幽门螺杆菌Lpp20-IL2核酸疫苗免疫活性

【目的】观察pcDNA3.1(+)/Lpp20-IL2免疫C57BL/6小鼠后所产生的体液免疫和细胞免疫应答水平,为研制高效、新型的幽门螺杆菌核酸疫苗提供实验依据。【方法】构建pcDNA3.1(+)/Lpp20-IL2重组载体,并转染HeLa细胞,用Western-blot观察鉴定其在真核细胞得到表达后免疫C57BL/6小鼠,ELISA间接法测定小鼠血清中抗Lpp20IgG抗体水平,ELISA双抗体夹心法检测脾淋巴细胞培养上清中IFN-γ、IL4水平,MTT比色法检测脾淋巴细胞增殖反应,免疫荧光组化法检测Lpp20蛋白在小鼠肌肉组织中的表达情况。【结果】成功构建了pcDNA3.1(+)/Lpp20-IL2真核表达载体,且重组质粒能在HeLa细胞内有效表达目的蛋白;小鼠接种pcDNA3.1(+)/Lpp20-IL2核酸疫苗后能产生特异性IgG抗体,8w后ELISA测定血清抗体A450值明显升高。核酸疫苗pcDNA3.1(+)/Lpp20-IL2免疫组小鼠脾淋巴细胞经特异性抗原刺激后,培养上清中IFN-γ、IL4含量明显升高。pcDNA3.1(+)/Lpp20-IL2和pcDNA3.1(+)/Lpp20核酸疫苗组小鼠脾淋巴细胞经特异性抗原刺激后,刺激指数明显高于空质粒组和PBS组。Lpp20蛋白在小鼠肌肉组织中能够有效表达。【结论】幽门螺杆菌Lpp20-IL2融合基因核酸疫苗和Lpp20单基因核酸疫苗均能刺激机体产生较强细胞免疫应答和体液免疫应答,且前者能诱导更强的细胞免疫应答。     

人乳头瘤病毒l6型E6-E7融合蛋白真核表达载体的构建与鉴定

目的构建人乳头瘤病毒l6型(HPV16)E6-E7融合蛋白真核表达载体,为研究其基因疫苗免疫活性奠定实验基础。方法 PCR扩增HPV16 E6-E7基因片段,将其连接到真核表达载体pcDNA3.1(+),构建真核表达载体pcDNA3.1(+)/HPV16 E6-E7,双酶切及测序鉴定。将质粒转染HeLa细胞,RT-PCR鉴定E6-E7基因在HeLa细胞中的表达。提取质粒免疫小鼠,利用免疫组化方法检测在其肌肉组织中的表达。结果成功构建了真核表达载体pcDNA3.1(+)/HPV16 E6-E7;在转染pcDNA3.1(+)/HPV16 E6-E7的细胞中检测到HPV16 E6-E7基因。在免疫该质粒的小鼠肌肉组织中可以检测到该质粒的蛋白表达。结论成功的构建的了真核表达载体pcDNA3.1(+)/HPV16 E6-E7,该载体能在HeLa细胞内以及小鼠骨骼肌细胞内有效表达。     

HPV6L1/CtMOMP多表位融合基因在COS-7细胞的表达及其在小鼠的免疫效果观察

研究人乳头瘤病毒(human papillomavirus,HPV)6b结构蛋白L1(HPV6b L1)基因佐剂增强沙眼衣原体(Chlamydia trachomatis,Ct)主要外膜蛋白(MOMP)多表位(Ct MOMP168)DNA疫苗的免疫效果的可能性.构建pcDNA3.1(+)/HPV6b L1/Ct MOMP168融合重组质粒,转染COS-7细胞,用RT-PCR、激光共聚焦显微技术及Western印迹技术检测其表达.分别用pcDNA3.1(+)/HPV6b L1/Ct MOMP168、pcDNA3.1(+)/Ct MOMP168及pcDNA3.1(+)质粒肌肉免疫BALB/c小鼠,ELISA检测外周血中IgG及阴道分泌物中sIgA.结果表明,pcDNA3.1(+)/HPV6b L1/CtMOMP168可在COS-7细胞中表达;Ct MOMP168组和HPV6b L1/Ct MOMP168组均可刺激小鼠产生抗Ct MOMP特异性的抗体,抗体滴度随免疫次数增加而升高,且HPV6b L1/Ct MOMP168组小鼠产生的抗体滴度明显高于Ct MOMP168组(P0.05).结果提示,分子佐剂HPV6b L1与CtMOMP多表位基因融合能够显著增强Ct MOMP多表位DNA疫苗的体液免疫应答.     

SARS病毒s1基因片段真核表达载体的构建及免疫效果

本研究根据GenBank登录的BJ01株SARS-CoV序列合成801bpS1基因片段,该片段被亚克隆至真核表达载体pcDNA3.1(+)得到重组质粒pcDNA3.1(+)/S1;转染Hela细胞,SDS-PAGE、Western-Blotting鉴定蛋白表达;肌注免疫BALB/c小鼠,利用ELISA法检测免疫后小鼠的抗SARS/CoVIgG及IFN-γ水平,MTT法检测T细胞增殖活性.结果显示,重组质粒pcDNA3.1(+)/S1可在Hela细胞内表达S1蛋白,免疫后小鼠的T细胞增殖活性增强,抗SARS-CoVIgG与IFN-γ水平升高.本实验说明pcDNA3.1(+)/S1可诱导小鼠产生一定的体液免疫和细胞免疫应答.     

牛分枝杆菌单基因及双价融合基因DNA疫苗免疫效果的研究

利用PCR技术和SOE技术扩增牛分枝杆菌ag85b、esat-6、hsp65、mpb64基因和ag85b-esat-6、hsp65-esat-6和mpb64-esat-6融合基因,连接真核表达载体pCDNA3.1(+),构建重组质粒pCA、pCE6、pCH、pCM、pCAE、pCHE和pCME。转染SP2/0细胞,检测目的基因的表达。以各重组质粒和pCDNA3.1(+)及PBS免疫BALB/c小鼠后检测血清特异性抗体水平、脾淋巴细胞增殖情况和IFN~γ分泌情况。结果表明,七种重组质粒免疫后小鼠血清抗体水平持续上升,与 pCDNA3.1(+)对照组和PBS对照组相比差异显著 （P<0.05）,其中pCA组血清抗体水平明显高于其他六种DNA疫苗免疫组 （P<0.05）;三免两周后,融合基因免疫组的刺激值（SI值）与单基因免疫组相比差异显著（P<0.05）,其中以pCME组的SI值最高;PPD刺激后融合基因DNA疫苗免疫组小鼠脾细胞分泌的IFN~γ高于单基因DNA疫苗组（P<0.05）,而两对照组则未检测到IFN~γ的产生。本试验成功构建了牛分枝杆菌ag85b、esat-6、hsp65、mpb64单基因和ag85b-esat-6、hsp65-esat-6、mpb64-esat-6双价融合基因DNA疫苗,从而为牛结核病新型疫苗的研制奠定了基础。     

汉坦病毒核蛋白基因疫苗的初步研究

探讨了汉坦病毒核蛋白(NP)S基因疫苗的免疫效果。构建重组真核表达质粒pcDNA3.1 S,直接肌注免疫BALB/c小鼠,分别用ELISA法检测血清特异性抗体的变化,MTT法检测T细胞增殖反应,以及用ELISAkit检测免疫鼠脾细胞上清液中细胞因子IL-4和IFN-γ的动态变化,从而了解免疫鼠的体液免疫反应和细胞免疫反应。pcDNA3.1 S接种组的小鼠血清抗体水平、T细胞增殖反应以及细胞因子IL-4和IFN-γ的产生水平均较对照组pcDNA3.1 空载体接种组的要高。编码核蛋白的S基因的核酸免疫可同时启动机体的细胞免疫和体液免疫反应,S基因是汉坦病毒核酸疫苗的一个比较理想的侯选抗原基因。     

IL—18DNA免疫对HIV—1核酸疫苗诱导的免疫应答的影响

为了研究白细胞介素-18(IL-18)基因对人免疫缺陷病毒(HIV-1)核酸疫苗诱导免疫应答的影响,将人IL-18基因插入到真核表达载体pVAX1中,构建了真核表达载体pVAX1-IL-18;将pCI-neoGAG联合pVAX1-IL-18或者pCI-neoGAG单独免疫Balb/c小鼠,检测免疫小鼠的特异性抗体和IFN-γ,同时观察免疫小鼠脾淋巴细胞增殖和小鼠特异性细胞毒性T淋巴细胞(CTL)反应。酶切及测序结果表明成功地构建了人IL-18基因真核表达载体;与pCI-neoGAG免疫组比较,pCI-neoGAG联合pVAX1-IL-18免疫组小鼠血清的抗HIV-1p24抗体滴度降低(P<0.01);而与pCI-neoGAG免疫组比较,pCI-neoGAG联合pVAX1-IL-18免疫组小鼠血清的IFN-γ升高(P<0.01);pCI-neoGAG联合pVAX1-IL-18免疫组小鼠的脾淋巴细胞增殖实验刺激指数(SI)以及特异性CTL活性均高于pCI-neoGAG免疫组(P<0.01)。IL-18基因联合HIV-1核酸疫苗免疫小鼠,可能增强特异性Th1细胞和CTL反应,白细胞介素-18基因对体液免疫有抑制作用。     

沙眼衣原体质粒蛋白pORF5核酸疫苗抗衣原体生殖道感染免疫保护作用

探讨沙眼衣原体(Chlamydia trachomatis, Ct)pORF5质粒蛋白核酸疫苗免疫保护效果, 及分析其可能的免疫保护机制, 以确定pORF5在Ct疫苗研制中的应用价值. 构建pORF5核酸疫苗, 建立Ct感染小鼠模型, 并在该模型中评价pORF5核酸疫苗抗Ct感染效果. 运用细胞培养法检测Ct清除率及定植量的改变, ELISA法分析脾淋巴细胞IFN-γ和IL-4产生水平及小鼠血清及生殖道局部抗体产生情况; HE染色法分析输卵管病理组织变化; MTT法分析脾淋巴细胞增殖. 结果经鼻黏膜3次免疫后, pORF5核酸疫苗组在Ct感染后第24天其清除率为100%, 显著高于pcDNA3.1, PBS对照组(P<0.01), 定植密度明显低于对照组(P<0.01), 仅在pORF5核酸疫苗组小鼠血清及生殖道中检测到了特异性抗体, 产生的抗体亚类分别以IgG2a, IgA为主; 免疫组小鼠脾淋巴细胞产生IFN-γ及刺激指数均明显高于pcDNA3.1, PBS对照组(P<0.01), 但产生 IL-4的水平均较低. pORF5核酸疫苗组小鼠输卵管解剖结构基本正常, 而pcDNA3.1, PBS组小鼠输卵管壶腹部、峡部肿胀, 管壁血管扩张充血, 单侧或双侧发生不同程度扭曲变形积水. 这些资料显示pORF5核酸疫苗可诱导小鼠产生明显的抗Ct保护效应, 其可能的免疫保护机制包括诱导Th1型为主的细胞免疫应答及高效价的特异性抗体的产生, 提示pORF5核酸疫苗具有潜在的疫苗研究与开发价值.     

人乳头瘤病毒16型E7变异株免疫原性研究

采用分子克隆技术,构建E7变异株重组质粒[pcDNA3.1-(by)E7]和E7标准株重组质粒[pcDNA3.1-(ys)-E7],并将两种质粒分别皮下免疫Balb/c小鼠,免疫后于不同时间提取小鼠血清和制备脾淋巴细胞悬液,分别用ELISA法和MTT比色法检测特异性抗体和特异性淋巴细胞增殖反应.基因免疫后,ELISA法显示,HPV16 E7变异株和标准株均能诱导特异性抗E7抗体;MTT比色法显示,E7标准株免疫组脾淋巴细胞在体外受到变异株E7蛋白的再次刺激后出现特异性淋巴细胞增殖反应,变异株E7免疫组脾淋巴细胞经过同样处理后,出现非特异性淋巴细胞增殖反应.结果表明HPV16E7变异株能诱导特异性体液免疫应答而不能诱导特异性细胞免疫应答,HPV16 E7变异株无论在结构还是免疫原性上均与标准株有差异.由此推测,HPV16E7变异可能导致其逃逸机体自然感染或疫苗诱导的免疫应答.用基因免疫方法研究E7变异株免疫原性也为其它不能或难以进行体外培养的病毒变异研究提供借鉴.     

IL-18 DNA免疫对HIV-1核酸疫苗诱导的免疫应答的影响

为了研究白细胞介素-18(IL-18)基因对人免疫缺陷病毒(HIV-1)核酸疫苗诱导免疫应答的影响,将人IL-18基因插入到真核表达载体pVAX1中,构建了真核表达载体pVAX1-IL-18;将pCI-neoGAG联合pVAX1-IL-18或者pCI-neoGAG单独免疫Balb/c小鼠,检测免疫小鼠的特异性抗体和IFN-γ,同时观察免疫小鼠脾淋巴细胞增殖和小鼠特异性细胞毒性T淋巴细胞(CTL)反应.酶切及测序结果表明成功地构建了人IL-18基因真核表达载体;与pCI-neoGAG免疫组比较,pCI-neoGAG联合pVAX1-IL-18免疫组小鼠血清的抗HIV-1p24抗体滴度降低(P<0.01);而与pCI-neoGAG免疫组比较,pCI-neoGAG联合pVAX1-IL-18免疫组小鼠血清的IFN-γ升高(P<0.01);pCI-neoGAG联合pVAX1-IL-18免疫组小鼠的脾淋巴细胞增殖实验刺激指数(SI)以及特异性CTL活性均高于pCI-neoGAG免疫组(P<0.01).IL-18基因联合HIV-1核酸疫苗免疫小鼠,可能增强特异性Th1细胞和CTL反应,白细胞介素-18基因对体液免疫有抑制作用.     

Immunization with chlamydial plasmid protein pORF5 DNA vaccine induces protective immunity against genital chlamydial infection in mice

To validate the immune protective efficacy of pORF5 DNA vaccine and to analyze potential mechanisms related to this protection. In this study, pORF5 DNA vaccine was constructed and evaluated for its protective immunity in a mouse model of genital chlamydial infection. Groups of BALB/c mice were immunized intranasally with pORF5 DNA vaccine. Humoral and cell mediated immune responses were evaluated. The clearance ability of chlamydial challenge from the genital tract and the chlamy- dia-induced upper genital tract gross pathology and histopathological characterization were also de- tected. The results showed that the total and the IgG2a anti-pORF5 antibody levels in serum were sig- nificantly elevated after pcDNA3.1-pORF5 vaccination, as were the total antibody and IgA levels in vaginal fluids. pcDNA3.1-pORF5 induced a significantly high level of Th1 response as measured by robust gamma interferon (IFN-γ). Minimal IL-4 was produced by immune T cells in response to the re-stimulation with pORF5 protein or the inactive elementary body in vitro. pcDNA3.1-pORF5-vacci- nated mice displayed significantly reduced bacterial shedding upon a chlamydial challenge and an accelerated resolution of infection. 100% of pcDNA3.1-pORF5 vaccinated mice successfully resolved the infection by day 24. pcDNA3.1-pORF5-immunized mice also exhibited protection against patho- logical consequences of chlamydial infection. The stimulated index was significantly higher than that of mice immunized with pcDNA3.1 and PBS (P<0.05). Together, these results demonstrated that immu- nization with pORF5 DNA vaccine is a promising approach for eliciting a protective immunity against a genital chlamydial challenge.     

MAGE-3 DNA疫苗的构建及其免疫效果的观察

通过RT PCR方法扩增MAGE 3cDNA ,以pcDNA3 1+为载体 ,构建重组表达质粒pcDNA3 1 MAGE 3。重组质粒用脂质体转染鼠B16细胞 ,经RT PCR、细胞免疫染色及免疫印迹法鉴定转化细胞中MAGE 3的表达。以 10 0 μg质粒剂量肌肉注射接种小鼠 ,间隔 10天 ,共 3次 ,以空载体和PBS为对照。结果 ,重组质粒免疫的小鼠 ,其脾淋巴细胞对MAGE 3阳性靶细胞的杀伤活性为 51 0 8± 7 41% ,与空载体组 (8 44± 1 89% )及PBS组 (5 76± 1 75% )相比 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 0 1) ,而对MAGE 3阴性靶细胞的杀伤活性分别为 8 2 1± 1 65% ,7 68± 1 56%和 5 13±1 42 % ,其差异无显著性 ;MAGE 3DNA疫苗组免疫血清 1∶15稀释时能检测到抗MAGE 3抗体 ,脾细胞培养上清中Th1类细胞因子IFN γ、IL 2水平明显升高 ,外周血中CD4+、CD8+T细胞也提高 ,小鼠肿瘤的生长速度明显减慢 ,与对照组相比 ,差异显著 (P <0 0 1)。说明MAGE 3重组质粒免疫小鼠可以诱导小鼠产生特异性的体液和细胞免疫应答     

Immunization with chlamydial plasmid protein pORF5 DNA vaccine induces protective immunity against genital chlamydial infection in mice

To validate the immune protective efficacy of pORF5 DNA vaccine and to analyze potential mechanisms related to this protection. In this study, pORF5 DNA vaccine was constructed and evaluated for its protective immunity in a mouse model of genital chlamydial infection. Groups of BALB/c mice were immunized intranasally with pORF5 DNA vaccine. Humoral and cell mediated immune responses were evaluated. The clearance ability of chlamydial challenge from the genital tract and the chlamydia-induced upper genital tract gross pathology and histopathological characterization were also detected. The results showed that the total and the IgG2a anti-pORF5 antibody levels in serum were significantly elevated after pcDNA3.1-pORF5 vaccination, as were the total antibody and IgA levels in vaginal fluids. pcDNA3.1-pORF5 induced a significantly high level of Th1 response as measured by robust gamma interferon (IFN-γ). Minimal IL-4 was produced by immune T cells in response to the re-stimulation with pORF5 protein or the inactive elementary body in vitro. pcDNA3.1-pORF5-vaccinated mice displayed significantly reduced bacterial shedding upon a chlamydial challenge and an accelerated resolution of infection. 100% of pcDNA3.1-pORF5 vaccinated mice successfully resolved the infection by day 24. pcDNA3.1-pORF5-immunized mice also exhibited protection against pathological consequences of chlamydial infection. The stimulated index was significantly higher than that of mice immunized with pcDNA3.1 and PBS (P<0.05). Together, these results demonstrated that immunization with pORF5 DNA vaccine is a promising approach for eliciting a protective immunity against a genital chlamydial challenge.     

Protective immune responses in mice induced by intramuscular and intranasal immunization with a Mycoplasma pneumoniae P1C DNA vaccine

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an important causative agent of atypical pneumonia. This study was to determine the ability of a DNA expression vector, which encodes the carboxy terminal region of the M. pneumoniae P1 protein (P1C), to induce humoral and cellular immune responses and to protect against M. pneumoniae infection in BALB/c mice. Mice were immunized with pcDNA3.1/P1C by either intramuscular injection (i.m.) or intranasal inoculation (i.n.). Our results showed that p1c DNA immunization generates detectable antibodies specific to M. pneumoniae, and elicits high levels of IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b isotypes (P?< 0.01). The levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in spleen cells of the immunized mice were significantly elevated by immunization via both the i.m. and i.n. methods. Moreover, p1c DNA-immunized mice exhibited detectable protection against M. pneumoniae infection. The lung tissue inflammation was relieved and the histopathologic score (HPS) of pcDNA3.1/P1C-immunized mice was significantly decreased than those in phosphate-buffed saline (PBS) or vaccine-vector-immunized mice (P?< 0.01), whereas there were no significant differences in HPS between i.m. and i.n. vaccination (P?> 0.05). Our results suggest that pcDNA3.1/P1C could be useful for developing a vaccine against M. pneumoniae infection.     

DNA vaccination against specific pathogenic TCRs reduces proteinuria in active Heymann nephritis by inducing specific autoantibodies

We have previously identified potential pathogenic T cells within glomeruli that use TCR encoding Vbeta5, Vbeta7, and Vbeta13 in combination with Jbeta2.6 in Heymann nephritis (HN), a rat autoimmune disease model of human membranous nephritis. Vaccination of Lewis rats with naked DNA encoding these pathogenic TCRs significantly protected against HN. Proteinuria was reduced at 6, 8, 10, and 12 wk after immunization with Fx1A (p < 0.001). Glomerular infiltrates of macrophages and CD8(+) T cells (p < 0.005) and glomerular IFN-gamma mRNA expression (p < 0.01) were also significantly decreased. DNA vaccination (DV) causes a loss of clonality of T cells in the HN glomeruli. T lymphocytes with surface binding of Abs were found in DNA vaccinated rats. These CD3(+)/IgG(+) T cells expressed Vbeta5 and Vbeta13 that the DV encoded. Furthermore, FACS shows that these CD3(+)/IgG(+) cells were CD8(+) T cells. Analysis of cytokine mRNA expression showed that IL-10 and IFN-gamma mRNA were not detected in these CD3(+)/IgG(+) T cells. These results suggest that TCR DNA vaccination produces specific autoantibodies bound to the TCRs encoded by the vaccine, resulting in blocking activation of the specific T cells. In this study, we have shown that treatment with TCR-based DV, targeting previously identified pathogenic Vbeta families, protects against HN, and that the mechanism may involve the production of specific anti-TCR Abs.     

Long-term control of simian immunodeficiency virus mac251 viremia to undetectable levels in half of infected female rhesus macaques nasally vaccinated with simian immunodeficiency virus DNA/recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara

The efficacy of two SIV DNA plus recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara nasal vaccine regimens, one combined with plasmids expressing IL-2 and IL-15, the other with plasmids expressing GM-CSF, IL-12, and TNF-α, which may better stimulate humoral responses, was evaluated in two female rhesus macaque groups. Vaccination stimulated significant SIV-specific mucosal and systemic cell-mediated immunity in both groups, whereas SIV-specific IgA titers were sporadic and IgG titers negative. All vaccinated animals, except one, became infected after intravaginal SIV(mac251) low-dose challenge. Half of the vaccinated, infected animals (7/13) promptly controlled virus replication to undetectable viremia for the duration of the trial (130 wk) and displayed virological and immunological phenotypes similar to those of exposed, uninfected individuals. When all vaccinated animals were considered, a 3-log viremia reduction was observed, compared with controls. The excellent viral replication containment achieved in vaccinated animals translated into significant preservation of circulating α4β7(high+)/CD4(+) T cells and of circulating and mucosal CD4(+)/C(M) T cells and in reduced immune activation. A more significant long-term survival was also observed in these animals. Median survival was 72 wk for the control group, whereas >50% of the vaccinated animals were still disease free 130 wk postchallenge, when the trial was closed. There was a statistically significant correlation between levels of CD4(+)/IFN-γ(+) and CD8(+)/IFN-γ(+) T cell percentages on the day of challenge and the control of viremia at week 60 postchallenge or survival. Postchallenge immunological correlates of protection were systemic anti-SIV Gag + Env CD4(+)/IL-2(+), CD4(+)/IFN-γ(+), and CD8(+)/TNF-α(+) T cells and vaginal anti-SIV Gag + Env CD8(+) T cell total monofunctional responses.     

梅毒螺旋体外膜蛋白Gpd基因的克隆、表达及其免疫活性研究

利用PCR技术从Tp Nichols株基因组模板中扩增梅毒螺旋体(Treponema pallidum,Tp)外膜蛋白Gpd基因,定向克隆构建真核表达重组体pcDNA3.1( )-Gpd,免疫印迹和免疫组化技术检测pcDNA3.1( )-Gpd在HeLa细胞中的表达;同时将真核表达重组体pcDNA3.1( )-Gpd免疫新西兰兔,检测其在兔体内的免疫应答效果。免疫印迹和免疫组化鉴定均显示重组体在HeLa细胞中能有效表达一个41kD的Gpd融合蛋白。新西兰兔接种核酸疫苗后,能产生特异性抗体,第3次免疫后2周抗体最高滴度可达1∶1024,免疫后兔脾细胞受Gpd蛋白刺激有明显增殖反应。所诱导的抗体水平和脾淋巴细胞增殖情况均显著高于空质粒对照组和空白对照组(p<0.05)。Tp真核表达重组体pcDNA3.1( )-Gpd的成功构建及能刺激新西兰兔产生较强特异的免疫应答,为Gpd蛋白生物学功能及梅毒DNA疫苗的深入研究奠定了一定的实验基础。     

Enhancement of immunotherapeutic effects of HPV16E7 on cervical cancer by fusion with CTLA4 extracellular region

Cervical cancer is caused by infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV16. Limitations in current treatments of cervical cancers call for the development of new and improved immunotherapies. This study aims at investigating the efficacy of a novel vaccine consisting of modified HPV 16E7 fused with human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4). The regions in HPV16 E7 gene associated with its transformation and CTL-enhanced response were modified; the resultant HPV16mE7 was fused with extracellular region of CTLA4 to generate HPVml6E7-eCTLA4 fusion protein. Binding of this fusion protein to B7 molecules expressed on antigen presenting-cells (APCs) was demonstrated. C57BL/6 (H-2^b) mice immunized with low dose of the fusion protein (10 μg) produced higher titer antibody and stronger specific CTL response, and expressed higher levels of IFN-γ and IL-12, compared with those immunized with HPVml6E7 only or admixture of HPVml6E7 and CTLA4, or PBS; and were protected from lethal dose tumor challenge. Tumor growth was retarded and survival prolonged in mouse models with the fusion protein treatment. Our results demonstrate that fusion of HPV16 E7 with eCTLA4 targeting APCs resulted in enhanced immunity, and that this fusion protein may be useful for improving the efficacy of immunotherapeutic treatments of cervical cancer and other HPV16 infection-associated tumors.     

Vaccination of chickens with DNA vaccine encoding Eimeria acervulina 3-1E and chicken IL-15 offers protection against homologous challenge

Eimeria acervulina 3-1E antigen gene and mature chicken interleukin 15 (mChIL-15) gene were cloned into expression vector pcDNA3.1(+) in different forms, produced DNA vaccine pcDNA3.1-3-1E, and pcDNA3.1-3-1E-linker-mChIL-15 co-expressing E. acervulina 3-1E gene and mChIL-15 gene, respectively. The expression of objective gene in vitro was detected by indirect fluorescent antibody technique and immunohistochemistry. The two DNA vaccines were administered by intramuscular leg injection. An animal challenge experiment was carried out to evaluate the immune protective efficacy of the vaccines. The results indicated that DNA vaccines were successfully constructed and the expression of objective gene could be detected in vitro. The animal experimental results showed that both DNA vaccines could provide partial protection against homologous challenge in chickens. The chimeric DNA vaccine, pcDNA3.1-3-1E-linker-mChIL-15, could significantly increase oocyst decrease ratio, reduce the average lesion score in the duodenum, improve body weight gain, and increase anti-coccidial index (ACI) compared to the DNA vaccine pcDNA3.1-3-1E. Taken together, these results demonstrate ChIL-15 enhance the immunogenicity of 3-1E DNA vaccine, and co-expression of cytokine and optimized surface antigen of Eimeria may be a promising method to enhance immunogenicity of DNA vaccines in poultry.