dairy cattle

To acquire epidemiological data on the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and identify cattle persistently infected (PI) with this virus, 4,327 samples from Holstein dairy cows were screened over a four-year period in Beijing, China. Eighteen BVD viruses were isolated, 12 from PI cattle. Based on genetic analysis of their 5''-untranslated region (5''-UTR), the 18 isolates were assigned to subgenotype BVDV-1m, 1a, 1d, 1q, and 1b. To investigate the innate immune responses in the peripheral-blood mononuclear cells of PI cattle, the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), RIG-I-like receptors, interferon-α (IFN-α), IFN-β, myxovirus (influenza virus) resistance 1 (MX1), and interferon stimulatory gene 15 (ISG15) was assessed by qPCR. When compared with healthy cattle, the expression of TLR-7, IFN-α, and IFN-β mRNA was downregulated, but the expression of MX1 and ISG-15 mRNA was upregulated in PI cattle. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that the expression of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) and IRF-7 was lower in PI cattle than in healthy cattle. Thus, BVDV-1m and 1a are the predominant subgenotypes in the Beijing region, and the strains are highly divergent. Our findings also suggest that the TLR-7/IRF-7 signaling pathway plays a role in evasion of host restriction by BVDV.