ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Previously, we investigated the possibility of using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection. Here, we further analyze NIR spectra using molecular clones of various HIV-1 subtypes. METHODS: Culture supernatants of pNL4-3- (HIV-1 molecular clone) or pUC18- (empty vector) transfected 293 T cells were used. In addition, culture supernatants obtained using pBal (HIV-1 subtype B molecular clone) or pIndieC (HIV-1 subtype C molecular clone) were used. Near-infrared radiation (NIR) spectra, obtained using the culture supernatants, were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) to extract and analyze their properties. RESULTS: The PCA demonstrated that HIV-1 in medium altered wavelength absorption at around 950 and 1030 nm, suggesting that the HIV-1 altered OH vibration in water. In addition, absorption varied among subtypes at around 950, 1030 and 1060 nm, suggesting that the interaction between HIV-1 and water varies among subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: These differences in the NIR spectra may make it possible to delineate HIV-1 subtypes spectroscopically.
Subject(s)
Cloning, Molecular/methods , HIV-1/genetics , HIV-1/isolation & purification , Spectrophotometry, Infrared/methods , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Principal Component AnalysisABSTRACT
Considerable information on the functions of prion protein (PrP) has been accumulated. One experimental approach is the use of PrP gene-knockout mice and derived cell lines. This approach has contributed to elucidating the functions of cellular prion protein (PrP(C)), such as its anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic roles. This review will introduce the recent advances in prion biology made possible by the availability of these tools.
Subject(s)
Prions/physiology , Animals , Apoptosis/physiology , Cell Line , Gene Targeting , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Neurons/metabolism , Prions/chemistry , Protein ConformationABSTRACT
Although several methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescent assay, and Western blotting, have been used for the diagnosis of viral infections, none of them is ideal in terms of cost-effectiveness, speed, and accuracy. Currently, the rate of outbreak of emerging viruses is increasing and therefore the development and establishment of analytical methods for such viral infections are becoming more important. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a fast, multicomponent assay that enables non-invasive, non-destructive analysis. Recently, the diagnosis of viral infections using NIR spectroscopy has been attempted. In this review, the potential of the NIR method in the medical and virological fields is discussed.