抗SARS-CoV N蛋白单克隆抗体的特异性及其识别抗原表位的初步鉴定

为了明确抗SARS-CoV N蛋白单克隆抗体的特异性,并鉴定其识别表位,首先在E.coli中表达了人类冠状病毒229E(HCoV-229E)和OC43(HCoV-OC4)N蛋白,用Western blotting和间接免疫荧光方法分别检测了4株抗SARS-CoV N蛋白单克隆抗体(1-1C2、1-1D6、2-8F11和2-2E5)与HCoV-OC43和HCoV-229E及其N蛋白的交叉反应情况,而后应用12种重组截短型SARS-CoV N蛋白对上述4种单克隆抗体的识别表位进行了初步定位.结果显示(1)在4株抗N蛋白单克隆抗体中,1-1C2、1-1D6和2-2E5不与HCoV-OC43和HCoV-229E及其N蛋白发生交叉反应,为SARS-CoV N蛋白特异性抗体;(2)2-8F11、1-1D6和2-2E5针对的抗原表位位于SARS-CoV N蛋白的aa 30-60,1-1C2针对的抗原表位则位于SARS-CoV N蛋白的aa 170-184.这一研究为阐明SARS-CoVN蛋白的免疫学特征,建立特异性免疫诊断技术和研究其致病机制提供了必要的依据和材料.     

SARS-CoV N蛋白与人冠状病毒HCoV-OC43和HCoV-229E的交叉反应表位及特异表位的确定

为确定SARS-CoV N蛋白的特异抗原表位,对3种人冠状病毒SARS-CoV、HCoV-OC43和HCoV-229E N蛋白之间的交叉免疫反应进行了系统研究。构建了分别表达SARS-CoV、HCoV-OC43和HCoV-229E N蛋白的重组痘苗病毒,并制备了相应的小鼠免疫血清。用间接免疫荧光方法,检测了3种N蛋白的表达及其与3种冠状病毒免疫动物血清和SARS病人恢复期血清之间的反应。与此同时,用Western blot方法分析了原核表达的39个不同区段的SARS-CoV N蛋白与3种冠状病毒动物免疫血清和SARS病人恢复期血清之间的交叉反应性。免疫荧光检测结果表明,SARS-CoV、HCoV-OC43和HCoV-229E3种病毒的N蛋白在重组痘苗病毒感染的HeLa细胞中均可以特异表达;3种N蛋白之间存在明显交叉免疫反应。Western blot结果显示,SARS-CoV N蛋白的表位主要位于30~60aa、170~184aa、301~320aa和360~422aa;与HCoV-OC43的交叉反应表位主要位于30~60aa、90~120aa、204~214aa和320~360aa;与HCoV-229E的交叉反应表位主要位于30~60aa、150~160aa和301~360aa。含SARS-CoV N蛋白特异表位的重组肽N155b(60~214aa)和N185(30~214aa)只与SARS病人恢复期血清和灭活SARS-CoV免疫小鼠的血清反应,而不与灭活HCoV-OC43和HCoV-229E免疫的山羊血清产生交叉反应。上述结果为使用SARS-CoV N蛋白抗原进行特异诊断试剂的研究,提供了重要的实验依据。     

戊型肝炎病毒第4基因型中国株ORF2编码蛋白的抗原表位分析

以戊型肝炎病毒(HEV)第4基因型中国株ORF2编码蛋白p166Chn制备单克隆抗体(McAbs), 同时制备20个N端或C端逐渐截短的p166Chn截短蛋白, 与7种不同基因型和亚型的p166蛋白一起, 通过ELISA、免疫印迹(Western blot)以及竞争抑制实验对主要存在于我国的HEV第4基因型毒株进行抗原表位分析。结果发现所制备的McAbs与p166Chn截短蛋白的免疫反应有两种类型, 以1G10为代表的McAbs能与N端不短于aa477、C端不短于aa613的截短蛋白反应, 其针对的抗原表位是构象依赖型表位, 依赖于aa477~aa613肽链区段; 而McAb 2F11则能与N端不短于aa474、C端不短于aa617的截短蛋白反应, 其针对的抗原表位也是构象表位, 但需依赖于较长的肽链区段(aa474~aa617)。竞争抑制实验显示两类McAbs互不抑制, 进一步证实了所发现的两个抗原表位在空间位置上的不同。更有意义的是, 两类McAbs均能与其他不同HEV基因型和亚型来源的p166重组蛋白发生阳性反应, 表明这两个抗原表位是HEV基因型共同性的, 可以在世界各国分布的不同基因型HEV毒株中诱导交叉免疫。     

传染性法氏囊病病毒VP3抗原表位的鉴定

利用肽扫描技术对4株IBDV VP3的单克隆抗体(HRB-3F、HRB-7B、HRB-7C和HRB-10E)的抗原表位进行了研究.通过Western blot和ELISA鉴定,将HRB-3F和HRB-7B的抗原表位定位于VP3 109～119 aa(位于IB-DV聚合蛋白的864～874 aa),HRB-7C和HRB-10E的抗原表位定位于VP3 177～190 aa(位于IBDV聚合蛋白的932～945 aa).进一步检测其反应原性及免疫原性,结果表明,这两个表位均能与抗IBDV阳性血清反应.将这两个表位短肽免疫BALB/c小鼠,其血清可以和IBDV反应,具有较好的免疫原性.与D6948、HK46和UK661等多株IBDV相应区域的同源性进行了比较,结果显示,这两个表位在多种毒株中同源性为100%.通过IBDV VP3抗原表位的研究,筛出两个新的保守线性表位并进行精确定位,对进一步分析IBDV结构与功能以及建立以表位为基础的抗原抗体诊断方法具有重要的意义.     

SARS-CoV N蛋白抗原表位的筛选和鉴定

利用噬菌体展示的线性12肽库从马抗SARS-CoV IgG筛选SARS-CoV的抗原表位.经生物淘洗富集的噬菌体克隆被测序.获得两个共有序列DXXDP和TXTLL.它们分别与SARS-CoV N蛋白341-345和392-396位氨基酸序列高度同源.含共有序列的克隆在ELISA竞争抑制试验中与SARS-CoV N蛋白竞争结合马抗SARS-CoVIgG.将两个共有序列肽通过基因重组技术成功展示到大肠杆菌鞭毛,获得重组菌F1和F2.用重组菌F1和F2免疫接种试验Balb/c小鼠产生的血清均能与SARS-CoVN蛋白特异结合.说明DXXDP和TXTLL是SARS-CoVN蛋白的两个连续抗原表位.     

SARS-CoVN蛋白抗原表位的筛选和鉴定

利用噬菌体展示的线性12肽库从马抗SARS-CoVIgG筛选SARS-CoV的抗原表位。经生物淘洗富集的噬菌体克隆被测序。获得两个共有序列:DXXDP和TXTLL。它们分别与SARS-CoVN蛋白341-345和392-396位氨基酸序列高度同源。含共有序列的克隆在ELISA竞争抑制试验中与SARS-CoVN蛋白竞争结合马抗SARS-CoVIgG。将两个共有序列肽通过基因重组技术成功展示到大肠杆菌鞭毛,获得重组菌F1和F2。用重组菌F1和F2免疫接种试验Balb/c小鼠产生的血清均能与SARS-CoVN蛋白特异结合。说明DXXDP和TXTLL是SARS-CoVN蛋白的两个连续抗原表位。     

绿盲蝽核受体基因AlE75D的克隆和性质分析

【目的】克隆绿盲蝽Apolygus lucorum核受体基因E75D全长,明确其表达谱,并获得该基因的重组蛋白及制备其单克隆抗体。【方法】利用RACE法克隆绿盲蝽核受体基因Al E75D全长;qRTPCR法分析绿盲蝽不同日龄成虫(1-16 d)及7日龄雌成虫6种组织(脂肪体、飞行肌、卵巢、马氏管、中肠和表皮)中该基因的mRNA相对表达水平;利用NdeⅠ和XbaⅠ双酶切含有目的基因的p MD18-T载体后进行亚克隆,再利用IPTG诱导的重组质粒进行特异性表达重组蛋白,通过GST琼脂糖亲和层析和分子筛层析纯化靶蛋白;最后通过小鼠免疫、细胞融合及腹水制备重组蛋白的单克隆抗体,Western blot验证该抗体的特异性。【结果】从绿盲蝽中克隆获得蜕皮激素核受体基因Al E75D(Gen Bank登录号:KX912700),其开放阅读框长1 911 bp,编码636个氨基酸,预测分子量为75.68 k D;该基因编码蛋白具有E75D的典型特征,由A/B域(23 aa)、D域(85 aa)、E域(190aa)和F域(338 aa)组成,但缺失C域;绿盲蝽Al E75D的氨基酸序列与半翅目蝽科的豆荚草盲蝽Lygus hesperus的E75D序列一致性最高(为98%)。Al E75D在整个绿盲蝽成虫期均有表达,在7日龄雌成虫中达到峰值;此外,Al E75D在雌成虫6个供试组织中也均有表达,并在脂肪体及卵巢中高表达。双酶切后的重组克隆载体可成功亚克隆到p Czn1载体上,IPTG可成功诱导p Czn1-Al E75D重组质粒特异性表达一个约75 k D的蛋白。用Ni-NTA琼脂糖树脂凝胶纯化重组蛋白,以纯化的重组蛋白为抗原,获得了一株能稳定传代并分泌抗Al E75D蛋白单克隆抗体的细胞株,该单克隆抗体可与绿盲蝽总蛋白及Al E75D重组蛋白特异性结合。【结论】Al E75D在绿盲蝽体内的表达谱表现出发育阶段特异性和组织特异性;本研究获得的其重组蛋白的单克隆抗体具有高特异性。结果为进一步在蛋白水平上分析该基因的功能奠定基础。     

抗鸡白细胞介素4单克隆抗体的制备及鉴定

为了制备鸡白细胞介素4(chIL-4)单克隆抗体,将成熟的chIL-4基因亚克隆至原核表达载体pET-28a和pGEX-6P-1上,然后在大肠杆菌中分别诱导重组蛋白His-chIL-4和GST-chIL-4的表达,并纯化。将纯化后的His-chIL-4作为免疫原免疫BALB/c小鼠,经4次免疫后,取小鼠脾细胞与骨髓瘤细胞(SP2/0)融合。将纯化后的GST-chIL-4作为筛选抗原,利用间接ELISA筛选阳性克隆。阳性细胞株经3次亚克隆后,获得3株稳定分泌抗chIL-4蛋白的杂交瘤细胞株,分别命名为1G11-3B、2E5-3D和1G11-5H。经ELISA检测,3株单克隆抗体的亚型均为IgG1,亲和力解离常数(Kd)分别为1.79×10~(–9)、1.61×10~(–9)和2.36×10~(–9)。经Western blotting及间接免疫荧光试验鉴定,3株单克隆抗体均能特异性识别原核和真核表达的chIL-4蛋白。Western blotting试验证明1G11-3B、2E5-3D和1G11-5H识别的抗原表位区域分别为chIL-4蛋白N端的第1–40、80–112和40–80位氨基酸。该单克隆抗体的制备为chIL-4的检测和生物学功能研究奠定了基础。     

猪瘟病毒囊膜糖蛋白E2中和表位的定位及其免疫反应性分析

猪瘟病毒(CSFV)囊膜结构糖蛋白E2(gp55)是激发保护性免疫应答的主要抗原蛋白。E^ms和E2与细胞表面受体的相互作用介导病毒对细胞的感染过程。采用抗CSFV中和性单克隆抗体c24／10,淘选噬菌体展示的12肽随机肽库,结合噬菌体拟位免疫反应性分析结果,对CSFV E2蛋白中和表位进行定位。结果表明：F2蛋白的SPTTLR基序(832～837位氨基酸)构成CSFV特异性线性中和表位,基序的第一、二、三位氨基酸是表位与单克隆抗体c24／10结合所必需的氨基酸,也是表位的关键性氨基酸。     

人冠状病毒NL63棘突蛋白的研究进展

20世纪60年代以前,人们普遍认为只有2种人冠状病毒(HCoV)HCoV-229E和HCoV-OC43感染人类,2002～2003年出现的由SARS-CoV引发的严重急性呼吸综合征(SARS)的流行使人冠状病毒又一次成为研究的焦点,2004年又发现了一种新的人冠状病毒HCoV-NL63。在此,主要就HCoV-NL63,特别是其主要结构蛋白——棘突蛋白的研究进展做一简要综述。     

Identification of Conserved Epitopes in SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Nucleocapsid Protein

BackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel virus that first occurred in Wuhan in December 2019. The spike glycoproteins and nucleocapsid proteins are the most common targets for the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs.ObjectiveWe herein analyze the rate of evolution along with the sequences of spike and nucleocapsid proteins in relation to the spatial locations of their epitopes, previously suggested to contribute to the immune response caused by SARS-CoV-2 infections.MethodsWe compare homologous proteins of seven human coronaviruses: HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, SARS-CoV, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. We then focus on the local, structural order-disorder propensity of the protein regions where the SARS-CoV-2 epitopes are located. ResultsWe show that most of nucleocapsid protein epitopes overlap the RNA-binding and dimerization domains, and some of them are characterized by a low rate of evolutions. Similarly, spike protein epitopes are preferentially located in regions that are predicted to be ordered and well- conserved, in correspondence of the heptad repeats 1 and 2. Interestingly, both the receptor-binding motif to ACE2 and the fusion peptide of spike protein are characterized by a high rate of evolution.ConclusionOur results provide evidence for conserved epitopes that might help develop broad-spectrum SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.     

Mosaic structure of human coronavirus NL63, one thousand years of evolution

Before the SARS outbreak only two human coronaviruses (HCoV) were known: HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E. With the discovery of SARS-CoV in 2003, a third family member was identified. Soon thereafter, we described the fourth human coronavirus (HCoV-NL63), a virus that has spread worldwide and is associated with croup in children. We report here the complete genome sequence of two HCoV-NL63 clinical isolates, designated Amsterdam 57 and Amsterdam 496. The genomes are 27,538 and 27,550 nucleotides long, respectively, and share the same genome organization. We identified two variable regions, one within the 1a and one within the S gene, whereas the 1b and N genes were most conserved. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that HCoV-NL63 genomes have a mosaic structure with multiple recombination sites. Additionally, employing three different algorithms, we assessed the evolutionary rate for the S gene of group Ib coronaviruses to be approximately 3 x 10(-4) substitutions per site per year. Using this evolutionary rate we determined that HCoV-NL63 diverged in the 11th century from its closest relative HCoV-229E.     

Identification of a new human coronavirus

Three human coronaviruses are known to exist: human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E), HCoV-OC43 and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Here we report the identification of a fourth human coronavirus, HCoV-NL63, using a new method of virus discovery. The virus was isolated from a 7-month-old child suffering from bronchiolitis and conjunctivitis. The complete genome sequence indicates that this virus is not a recombinant, but rather a new group 1 coronavirus. The in vitro host cell range of HCoV-NL63 is notable because it replicates on tertiary monkey kidney cells and the monkey kidney LLC-MK2 cell line. The viral genome contains distinctive features, including a unique N-terminal fragment within the spike protein. Screening of clinical specimens from individuals suffering from respiratory illness identified seven additional HCoV-NL63-infected individuals, indicating that the virus was widely spread within the human population.     

Human respiratory coronavirus OC43: genetic stability and neuroinvasion

The complete genome sequences of the human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) laboratory strain from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), and a HCoV-OC43 clinical isolate, designated Paris, were obtained. Both genomes are 30,713 nucleotides long, excluding the poly(A) tail, and only differ by 6 nucleotides. These six mutations are scattered throughout the genome and give rise to only two amino acid substitutions: one in the spike protein gene (I958F) and the other in the nucleocapsid protein gene (V81A). Furthermore, the two variants were shown to reach the central nervous system (CNS) after intranasal inoculation in BALB/c mice, demonstrating neuroinvasive properties. Even though the ATCC strain could penetrate the CNS more effectively than the Paris 2001 isolate, these results suggest that intrinsic neuroinvasive properties already existed for the HCoV-OC43 ATCC human respiratory isolate from the 1960s before it was propagated in newborn mouse brains. It also demonstrates that the molecular structure of HCoV-OC43 is very stable in the environment (the two variants were isolated ca. 40 years apart) despite virus shedding and chances of persistence in the host. The genomes of the two HCoV-OC43 variants display 71, 53.1, and 51.2% identity with those of mouse hepatitis virus A59, severe acute respiratory syndrome human coronavirus Tor2 strain (SARS-HCoV Tor2), and human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E), respectively. HCoV-OC43 also possesses well-conserved motifs with regard to the genome sequence of the SARS-HCoV Tor2, especially in open reading frame 1b. These results suggest that HCoV-OC43 and SARS-HCoV may share several important functional properties and that HCoV-OC43 may be used as a model to study the biology of SARS-HCoV without the need for level three biological facilities.     

Human coronavirus NL63, a new respiratory virus

From the mid-1960s onwards, it was believed that only two human coronavirus species infect humans: HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43. Then, in 2003, a novel member of the coronavirus family was introduced into the human population: SARS-CoV, causing an aggressive lung disease. Fortunately, this virus was soon expelled from the human population, but it quickly became clear that the human coronavirus group contains more members then previously assumed, with HCoV-NL63 identified in 2004. Despite its recent discovery, ample results from HCoV-NL63 research have been described. We present an overview of the publications on this novel coronavirus.     

The spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is cleaved in virus infected Vero-E6 cells

Spike protein is one of the major structural proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus. It is essential for the interaction of the virons with host cell receptors and subsequent fusion of the viral envelop with host cell membrane to allow infection. Some spike proteins of coronavirus, such as MHV, HCoV-OC43, AIBV and BcoV, are proteolytically cleaved into two subunits, S 1 and S2. In contrast, TGV, FIPV and HCoV-229E are not. Many studies have shown that the cleavage of spike protein seriously affects its function. In order to investigate the maturation and proteolytic processing of the S protein of SARS CoV, we generated S 1 and S2 subunit specific antibodies (Abs) as well as N, E and 3CL protein-specific Abs. Our results showed that the antibodies could efficiently and specifically bind to their corresponding proteins from E.coli expressed or lysate of SARS-CoV infected Vero-E6 cells by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the anti-S 1 and S2 Abs were proved to be capable of binding to SARS CoV under electron microscope observation. When S2 Ab was used to perform immune precipitation with lysate of SARS-CoV infected cells, a cleaved S2 fragment was detected with S2-specific mAb by Western blot analysis. The data demonstrated that the cleavage of S protein was observed in the lysate, indicating that proteolytic processing of S protein is present in host cells.     

T-cell epitopes in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus spike protein elicit a specific T-cell immune response in patients who recover from SARS

The immunogenicity of HLA-A2-restricted T-cell epitopes in the S protein of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and of human coronavirus strain 229e (HCoV-229e) was analyzed for the elicitation of a T-cell immune response in donors who had fully recovered from SARS-CoV infection. We employed online database analysis to compare the differences in the amino acid sequences of the homologous T epitopes of HCoV-229e and SARS-CoV. The identified T-cell epitope peptides were synthesized, and their binding affinities for HLA-A2 were validated and compared in the T2 cell system. The immunogenicity of all these peptides was assessed by using T cells obtained from donors who had fully recovered from SARS-CoV infection and from healthy donors with no history of SARS-CoV infection. HLA-A2 typing by indirect immunofluorescent antibody staining showed that 51.6% of SARS-CoV-infected patients were HLA-A2 positive. Online database analysis and the T2 cell binding test disclosed that the number of HLA-A2-restricted immunogenic epitopes of the S protein of SARS-CoV was decreased or even lost in comparison with the homologous sequences of the S protein of HCoV-229e. Among the peptides used in the study, the affinity of peptides from HCoV-229e (H77 and H881) and peptides from SARS-CoV (S978 and S1203) for binding to HLA-A2 was higher than that of other sequences. The gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) release Elispot assay revealed that only SARS-CoV-specific peptides S1203 and S978 induced a high frequency of IFN-gamma-secreting T-cell response in HLA-A2(+) donors who had fully recovered from SARS-CoV infection; such a T-cell epitope-specific response was not observed in HLA-A2(+) healthy donors or in HLA-A2(-) donors who had been infected with SARS-CoV after full recovery. Thus, T-cell epitopes S1203 and S978 are immunogenic and elicit an overt specific T-cell response in HLA-A2(+) SARS-CoV-infected patients.     

The Nucleocapsid Protein of Human Coronavirus NL63

Human coronavirus (HCoV) NL63 was first described in 2004 and is associated with respiratory tract disease of varying severity. At the genetic and structural level, HCoV-NL63 is similar to other members of the Coronavirinae subfamily, especially human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E). Detailed analysis, however, reveals several unique features of the pathogen. The coronaviral nucleocapsid protein is abundantly present in infected cells. It is a multi-domain, multi-functional protein important for viral replication and a number of cellular processes. The aim of the present study was to characterize the HCoV-NL63 nucleocapsid protein. Biochemical analyses revealed that the protein shares characteristics with homologous proteins encoded in other coronaviral genomes, with the N-terminal domain responsible for nucleic acid binding and the C-terminal domain involved in protein oligomerization. Surprisingly, analysis of the subcellular localization of the N protein of HCoV-NL63 revealed that, differently than homologous proteins from other coronaviral species except for SARS-CoV, it is not present in the nucleus of infected or transfected cells. Furthermore, no significant alteration in cell cycle progression in cells expressing the protein was observed. This is in stark contrast with results obtained for other coronaviruses, except for the SARS-CoV.