Vaccine Efficacy of Self-Assembled Multimeric Protein Scaffold Particles Displaying the Glycoprotein Gn Head Domain of Rift Valley Fever Virus.

Compared to free antigens, antigens immobilized on scaffolds, such as nanoparticles, generally show improved immunogenicity. Conventionally, antigens are conjugated to scaffolds through genetic fusion or chemical conjugation, which may result in impaired assembly or heterogeneous binding and orientation of the antigens. By combining two emerging technologies-i.e., self-assembling multimeric protein scaffold particles (MPSPs) and bacterial superglue-these shortcomings can be overcome and antigens can be bound on particles in their native conformation. In the present work, we assessed whether this technology could improve the immunogenicity of a candidate subunit vaccine against the zoonotic Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). For this, the head domain of glycoprotein Gn, a known target of neutralizing antibodies, was coupled on various MPSPs to further assess immunogenicity and efficacy in vivo. The results showed that the Gn head domain, when bound to the lumazine synthase-based MPSP, reduced mortality in a lethal mouse model and protected lambs, the most susceptible RVFV target animals, from viremia and clinical signs after immunization. Furthermore, the same subunit coupled to two other MPSPs (Geobacillus stearothermophilus E2 or a modified KDPG Aldolase) provided full protection in lambs as well.

Coinfection with Haemophilus parasuis serovar 4 increases the virulence of porcine circovirus type 2 in piglets.

BACKGROUND: Postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) is an emerging disease in swine. Pigs with PMWS are often infected with a variety of other pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and mycoplasm, in addition to porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). PCV2 and Haemophilus parasuis serovar 4 (HPS4) coinfection remain epidemic in China. METHODS: Here we report construction of a three-week-old naturally farrowed, colostrum-deprived (NFCD) piglet's infection model and demonstrate that PCV2-infected piglets with the HPS4 coinfection increased the virulence of PCV2 and these pathogens interact acquired PMWS. RESULTS: All the single infected piglets were transiently bacteremic or viremic. All the PCV2/HPS4 coinfected piglets developed PMWS, characterized by dyspnea, anorexia, prostration and lose weight severely. Co-infection with PCV2 and HPS4 resulted in an increased amount of virus in serum and tissues, presented a slower generation and lower levels of antibodies against PCV2. Co-infection with PCV2 and HPS4 resulted in further reductions in total and differential peripheral blood leukocyte counts. Meantime, PCV2/ HPS4 coinfection potentiated the severity of lung and lymphoid lesions by PCV2-associated, increased the virulence of PCV2-antigen and enhanced the incidence of PMWS in piglets. CONCLUSION: Co-infection with PCV2 and HPS4 induce the exacerbation of system injuries and enhance the pathogenicity of PCV2 in piglets.

Effect of sow vaccination against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) on virological profiles in herds with or without PCV2 systemic disease.

We investigated porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) virological profiles in herds affected (PCVAD-AH, n = 5) or non-affected (PCVAD-NAH, n = 4) by PCV2-associated diseases (PCVAD), before and after 1 y of PCV2 gilt and sow vaccination. Fresh feces from the floor (5 pens/age/farm) and 5 blood samples (1/pen) were collected at 3, 9, 15, 21 wk. Individual feces and blood samples were collected from 5 gilts and 15 sows. Sampling was repeated 1 y after vaccination. Quantitative PCR on feces, PCV2 antibodies in blood serum and cell-mediated immunity were investigated. Before vaccination, pigs of PCVAD-AH had higher viral load in feces (9 and 15 wk), lower IgG and higher IgM (3 wk) and lower lymphocyte counts (9 and 15 wk) suggesting immunosuppression. Vaccination reduced viral load in growers, increased IgG (3 wk) suggesting improved maternal immunity, reduced IgM (3 wk), increased total antibody titers in sows and increased CD79a cells in the pigs.

Effet de la vaccination des truies contre le circovirus porcin de type 2 (PCV2) sur les profils virologiques des troupeaux atteints ou non de la maladie systémique PCV2. Nous avons fait une enquête sur les profils virologiques du circovirus porcin de type 2 (PCV2) dans les troupeaux affectés (PCVAD-AH, n = 5) ou non affectés (PCVAD-NAH, n = 4) par les maladies associées au PCV2 (MAPCV), 1 an avant et 1 an après la vaccination des cochettes et des truies contre le PCV2. Des fèces fraîches sur le plancher (5 enclos/âge/ferme) et 5 échantillons de sang (1/enclos) ont été prélevés à 3, 9, 15 et 21 semaines. Des fèces individuelles et des échantillons sanguins ont été préIevés auprès de 5 cochettes et de 15 truies. L'échantillonnage a été répété 1 an après la vaccination. La RCP quantitative sur les fèces, les anticorps de PCV2 dans le sérum sanguin et l'immunité à médiation cellulaire ont fait l'objet d'une enquête. Avant la vaccination, les porcs de PCVAD-AH présentaient une charge virale supérieure dans les fèces (à 9 et à 15 semaines), une IgG inférieure et une IgM supérieure (à 3 semaines) ainsi qu'une numération inférieure des lymphocytes (à 9 et à 15 semaines) suggérant l'immunosuppression. La vaccination a réduit la charge virale chez les porcs en croissance, a augmenté les IgG (à 3 semaines) suggérant une immunité maternelle améliorée, a réduit les IgM (à 3 semaines), a augmenté le total des titres d'anticorps chez les truies et a augmenté les cellules CD79a chez les porcs.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

The B-cell response to foot-and-mouth-disease virus in cattle following vaccination and live-virus challenge.

Antibodies play a pivotal role against viral infection, and maintenance of protection is dependent on plasma and memory B-cells. Understanding antigen-specific B-cell responses in cattle is essential to inform future vaccine design. We have previously defined T-cell-dependent and -independent B-cell responses in cattle, as a prelude to investigating foot-and-mouth-disease-virus (FMDV)-specific B-cell responses. In this study, we have used an FMDV O-serotype vaccination (O1-Manisa or O SKR) and live-virus challenge (FMDV O SKR) to investigate the homologous and heterologous B-cell response in cattle following both vaccination and live-virus challenge. The FMDV O-serotype vaccines were able to induce a cross-reactive plasma-cell response, specific for both O1-Manisa and O SKR, post-vaccination. Post-FMDV O SKR live-virus challenge, the heterologous O1-Manisa vaccination provided cross-protection against O SKR challenge and cross-reactive O SKR-specific plasma cells were induced. However, vaccination and live-virus challenge were not able to induce a detectable FMDV O-serotype-specific memory B-cell response in any of the cattle. The aim of new FMDV vaccines should be to induce memory responses and increased duration of immunity in cattle.

Reproduction of post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome in an animal disease model as a tool for vaccine testing under controlled conditions.

Snatch farrowed, colostrum deprived piglets were inoculated with different combinations of porcine circovirus 2, porcine parvovirus and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae candidate vaccines. 10 piglets were mock-vaccinated. Following virus challenge with a combined porcine circovirus 2/porcine parvovirus inoculum, all animals were monitored and samples taken for serology, immunohistochemistry and qPCR. At 24 dpc all non-vaccinated animals remaining were exhibiting signs of post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome which was confirmed by laboratory analysis. Details of the study, analysis of samples and performance of the candidate vaccines are described.

Protection from Hendra virus infection with Canarypox recombinant vaccine.

Hendra virus (HeV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen, which causes severe respiratory illness and encephalitis in humans and horses. Since its first appearance in 1994, spillovers of HeV from its natural reservoir fruit bats occur on almost an annual basis. The high mortality rate in both humans and horses and the wide-ranging reservoir distribution are making HeV a serious public health problem, especially for people exposed to sick horses. This study has aimed to develop an efficient low-cost HeV vaccine for horses based on Canarypox recombinant vector expressing HeV glycoproteins, attachment glycoprotein (G) and fusion protein (F). This vaccine was used to immunise hamsters and then challenged intraperitoneally with HeV 3 weeks later. The higher tested dose of the vaccine efficiently prevented oropharyngeal virus shedding and protected animals from clinical disease and virus-induced mortality. Vaccine induced generation of seroneutralising antibodies and prevented virus-induced histopathological changes and a production of viral RNA and antigens in animal tissues. Interestingly, some vaccinated animals, including those immunised at a lower dose, were protected in the absence of detectable specific antibodies, suggesting the induction of an efficient virus-specific cellular immunity. Finally, ponies immunised using the same vaccination protocol as hamsters developed strong seroneutralising titres against both HeV and closely related Nipah virus, indicating that this vaccine may have the ability to induce cross-protection against Henipavirus infection. These data suggest that Canarypox-based vectors encoding for HeV glycoproteins present very promising new vaccine candidate to prevent infection and shedding of the highly lethal HeV.

Porcine coronin 1A contributes to nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inactivation during Haemophilus parasuis infection.

Haemophilus parasuis (H.parasuis) is the etiological agent of porcine polyserositis and arthritis (Glässer's disease) characterized by fibrinous polyserositis, meningitis and polyarthritis, causing severe economic losses to the swine industry. Currently, the molecular basis of this infection is largely unkonwn. Coronin 1A (Coro1A) plays important roles in host against bacterial infection, yet little is known about porcine Coro1A. In this study, we investigated the molecular characterization of porcine Coro1A, revealing that porcine Coro1A was widely expressed in different tissues. Coro1A could be induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), polyinosinic acid-polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)] and H.parasuis in porcine kidney-15 (PK-15) cells. Functional analyses revealed that porcine Coro1A suppressed the NF-κB activation during H.parasuis infection by inhibiting the degradation of IκBα and nuclear translocation of p65. Overexpression of porcine Coro1A inhibited the transcription of NF-κB-mediated downstream genes [Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and COX-2] through down-regulation of NF-κB. The results indicated that porcine Coro1A is an important immunity related gene that helps to inhibit NF-kB activation during H. parasuis infection.

Porcine CD74 is involved in the inflammatory response activated by nuclear factor kappa B during porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) infection.

Human CD74 induces a signalling cascade that results in the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB); however, porcine CD74 has not been widely studied. In this study, we show that porcine CD74 is mainly expressed in cells of the macrophage lineage and can be induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), polyinosinic acid-polycytidylic acid [Poly(I:C)], and infection with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in vitro. In addition, we confirmed that porcine CD74 can activate NF-κB by promoting IκBα degradation and nuclear translocation of p65. Furthermore, the transcription of NF-κB-regulated genes [Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), and COX-2] was upregulated in response to the overexpression of porcine CD74. In general, porcine CD74 significantly enhanced the inflammatory response by regulating the NF-κB signalling pathway during PCV2 infection, which suggests that porcine CD74 may be implicated in the pathogenesis of PCV2 infection.

Transcription analysis of the porcine alveolar macrophage response to porcine circovirus type 2.

BACKGROUND: Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the causal agent of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), which has severely impacted the swine industry worldwide. PCV2 triggers a weak and atypical innate immune response, but the key genes and mechanisms by which the virus interferes with host innate immunity have not yet been elucidated. In this study, genes that control the response of primary porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs), the main target of PCV2, were profiled in vitro. RESULTS: PAMs were successfully infected by PCV2-WH strain, as evidenced quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) results. Infection-related differential gene expression was investigated using pig microarrays from the US Pig Genome Coordination Program and validated by real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Microarray analysis at 24 and 48 hours post-infection (HPI) revealed 266 and 175 unique genes, respectively, that were differentially expressed (false discovery rate <0.05; fold-change >2). Only six genes were differentially expressed between 24 and 48 HPI. The up-regulated genes were principally related to immune response, cytokine activity, locomotion, regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell growth arrest, and antigen procession and presentation. The down-regulated genes were mainly involved in terpenoid biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, translation, proteasome degradation, signal transducer activity, and ribosomal proteins, which were representative of the reduced vital activity of PCV2-infected cells. CONCLUSIONS: PCV2 infection of PAMs causes up-regulation of genes related to inflammation, indicating that PCV2 may induce systematic inflammation. PCV2 persistently induced cytokines, mainly through the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 1 and TLR9 pathways, which may promote high levels of cytokine secretion. PCV2 may prevent apoptosis in PAMs by up-regulating SERPINB9 expression, possibly to lengthen the duration of PCV2 replication-permissive conditions. The observed gene expression profile may provide insights into the underlying immunological response and pathological changes that occur in pigs following PCV2 infection.

Detection of a porcine boca-like virus in combination with porcine circovirus type 2 genotypes and Torque teno sus virus in pigs from postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS)-affected and non-PMWS-affected farms in archival samples from Great Britain.

In this study we detail the detection and genetic analysis of a novel porcine boca-like virus (PBo-likeV) in archival sera and tissue samples from pigs from farms in Great Britain. We also investigate the distribution of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) genotypes and Torque teno sus virus (TTSuV) genogroups 1 and 2 in combination with this novel PBo-likeV. PBo-likeV was detected in over 70% of all tissues investigated. Over 24% of all tissues recovered from PMWS-affected animals had all viruses present and 25% of tissues recovered from non-PMWS-affected pigs were positive for all 4 viruses.

Interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interleukin-13 gene expression in cultured mononuclear cells from porcine circovirus type 2-vaccinated pigs after cells were challenged with porcine circovirus type 2 open reading frame 2 antigen.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the kinetics of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 secretion in peripheral blood and lymph node mononuclear cells isolated from porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2)-vaccinated pigs after cells were challenged with PCV2 open reading frame 2 antigen. ANIMALS: 10 pigs. PROCEDURES: 5 pigs were vaccinated with a PCV2 vaccine and received a booster dose 3 weeks later. They were kept together with a similar group of 5 nonvaccinated pigs that served as controls. One week after the second vaccination, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and excised retropharyngeal lymph node mononuclear cells (LNMCs) were isolated and cultured. Cells were then challenged by exposure to PCV2 open reading frame 2 and evaluated at 2, 12, 24, and 48 hours to determine the expression of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 via quantitative PCR assay. Changes in gene expression were analyzed relative to the results from analysis of the sample at 0 hours (calibrator). RESULTS: All ILs were upregulated differently in LNMCs and PBMCs from vaccinated pigs. Lymph node mononuclear cells from vaccinated animals produced significantly more IL-4 mRNA than did PBMCs at 2, 12, and 48 hours (relative change: 2.8 vs -3.6, 13.0 vs 3.6, and 9.8 vs 1.8, respectively) and more IL-5 mRNA at 2, 12, 24, and 48 hours (relative change: 1. 2 vs -4.8, 2.2 vs 0.2, 3.2 vs -1.9, and 4.0 vs -3.6, respectively). Interleukin-13 mRNA reached its highest concentration at 24 hours but was 11.9-fold higher in PBMCs than in LNMCs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results supported the importance of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in pigs, suggesting that PBMCs and LNMCs express cytokines in a tissue-specific manner.

Assessment of T-dependent and T-independent immune responses in cattle using a B cell ELISPOT assay.

Understanding the mechanisms that maintain protective antibody levels after immunisation is important for vaccine design. In this study, we have determined the kinetics of plasma and memory B cells detectable in the blood of cattle immunised with model T-dependent or T-independent antigens. Immunisation with the T-D antigen resulted in an expansion of TNP-specific plasma cells post-TNP primary and booster immunisations, which was associated with increased titres of TNP-specific IgG antibodies. Although no TNP-specific memory B cells were detected in the T-D group following the primary immunisation, we detected an increase in the number of TNP-specific memory B cells post-TNP boost. In contrast, no TNP-specific plasma or memory B cells were detected after primary or secondary immunisation with the T-I antigen. We then investigated if immunisation with a third party antigen (tetanus toxin fragment C, TTC) would result in a bystander stimulation and increase the number of TNP-specific plasma and memory B cells in the T-D and/or T-I group. TTC immunisation in the T-D group resulted in a small increase in the number of TNP-specific plasma cells post-TTC primary immunisation and boost, and in an increase in the number of TNP-specific memory B cells post-TTC boost. This bystander effect was not observed in the animals previously immunised with the T-I antigen. In conclusion, the present study characterised for the first time the B cell response in cattle to immunisation with T-D and T-I antigens and showed that bystander stimulation of an established T-D B cell memory response may occur in cattle.

Transcription analysis on response of porcine alveolar macrophages to Haemophilus parasuis.

BACKGROUND: Haemophilus parasuis (H. parasuis) is the etiological agent of Glässer's disease in pigs. Currently, the molecular basis of this infection is largely unknown. The innate immune response is the first line of defense against the infectious disease. Systematical analysis on host innate immune response to the infection is important for understanding the pathogenesis of the infectious microorganisms. RESULTS: A total of 428 differentially expressed (DE) genes were identified in the porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) 6 days after H. parasuis infection. These genes were principally related to inflammatory response, immune response, microtubule polymerization, regulation of transcript and signal transduction. Through the pathway analysis, the significant pathways mainly concerned with cell adhesion molecules, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, complement and coagulation cascades, toll-like receptor signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, suggesting that the host took different strategies to activate immune and inflammatory response upon H. parasuis infection. The global interactions network and two subnetworks of the proteins encoded by DE genes were analyzed by using STRING. Further immunostimulation analysis indicated that mRNA levels of S100 calcium-binding protein A4 (S100A4) and S100 calcium-binding protein A6 (S100A6) in porcine PK-15 cells increased within 48 h and were sustained after administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Poly (I:C) respectively. The s100a4 and s100a6 genes were found to be up-regulated significantly in lungs, spleen and lymph nodes in H. parasuis infected pigs. We firstly cloned and sequenced the porcine coronin1a gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed that poCORONIN 1A belonged to the group containing the Bos taurus sequence. Structural analysis indicated that the poCORONIN 1A contained putative domains of Trp-Asp (WD) repeats signature, Trp-Asp (WD) repeats profile and Trp-Asp (WD) repeats circular profile at the N-terminus. CONCLUSIONS: Our present study is the first one focusing on the response of porcine alveolar macrophages to H. parasuis. Our data demonstrate a series of genes are activated upon H. parasuis infection. The observed gene expression profile could help screening the potential host agents for reducing the prevalence of H. parasuis and further understanding the molecular pathogenesis associated with H. parasuis infection in pigs.

A nine-base nucleotide sequence in the porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) nucleocapsid gene determines viral replication and virulence.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) was retrospectively identified by serology in swine populations as an asymptomatic infection at least 25 years prior to the first reported case of PCV2-associated postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). To investigate the sudden emergence of PMWS, viral sequences were amplified from frozen archived (1970-1971) porcine tissues and the complete genome of archival PCV2 was determined. The ORF1 gene product (viral DNA replicase) was homologous to contemporary PCV2 ORF1. In ORF2 (viral nucleocapsid gene) archival PCV2, a consistent linear nine-base sequence difference at base positions 1331 through 1339 was observed. The deduced amino acid sequence from these base changes alters the nucleocapsid conformation within the second immunogenic epitope from a hydrophobic (contemporary PCV2) to a hydrophilic (archival PCV2) configuration. To test the hypothesis that archival PCV2 was avirulent, cloned engineered archival and contemporary PCV2 genomes were constructed wherein the ORF1 gene was identical in each clone and the ORF2 gene (nucleocapsid protein) was sequence-identical in both clones except for the nine-base difference (bases 1331-1339), corresponding to archival and contemporary PCV2 viruses respectively. Clones were transfected into porcine kidney (PK) 15 cells and, after sequence confirmation, further passed in PK15 and 3D4/2 porcine alveolar macrophage cell cultures. Virulence trials in gnotobiotic piglets were conducted with cloned PCV2s. The data show that archival PCV2 is avirulent when compared to contemporary PCV2 and supports the hypothesis that the emergence of virulent contemporary PCV2 was a result of mutational events within this critical epitope after 1971.

Discovery and evolving history of two genetically related but phenotypically different viruses, porcine circoviruses 1 and 2.

Porcine circoviruses (PCVs) belong to the genus Circovirus, family Circoviridae, and are the smallest non-enveloped, single stranded, negative sense, circular DNA viruses that replicate autonomously in mammalian cells. Two types of PCV have been characterised, PCV1 and PCV2 and these two viruses show 83% sequence identity at open reading frame (ORF) 1 and 67% identity at ORF2. PCV1 is a non-pathogenic virus of pigs. In contrast, PCV2 has emerged as a major pathogen of swine around the world. The discovery of PCV1 and how the subsequent studies on this virus eventually led to the recognition and characterisation of PCV2, and the disease scenarios associated with PCV2, serve as a model of how multidisciplinary collaboration among field veterinarians, diagnosticians and researchers can lead to the rapid characterisation and control of a globally important emerging disease.