Genomic characteristics of an avipoxvirus 282E4 strain.

Avipoxvirus 282E4 strain was extensively applied into recombinant vaccine vector to prevent other infectious diseases. However, little information on the genomic background, functional and genetic evolutionary of the isolate 282E4 strain was clarified. The results showed that the linear genome of avipoxvirus 282E4 was 308,826 bp, containing 313 open reading frames (ORFs) and 12 new predicted ORFs. The 282E4 strain appears to encode two novel thymidine kinase proteins and two TGF-beta-like proteins that may be associated with the suppression of the host's antiviral response. Avipoxvirus 282E4 also encodes 57 ankyrin repeat proteins and 5 variola B22R-like proteins, which composed 7% of the avipoxvirus 282E4 genome. GO and KEGG analysis further revealed that 12 ORFs participate in viral transcription process, 7 ORFs may function during DNA repair, replication and biological synthesis, and ORF 208 is involved in the process of virus life cycle. Interestingly, phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated sequences p4b and DNA polymerase of avipoxviruses gene demonstrates that avipoxvirus 282E4 strain is divergent from known FWPV isolates and is similar to shearwater poxvirus (SWPV-1) that belongs to the CNPV-like virus. Sequencing avipoxvirus 282E4 is a significant step to judge the genetic position of avipoxviruses within the larger Poxviridae phylogenetic tree and provide a new insight into the genetic background of avipoxvirus 282E4 and interspecies transmission of poxviruses, meanwhile, explanation of gene function provides theoretical foundation for vaccine design with 282E4 strain as skeleton.

N6-Methyladenosine modification (m6A) of circRNA-ZNF638 contributes to the induced activation of SHF stem cells through miR-361-5p/Wnt5a axis in cashmere goats.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of N6-Methyladenosine modification-circRNA-zinc finger protein 638 (m6A-circRNA-ZNF638) on the induced activation of secondary hair follicle (SHF) stem cells with its potential mechanisms in cashmere goats. METHODS: The m6A modification of ZNF638 was analyzed using methylation immunoprecipitation with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique in SHF stem cells. The effects of circRNA-ZNF638 on the induced activation of SHF stem cells in m6A dependence were evaluated through the overexpression of circRNA-ZNF638/its m6Adeficient mutants in circRNA-ZNF638 knockdown SHF stem cells. The competitive binding of miR-361-5p to circRNA-ZNF638/Wnt5a 3'- untranslated region was analyzed through Dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: The m6A-circRNA-ZNF638 had significantly higher transcription at anagen SHF bulge of cashmere goats compared with that at telogen, as well as it positively regulated the induced activation of SHF-stem cells in cashmere goats. Mechanismly, m6A-circRNA-ZNF638 sponged miR-361-5p to heighten the transcriptional expression of Wnt5a gene in SHFstem cells. We further demonstrated that the internal m6A modification within circRNAZNF638 is required for mediating the miR-361-5p/Wnt5a pathway to regulate the induced activation of SHF stem cells through an introducing of m6A-deficient mutant of circRNAZNF638. CONCLUSION: The circRNA-ZNF638 contributes the proper induced activation of SHF-stem cells in cashmere goats in m6A-dependent manner through miR-361-5p/Wnt5a axis.

Immunogenicity and protection against Glaesserella parasuis serotype 13 infection after vaccination with recombinant protein LolA in mice.

Glaesserella parasuis is a pathogen causing Glässer's disease characterized by fibrinous polyserositis, polyarthritis, and meningitis. Owing to the low cross-immunogenicity of different bacterial antigens in commercial vaccines, finding and identifying effective immunoprotective antigens will facilitate the development of novel subunit vaccines. In this study, LolA, identified by bioinformatics approaches, was cloned and successfully expressed as a recombinant protein in Escherichia coli, and its immunogenicity and protection were evaluated in a mouse model. The results showed that the recombinant protein LolA can stimulate mice to produce high levels of IgG antibodies and confer 50% protection against challenge with the highly virulent G. parasuis CY1201 strain (serotype 13). By testing the cytokine levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-10, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), it was found that the recombinant protein LolA can induce both Th1 and Th2 immune responses in mice. These results suggest that the recombinant protein LolA has the potential to serve as an alternative antigen for a novel vaccine to prevent G. parasuis infection.

The Host Restriction Factor Interferon-Inducible Transmembrane Protein 3 Inhibits Vaccinia Virus Infection.

Interferons (IFNs) establish dynamic host defense mechanisms by inducing various IFN-stimulated genes that encodes many antiviral innate immune effectors. IFN-inducible transmembrane (IFITM) proteins have been identified as intrinsic antiviral effectors, which block the entry of a broad spectrum of enveloped RNA viruses by interrupting virus-endosomal fusion. However, antiviral activity of IFITM proteins against mammalian DNA virus has not been demonstrated till date. Here, we sought to investigate the antiviral activities and mechanisms of interferon-inducible transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) protein against poxvirus infection. Analysis of expression kinetics of cell endogenous IFITM3 protein indicated that vaccinia virus (VACV) infection suppressed its translation, which was independent of IRF3 phosphorylation triggered by VACV. Although silencing of endogenous IFITM proteins did not affect their baseline antiviral effects in the cell, it has reduced the IFN-α-mediated inhibition of VACV infection, and also modulated VACV-induced cell death. Moreover, we discovered that overexpression of IFITM3 significantly restricted VACV infection, replication and proliferation mainly by interfering with virus entry processes prior to the virus nucleocapsid entry into the cytoplasm. Interestingly, IFITM3 overexpression showed an impact on virus binding. Furthermore, IFITM3 interfered with the cytosolic entry of virus through low pH-dependent fashion. Taken together, our findings provide the first evidence of exogenously expressed IFITM3 protein restricting infection of an enveloped DNA virus, thus expanding their antiviral spectrum. This study further explores the complex mechanism and provides novel insights into the interaction between virus infection and host defense.

Evaluation of immunomodulatory activity of two potential probiotic Lactobacillus strains by in vivo tests.

Here we evaluate the immunomodulatory function of two potential probiotic strains, Lactobacillus salivarius CICC 23174 and Lactobacillus plantarum CGMCC 1.557. Mice were fed with each Lactobacillus strain at different doses for several consecutive days. The effects of the two probiotic strains on immune organs, immune cells and immune molecules were investigated on days 10 and 20. Both Lactobacillus strains increased the spleen index, improved the spleen lymphocyte transformation rate, enhanced sIgA production and improved the number of CD11c(+) CD80(+) double-positive cells. L. plantarum CGMCC 1.557 was the more active strain in enhancing the phagocytic activity of macrophages, while, L. salivarius CICC 23174 was the more effective strain at maintaining the Th1/Th2 balance. This study suggests that these two Lactobacillus strains have beneficial effects on regulation of immune responses, which has promising implications for the development of ecological agents and functional foods.

Immunogenicity and virulence of attenuated vaccinia virus Tian Tan encoding HIV-1 muti-epitope genes, p24 and cholera toxin B subunit in mice.

No effective prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine against HIV-1 in humans is currently available. This study analyzes the immunogenicity and safety of a recombinant attenuated vaccinia virus. A chimeric gene of HIV-1 multi-epitope genes containing CpG ODN and cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) was inserted into Chinese vaccinia virus Tian Tan strain (VTT) mutant strain. The recombinant virus rddVTT(-CCMp24) was assessed for immunogenicity and safety in mice. Results showed that the protein CCMp24 was expressed stably in BHK-21 infected with rddVTT(-CCMp24). And the recombinant virus induced the production of HIV-1 p24 specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), IL-2 and IL-4. The recombinant vaccine induced γ-interferon secretion against HIV peptides, and elicited a certain levels of immunological memory. Results indicated that the recombinant virus had certain immunogenicity to HIV-1. Additionally, the virulence of the recombinant virus was been attenuated in vivo of mice compared with wild type VTT (wtVTT), and the introduction of CTB and HIV Mp24 did not alter the infectivity and virulence of defective vaccinia virus.

Oxymatrine lightened the inflammatory response of LPS-induced mastitis in mice through affecting NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways.

Mastitis, an inflammatory reaction of the mammary gland, is recognized as one of the most costly diseases in dairy cattle. Oxymatrine, one of the alkaloids extracted from Chinese herb Sophora flavescens Ait, has been reported to have many biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-virus, and anti-hepatic fibrosis properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect and the anti-inflammatory mechanism of oxymatrine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mastitis in mice. The mouse mastitis was induced by 10 µg of LPS for 24 h. Oxymatrine was intraperitoneally administered with the dose of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg 1 h before and 12 h after LPS induction. The results showed that oxymatrine significantly attenuated the damage of the mammary gland induced by LPS. Oxymatrine inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and IκB in NF-κB signal pathway and reduced the phosphorylation of p38, ERK, and JNK in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) signal pathway. The results showed that oxymatrine had a protective effect on LPS-induced mastitis, and the anti-inflammatory mechanism of oxymatrine was related to the inhibition of NF-κB and MAPKs signal pathways.

In vitro evaluation of the probiotic and functional potential of Lactobacillus strains isolated from fermented food and human intestine.

This study aims to evaluate the functional and probiotic characteristics of eight indigenous Lactobacillus strains in vitro. The selected lactobacilli include strains of Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei, Lactobacillus salivarius subsp. salicinius, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. All strains tolerated both pH 2 for 3 h and 1% bile salt for 24 h. The strains CICC 23174 and CGMCC 1.557 were the most adhesive strains producing the highest quantity of EPS. Although a wide variation in the ability of the eight strains to deplete cholesterol and nitrite, antagonize pathogens, scavenge free radical, and stimulate innate immune response were observed, the strains CICC 23174 and CGMCC 1.557 showed the widest range of these useful traits. Taken together, the strains CICC 23174 and CGMCC 1.557 exhibited the best probiotic properties with the potential for use in the production of probiotic fermented foods.

Immunogenicity analysis following human immunodeficiency virus recombinant DNA and recombinant vaccinia virus Tian Tan prime-boost immunization.

This study assessed and compared the immunogenicity of various immunization strategies in mice using combinations of recombinant DNA (pCCMp24) and recombinant attenuated vaccinia virus Tian Tan (rddVTT-CCMp24). Intramuscular immunization was performed on days 0 (prime) and 21 (boost). The immunogenicity of the vaccine schedules was determined by measuring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific binding antibody levels and cytokine (interleukin-2 and interleukin-4) concentrations in peripheral blood, analyzing lymphocyte proliferation capacity against HIV epitopes and CD4(+)/CD8(+) cell ratio, and monitoring interferon-gamma levels at different times post-immunization. The results showed that pCCMp24, rddVTT-CCMp24 and their prime-boost immunization induced humoral and cellular immune responses. The pCCMp24/rddVTT-CCMp24 immunization strategy increased CD8(+) T cells and induced more IFN-γ-secreting cells compared with single-shot rDNA. The prime-boost immunization strategy also induced the generation of cellular immunological memory to HIV epitope peptides. These results demonstrated that prime-boost immunization with rDNA and rddVTT-CCMp24 had a tendency to induce greater cellular immune response than single-shot vaccinations, especially IFN-γ response, providing a basis for further studies.

Lactobacilli reduce chemokine IL-8 production in response to TNF-α and Salmonella challenge of Caco-2 cells.

The probiotic properties of two selected lactobacilli strains were assessed. L. salivarius and L. plantarum displayed higher hydrophobicity (48% and 54%, resp.) and coaggregation ability with four pathogens (from 7.9% to 57.5%). L. salivarius and L. plantarum had good inhibitory effects on S. aureus (38.2% and 49.5%, resp.) attachment to Caco-2 cells. Live lactobacilli strains and their conditioned media effectively inhibited IL-8 production (<14.6 pg/mL) in TNF-α-induced Caco-2 cells. Antibiotic-treated and the sonicated lactobacilli also maintained inhibitory effects (IL-8 production from 5.0 to 36.3 pg/mL); however, the heat-treated lactobacilli lost their inhibitory effects (IL-8 production from 130.2 to 161.0 pg/mL). These results suggest that both the structural components and the soluble cellular content of lactobacilli have anti-inflammatory effects. We also found that pretreatment of Caco-2 cells with lactobacilli inhibited S. typhimurium-induced IL-8 production (<27.3 pg/mL). However, lactobacilli did not inhibit IL-8 production in Caco-2 cells pretreated with S. typhimurium. These results suggest that the tested lactobacilli strains are appropriate for preventing inflammatory diseases caused by enteric pathogens but not for therapy. In short, L. salivarius and L. plantarum are potential candidates for the development of microbial ecological agents and functional foods.

Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus adherence to Caco-2 cells by lactobacilli and cell surface properties that influence attachment.

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that can colonize human and animal intestinal tracts, causing certain gastrointestinal diseases. The adherence of enteric pathogens to host intestinal epithelial cells is important for their pathogenesis. In the present study, Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus plantarum were investigated in vitro to examine their ability to competitively exclude S. aureus. Various factors involved in attachment, including bacterial status and cell concentration, growth phase, competition patterns, and surface-layer protein extracts, were also investigated. Live lactobacilli in the mid-log growth phase exhibited maximum inhibitory activity when lactobacilli were pre- or co-incubated with S. aureus. However, the inhibitory activity was significantly reduced when the lactobacilli were inactivated by heating or treated with LiCl. Furthermore, both lactobacilli possessed certain cell surface properties, such as hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, and coaggregation ability. L. salivarius and L. plantarum strongly inhibited S. aureus adherence to Caco-2 cells and their inhibition activity was significantly influenced by several factors that affect adhesion inhibition.

Construction and immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine containing clumping factor A of Staphylococcus aureus and bovine IL18.

Selection of potent cytokine adjuvants is important for the development of Staphylococcus aureus DNA vaccines. Several potential cytokines have been proven to induce enhanced immune responses in animal models and clinical tests. There is still no reported use of IL18 as an adjuvant to design DNA vaccines against S. aureus. In this study, we cloned the main fibronectin binding protein gene (a fragment from clumping factor A, ClfA(221-550)) of S. aureus and bovine interleukin 18 (bIL18). Then recombinant plasmids were constructed based on the eukaryotic expression vector pVAX1 with or without bIL18. Indirect immunofluorescence assays in transfected HeLa cells indicated that the recombinant DNAs (rDNAs) could be expressed correctly and had antigenicity. BALB/c mice were used as experimental models to examine the immunogenicity of rDNAs in vivo. The ClfA(221-550) rDNA provoked antibody production. The bIL18 rDNA induced production of the Th1 type cytokines IL2 and IFNgamma, and ClfA(221-550) and bIL18 synergistically stimulated T-lymphocyte proliferation. The data demonstrated that bIL18 is a potent adjuvant that could be used to enhance cellular immunity.

Immune responses of pigs inoculated with a recombinant fowlpox virus coexpressing GP5/GP3 of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and swine IL-18.

Two recombinant fowlpox viruses (rFPV-ORF5-ORF3 and rFPV-IL-18-ORF5-ORF3) containing the ORF5/ORF3 cDNAs of PRRSV (strain Chang Chun) and IL-18 of swine were constructed and evaluated for theirs abilities to induce humoral and cellular responses in piglets. In addition, their abilities to protect piglets against homologous virus challenge were examined. All piglets were given booster vaccinations at 21 days after the initial inoculation, and all piglets were challenged at 60 after the initial inoculation. Control groups were inoculated with wild-type fowlpox virus (wtFPV). All animals vaccinated with rFPV-ORF5-ORF3 and rFPV-IL-18-ORF5-ORF3 developed specific anti-PRRSV ELISA antibody and neutralizing antibody, as well as T-lymphocyte proliferation response. To evaluate the cellular immune function, IFN-gamma production in pigs serum and T-lymphocytes (CD4 and CD8 T cells) in peripheral blood were examined. Following challenge with a pathogenic strain of PRRSV (strain Chang Chun), piglets inoculated with recombinant fowlpox virus (rFPV) showed lower (P<0.05) temperature, viremia and virus load in bronchial lymph nodes than control animals, suggesting the establishment of partial protection against PRRSV infection. The results demonstrated the potential use of a fowlpox virus-based recombinant vaccine in the control and prevention of PRRSV infections.