Dietary immunostimulants influence specific immune response and resistance of healthy and immunocompromised Asian catfish Clarias batrachus to Aeromonas hydrophila infection

In order to determine the efficacy and immunoreversal effect of the 4 dietary immunomodulators, viz. lactoferrin, beta-1,3 glucan, levamisole and vitamin C, on disease resistance of a commercially important catfish, Clarias batrachus, fish were fed diets supplemented with various levels of these substances in 2 subgroups, healthy and immunocompromised, during a 30 d trial. An artificial immunosuppressive state was induced by giving 3 intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of cyclophosphamide (CYP) at a dose level of 200 mg kg(-1) body weight at 1 wk intervals in the immunocompromised vaccinated subgroup and 3 consecutive injections 3 d before challenge in the immunocompromised non-vaccinated subgroup. On the first day of the experiment, the fish were vaccinated against a formalin-killed Aeromonas hydrophila bacterin. After 30 d, antibody titre (as measured through bacterial agglutination titre) and disease resistance against A. hydrophila were determined. The results demonstrate that all 4 immunomodulators were capable of significantly (p < 0.05) enhancing the specific immune response; this was evident through raised antibody titre and protection against A. hydrophila in both healthy and immunocompromised vaccinated subgroups compared to their respective controls. Similarly, all 4 substances significantly raised the survival rates in immunocompromised and healthy non-vaccinated fish. Thus, these substances were capable of reducing the immunosuppression induced by CYP injections in both vaccinated and non-vaccinated fish compared to their respective controls. Among the 4 substances studied, beta-1,3 glucan was found to be the most effective immunomodulator, followed by levamisole, lactoferrin and vitamin C in Asian catfish. Therefore, the results support the introduction of these substances into the diet of fish grown in farms under immunosuppressive/stressful conditions in order to enhance protection against infection and offer economic benefits.     

Effect of dietary beta-1,3 glucan on immune responses and disease resistance of healthy and aflatoxin B1-induced immunocompromised rohu (Labeo rohita Hamilton).

The immunostimulant beta-1,3 glucan was fed at 0.1% in feed for 7 days to healthy and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced immunocompromised fish, Labeo rohita (one of the major tropical carp species), in a 60 day trial. The effects of AFB1, glucan and their interactions on non-specific and specific immunity levels and disease resistance of fish were studied. A single intraperitoneal injection of AFB1 at 1.25 mg kg(-1) body weight) caused a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in non-specific immunity as measured through neutrophil phagocytic indices, serum bactericidal activity, and specific immunity as measured through bacterial agglutination titre against Edwardsiella tarda, as well as reduced protection against Aeromonas hydrophila challenge in comparison to control fish which were exposed neither to aflatoxin nor to glucan. Feeding of glucan to healthy fish raised the non-specific and specific immunity level and protection against bacterial infection compared with the control. Feeding of glucan to AFB1-induced immunocompromised fish for 7 days significantly raised the degree of resistance against A. hydrophila challenge and the non-specific immunity level in comparison to non-treated AFB1 exposed fish. Although feeding of glucan was able to increase specific immunity, all measured through haemagglutination titre against sheep red blood cells, and bacterial (E. tarda) agglutination titre in healthy fish in comparison to all other groups, no significant increase in specific immunity to the aflatoxin-exposed group was seen.     

Effect of dietary β-1,3 glucan on immune responses and disease resistance of healthy and aflatoxin B1-induced immunocompromised rohu (Labeo rohita Hamilton)

The immunostimulant β-1,3 glucan was fed at 0·1% in feed for 7 days to healthy and aflatoxin B₁(AFB₁)-induced immunocompromised fish, Labeo rohita (one of the major tropical carp species), in a 60 day trial. The effects of AFB₁, glucan and their interactions on non-specific and specific immunity levels and disease resistance of fish were studied. A single intraperitoneal injection of AFB₁at 1·25 mg kg⁻¹body weight) caused a significant (P< 0·05) reduction in non-specific immunity as measured through neutrophil phagocytic indices, serum bactericidal activity, and specific immunity as measured through bacterial agglutination titre against Edwardsiella tarda, as well as reduced protection against Aeromonas hydrophila challenge in comparison to control fish which were exposed neither to aflatoxin nor to glucan. Feeding of glucan to healthy fish raised the non-specific and specific immunity level and protection against bacterial infection compared with the control. Feeding of glucan to AFB₁-induced immunocompromised fish for 7 days significantly raised the degree of resistance against A. hydrophila challenge and the non-specific immunity level in comparison to non-treated AFB₁exposed fish. Although feeding of glucan was able to increase specific immunity, al measured through haemagglutination titre against sheep red blood cells, and bacterial (E. tarda) agglutination titre in healthy fish in comparison to all other groups, no significant increase in specific immunity to the aflatoxin-exposed group was seen.     

Effects of polyherbal formulation 'ImmuPlus' on immunity and disease resistance of Indian major carp, Labeo rohita at different stages of growth

A series of experiments were performed to determine the impact of polyherbal immunomodulatory formulation 'ImmuPlus' (AquaImmu) on growth, immunity and disease resistance of rohu (Labeo rohita), one of the Indian major carp at different stages of growth. Rohu larvae were fed on plankton, ImmuPlus-mixed compound feed, and plankton plus ImmuPlus-mixed compound feed (ImmuPlus added at three dose levels of 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g/kg feed) from 4th day of hatching to 14th day. ImmuPlus-mixed diets enhanced growth of larvae, survival and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila challenge, compared to only plankton-fed group. In two other experiments, advanced rohu larvae and fingerlings were fed with ImmuPlus-mixed compound feed (at 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg) for 15, 30 and 45 days. At the end of 45 days for advanced larvae and 30 days for fingerlings, the fish fed with ImmuPlus at 1.0 g/kg level showed significantly higher growth and disease resistance against A. hydrophila challenge. In a separate experiment, juveniles of rohu were fed with 1 g/kg of ImmuPlus incorporated feed for 15 and 30 days. At the end of the trial, the ImmuPlus fed fish showed enhanced non-specific immunity (as measured through nitroblue tetrazolium reduction assay, serum lysozyme activity, serum haemolysin titre and resistance against A. hydrophila challenge in non-vaccinated fish as well as specific immunity levels (as measured through bacterial agglutination titre against A. hydrophila in vaccinated fish). Incorporation of ImmuPlus at 1 g/kg level in the diet of rohu may be beneficial for enhancing disease resistance.     

Bath immunisation of spawn,fry and fingerlings of Indian major carps using a particulate bacterial antigen

Larval mortality in Indian major carps is one of the major problems encountered in the pond culture system. The present investigation was carried out to investigate the proper age, duration of exposure, and optimum bacterin concentration for vaccinating rohu (Labeo rohita) and catla (Catla catla) at their early stages with a formalin killed Edwardsiella tarda bacterin suspension. The development of immunological competence was recorded with spawn of rohu and catla of 3 weeks of age exposed to a bacterin at a concentration 10(9) cfu ml(-1) for 15 min, where it persisted up to 4 weeks post vaccination. They showed significant resistance against challenge with virulent E. tarda bacteria. Significant antibody titre could be recorded in advanced fries and fingerlings exposed to 10(9) cfu/ml(-1) bacterin concentration for 45 and 60 min, respectively.     

Effects of dietary β-1,3-glucan, chitosan or raffinose on the growth, innate immunity and resistance of koi (Cyprinus carpio koi)

This study was performed to determine the efficacy of three immunomodulators viz., β-1,3 glucan, chitosan and raffinose on the innate immune response of koi, Cyprinus carpio koi. Kois were divided into 4 groups and each group was fed with diets supplemented with or without immunostimulant for 56 days. Total leukocyte counts (WBC), the non-specific humoral (lysozyme, alternative complement pathway and superoxide dismutase) and cellular (phagocytic capacity and respiratory burst activity) responses were determined and compared with controls (no supplement) after 7, 14, 21 and 56 days of feeding. The results of 8 weeks feeding trial showed that β-1,3 glucan supplementation significantly enhanced koi growth, whereas other immunostimulants did not. Variation in the levels of responses was?evident among different supplements. Compared with chitosan or raffinose, β-1,3 glucan could maintain the immunity of kois at a higher level during the experimental period. However, continuously applying β-1,3 glucan, chitosan or raffinose into the diet caused immunity fatigue in koi. No significant change in alternative complement pathway (ACP) activity was observed for any of the three supplements over the four different periods. After feeding for 14 days, the total leukocyte count (WBC), respiratory burst activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of the kois fed with chitosan or raffinose continuously remained relatively unchanged, subsequently decreased on the 56th day, but SOD did not. Meanwhile, lysozyme activity was no longer significantly higher on the 7th day, and for phagocytic capacity on the?14th day. After 56 days, these three immunostimulants groups also exhibited a decrease in the cumulative symptom rates compared to the controls when challenged with Aeromonas veronii. These results indicated that dietary intake containing immunostimulants could enhance the immune responses of koi and improve its resistance to infection by A.veronii. Especially supplementation with β-1,3 glucan to the kois for 56 days showed considerable improvement in the growth, survival and immune response of the kois.     

Effects of cyclophosphamide on the immune system and disease resistance of Asian catfish Clarias batrachus

Cyclophosphamide (CYP), a multifunctional alkylating agent is known as a potent immunosuppressor in endotherms. Here, an experiment was conducted in an ectothermic Asian catfish species, Clarias batrachus to investigate its effect on non-specific and specific immunity as well as disease resistance against a common bacterial pathogen challenge. CYP was intraperitoneally injected for 3 consecutive days at a rate of 200 mgkg(-1) body weight. After 72 h post-injection, control and CYP-treated fish were screened for superoxide production through nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assay, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, packed cell volume (PCV) and total protein, lysozyme, alternative complement activity (ACH50) and natural haemagglutinin titre as a measure of non-specific immunity level as well as disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila challenge to vaccinated and unvaccinated fish. To study the effect on specific immunity, CYP was injected thrice at an interval of 7 days after bacterin injection and serum antibody titre was measured by bacterial agglutination titre assay. The results showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in NBT and MPO activities, and percent survival against A. hydrophila challenge (both in unvaccinated and vaccinated fish) in CYP-treated fish, when compared to control fish. The above results support the immunosuppressive action of CYP in freshwater catfish, C. batrachus. The neutrophil activities, as measured through superoxide production and myeloperoxidase levels, might be important contributors during A. hydrophila infection and that treatment with CYP reduces phagocytic killing power and inhibits resistance against aeromoniasis.     

Effects of dietary beta-1, 3 glucan on innate immune response of large yellow croaker, Pseudosciaena crocea

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary beta-1, 3 glucan on the innate immune response and protection against Vibrio harveyi infection in large yellow croaker, Pseudosciaena crocea. A basal diet was supplemented with 0% (control), 0.09% (low) and 0.18% (high) beta-1, 3 glucan to formulate three experimental diets. Each diet was randomly allocated to triplicate groups of fish in floating sea cages (1.5 x 1.5 x 2.0m), and each cage was stocked with 100 fish (initial average weight 9.75+/-0.35 g). Fish were fed twice daily (05:00 and 17:00) to apparent satiation for 8 weeks. The results of 8 weeks feeding trial showed that low glucan supplementation (0.09%) significantly enhanced fish growth, whereas high supplementation (0.18%) did not. The serum lysozyme activity was significantly increased with the increase of dietary glucan (P < 0.05), and fish fed the diet with high glucan had significantly higher lysozyme activity compared with low glucan. There were no significant differences in alternative complement pathway (ACP) activity between fish fed diets with and without supplementation of glucan. The phagocytosis percentage (PP) and respiratory burst activity in fish fed the diet with 0.09% glucan were significantly higher than those in fish fed with the control diet (P < 0.05), but both immunological parameters significantly decreased in fish fed the diet with high supplementation compared with low supplementation and no significant difference was observed between the control and high supplementation groups. The challenge experiment showed that fish fed the diet with low glucan had significantly lower cumulative mortality compared with the control and high glucan groups (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed between the control and high supplementation groups. These results suggested that low glucan could enhance growth and innate immunity of large yellow croaker with an 8-week oral administration, but higher supplementation did not influence growth, or further improve immunity of large yellow croaker.     

Effect of multiple injections of beta-glucan on non-specific immune response and disease resistance in Labeo rohita fingerlings

The purpose of this study was to determine if multiple injections of different dosages of beta-glucan derived from barley would enhance the immune response and disease resistance against infections due to opportunistic pathogens Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda in Labeo rohita fingerlings. Hence, four different dosages of beta-glucan suspension in phosphate-buffered saline at the rate of 0, 5, 10, 15 mg kg(-1) body weight of fish were injected intraperitoneally to the fingerlings of Labeo rohita at two-week intervals for four times. After every two-week interval different serum biochemical, haematological and immunological parameters of fish were evaluated. At the end of immunostimulation trial of 56 days, fish were divided into four subgroups under each major treatment group for challenge through i.p injection and bath immersion with two pathogens, A. hydrophila and E. tarda. The mortality (%) and agglutinating antibody titre was recoded on 28th day post challenge. Most of the immune parameters such as leucocyte count, phagocytic ratio, phagocytic index, lysozyme activity, complement activity, serum bactericidal activity were significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced on 42 days after three i.p injections of 10 mg of beta-glucan kg(-1) body wt. Challenge study indicated least mortality in the group of fishes injected with medium dose of 10 mg of beta-glucan kg(-1) body wt. four times. Multiple injections of beta-glucan might have maintained the activation of phagocytic cells for a long period which in turn would lead to long-term protection in fishes. Thus, injections of 10 mg of beta-glucan kg(-1) body wt. for three times can be advocated to enhance the immune response of fish species under aquaculture.     

The immunomodulatory effects of tuftsin on the non-specific immune system of Indian Major carp, Labeo rohita

The purpose of this study was to determine if injections of different dosages of tuftsin would enhance the immune response and disease resistance against the infections due to the opportunistic pathogens Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda in Labeo rohita fingerlings. Hence, four different dosages of tuftsin in PBS suspension at the rate of 0, 5, 10, 15 mg kg(-1) body weight of fish were injected intraperitoneally to the fingerlings of L. rohita at 2-week intervals for four times. After every 2-week interval, different serum biochemical, haematological and immunological parameters of fish were evaluated. Biochemical and haematological parameters including serum total protein content, albumin content, globulin content, albulin:globulin ratio, glucose content, leucocyte counts etc.; cellular immune parameters including superoxide anion production, phagocytic activities, lymphokine production index etc.; humoral immune parameters including lysozyme activity, complement activity, serum bactericidal activity etc., in the fish were evaluated after every 2-week interval. After 56 days, fish were divided into two subgroups under each major treatment group for challenge with two pathogens A. hydrophila and E. tarda. The mortality (%) and agglutinating antibody titre was recorded on 28th day post challenge. Most of the immune parameters including leucocyte count, phagocytic ratio, phagocytic index, lysozyme activity, complement activity, and serum bactericidal activity were significantly (p相似文献   

Protection of tilapia (Oreochromis mosambicus) from edwardsiellosis by vaccination with Edwardsiella tarda ghosts

The vaccine potential of Edwardsiella tarda ghosts produced by gene E mediated lysis was investigated using tilapia (Oreochromis mosambicus). Tilapia immunized with E. tarda ghosts (ETG) and formalin killed E. tarda (FKC) vaccines showed significantly higher serum agglutination titers than control fish. Fish immunized with ETG showed no significant differences with fish immunized with FKC in serum agglutination titers, but showed significantly higher bactericidal activity than fish immunized with FKC. Furthermore, fish immunized with ETG showed higher protection than fish immunized with FKC. As this promising type of a non-living whole cell envelope preparation seems to be favorable over conventional vaccines, we suggest E. tarda ghosts as a new vaccine candidate.     

Generation of two auxotrophic genes knock-out Edwardsiella tarda and assessment of its potential as a combined vaccine in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Two auxotrophic genes that play essential roles in bacterial cell wall biosynthesis--alanine racemase (alr) gene and aspartate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (asd) gene--knock-out Edwardsiella tarda (Δalr Δasd E. tarda) was generated by the allelic exchange method to develop a combined vaccine system. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used as a model foreign protein, and was expressed by transformation of the mutant E. tarda with antibiotic resistant gene-free plasmids harboring cassettes for GFP and asd expression (pG02-ASD-EtPR-GFP). In vitro growth of the mutant E. tarda was similar to wild-type E. tarda when D-alanine and diaminopimelic acid (DAP) were supplemented to growth medium. However, without d-alanine and/or DAP supplementation, the mutant showed very limited growth. The Δalr Δasd E. tarda transformed with pG02-ASD-EtPR-GFP showed a similar growth pattern of wild-type E. tarda when D-alanine was supplemented in the medium, and the expression of GFP could be observed even with naked eyes. The virulence of the auxotrophic mutant E. tarda was decreased, which was demonstrated by approximately 10? fold increase of LD?? dose compared to wild-type E. tarda. To assess vaccine potential of the present combined vaccine system, olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) were immunized with the GFP expressing mutant E. tarda, and analyzed protection efficacy against E. tarda challenge and antibody titers against E. tarda and GFP. Groups of fish immunized with 10? CFU of the Δalr Δasd E. tarda harboring pG02-ASD-EtPR-GFP showed no mortality, which was irrespective to boost immunization. The cumulative mortality rates of fish immunized with 10? or 10? CFU of the mutant bacteria were lowered by a boost immunization. Fish immunized with the mutant E. tarda at doses of 10?-10? CFU/fish showed significantly higher serum agglutination activities against formalin-killed E. tarda than PBS-injected control fish. Furthermore, fish immunized with 10?-10? CFU/fish of the mutant E. tarda showed significantly higher ELISA titer against GFP antigen than fish in other groups. These results indicate that the present double auxotrophic genes knock-out E. tarda coupled with a heterologous antigen expression has a great strategic potential to be used as combined vaccines against various fish diseases.     

饲料中灵芝提取物对异育银鲫生长、饲料利用、免疫应答及抗病的影响

通过生长实验探求饲料中添加灵芝提取物饲料对异育银鲫（6.720.11） g生长、饲料利用及免疫应答的影响,以及停止灵芝提取物饲料后,使用效果的持续性。在实验进行的第21天（D21）、第46天（D46）、第65天（D65）进行取样,结果表明所有的灵芝提取物组的特定生长率在饲喂65d后与对照组无显著差异（P0.05）。摄食率随着灵芝提取物在饲料中含量的增加而增加（P0.05）,饲料效率则有着相反的趋势（P0.05）。在D46和D65时,随着灵芝提取物的含量增高,吞噬活力略有增高,但无显著差异（P0.05）。在D21、D46和D65时,呼吸暴发活力随着灵芝提取物的含量增高而增高（P0.05）,在D21时,（0.6%-21d、0%-44d）处理组和（3%-21d、0%-44d）处理组其呼吸暴发活力高于对照组（P0.05）。在D65时,（0.6%-21d、0%-44d）处理组和（3%-21d、0%-44d）处理组其呼吸暴发活力仍高于对照组（P0.05）,但差异不显著。D21、D46和D65时,替代途径补体溶血活力随着灵芝提取物的增高而降低（P0.05）。所有处理组溶菌酶活力在D21时没有产生显著差异。在D46时,对照组溶菌酶活力比最高添加组低但高于低添加组（P0.05）,（3%-1d、0%-44d）处理组也仍高于对照组（P0.05）。在D65时,所有添加组的溶菌酶活力均低于对照组（P0.05）。在D65时,髓过氧化物酶活力随着灵芝提取物的添加剂量升高而升高（P0.05）,（0.6%-21d、0%-44d）处理组仍高于对照组（P0.05）。灵芝提取物的能提高白细胞呼吸暴发活力,且在在高剂量摄入21d后（D46时）,仍可以保持较高的活力,说明灵芝提取物对免疫应答有一定时间延续效应。随着灵芝提取物添加量的升高,异育银鲫在经爱德华氏菌攻毒后的存活率显著提高。最高存活率组为3%添加组,显著高于对照组（P0.05）。实验周期为65d时,饲料中灵芝提取物推荐添加剂量为3%。       

Analysis of beta-1,3-glucan assembly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a synthetic interaction network and altered sensitivity to caspofungin

Large-scale screening of genetic and chemical-genetic interactions was used to examine the assembly and regulation of beta-1,3-glucan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using the set of deletion mutants in approximately 4600 nonessential genes, we scored synthetic interactions with genes encoding subunits of the beta-1,3-glucan synthase (FKS1, FKS2), the glucan synthesis regulator (SMI1/KNR4), and a beta-1,3-glucanosyltransferase (GAS1). In the resulting network, FKS1, FKS2, GAS1, and SMI1 are connected to 135 genes in 195 interactions, with 26 of these genes also interacting with CHS3 encoding chitin synthase III. A network core of 51 genes is multiply connected with 112 interactions. Thirty-two of these core genes are known to be involved in cell wall assembly and polarized growth, and 8 genes of unknown function are candidates for involvement in these processes. In parallel, we screened the yeast deletion mutant collection for altered sensitivity to the glucan synthase inhibitor, caspofungin. Deletions in 52 genes led to caspofungin hypersensitivity and those in 39 genes to resistance. Integration of the glucan interaction network with the caspofungin data indicates an overlapping set of genes involved in FKS2 regulation, compensatory chitin synthesis, protein mannosylation, and the PKC1-dependent cell integrity pathway.     

Antitumor effect of soluble beta-1,3-glucan from Agrobacterium sp. R259 KCTC 1019

Beta-1,3-glucans enhance immune reactions such as antitumor, antibacterial, antiviral, anticoagulatory, and wound healing activities. beta-1,3-Glucans have various functions depending on the molecular weight, degree of branching, conformation, water solubility, and intermolecular association. The molecular weight of the soluble glucan was about 15,000 as determined by a high-performance size exclusion chromatography. From the infrared (IR) and 13C NMR analytical data, the purified soluble glucan was found to exclusively consist of beta-D-glucopyranose with 1,3 linkage. We tested the immunestimulating activities of the soluble beta-1,3-glucan extracted from Agrobacterium sp. R259 KCTC 1019 and confirmed the following activities. IFN-gamma and each cytokines were induced in the spleens and thymus of mice treated with soluble beta-1,3-glucan. Adjuvant effect was observed on antibody production. Nitric oxide was synthesized in monocytic cell lines treated with beta-1,3-glucan. The cytotoxic and antitumor effects were observed on various cancer cell lines and ICR mice. These results strongly suggested that this soluble beta-1,3-glucan could be a good candidate for an immune-modulating agent.     

Glucan effect on the survival of mice after radiation exposure

The effect of glucan (beta-1,3-polyglucose) was investigated on the radiation-induced damage to the system of non-specific immunity in mice. A positive influence of glucan administered before exposure to a dose of 200 R was observed on the following parameters of postradiation regeneration: while blood cell count, due mainly to increased granulocyte count, increased per cent of peroxidase-positive cells in bone marrow, increased mass and cellularity of the spleen, in relation to the group of the animals not receiving the preparation. Administration of glucan 5 days before exposure to 650 R of X-rays prolonged the mean survival time. Administration of the preparation after exposure to radiation had no significant effect on the survival time of mice.     

A structural model for the mechanisms of elicitor release from fungal cell walls by plant beta-1,3-endoglucanase.

The release of elicitor-active carbohydrates from fungal cell walls by beta-1,3-endoglucanase contained in host tissues has been implicated as one of the earliest processes in the interaction between soybean (Glycine max) and the fungal pathogen Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. glycinea leading to host defense responses such as phytoalexin production. The present study was conducted to evaluate the primary structure of the glucanase-released elicitor (RE). Gel-filtration chromatography of carbohydrates released from mycelial walls by purified soybean beta-1,3-endoglucanase resolved them into the four fractions (elicitor-active RE-I, -II, and -III and elicitor-inactive RE-IV). Sugar composition analysis indicated that all of the fractions were composed almost entirely of glucose. 1H- and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance analysis indicated the presence of both beta-1,3- and beta-1,6-linkages for the elicitor-active RE-I, -II, and -III fractions and only beta-1,3 linkage for the elicitor-inactive RE-IV fraction. Methylation analysis and degradation studies employing beta-1,3-endo- and beta-1,3-exoglucanase further suggested that the basic structure of elicitor-active RE consists of beta-1,6-linked glucan backbone chains of various lengths with frequent side branches composed of beta-1,3-linked one or two glucose moieties. From these structural analyses of RE, a structural model of how RE is originally present in fungal cell walls and released by host beta-1,3-endoglucanase is also proposed.     

Glucan common to the microcyst walls of cyst-forming bacteria.

Chemical analysis indicated that D-glucose is tha major neutral monosaccharide present in the microcysts of a range of gram-negative bacteria. Varying amounts of other neutral sugars were found. The glucose was mainly present as a glucan that could be extracted from microcysts of representative strains with alkali or mild acid treatment. The glucan could be identified as an alpha-1,3-linked polymer on the basis of (i) periodate resistance of the extracted polymer and the material present in microcysts; (ii) lectin agglutination of the microcysts; (iii) lectin precipitation of the extracted glucans; and (iv) susceptibility of the glucan either in the walls or after extraction to a specific alpha-1,3-glucanase from Aspergillus nidulans, yielding glucose as the sole hydrolysis product. The galactosamine found in microcysts of Myxococcus xanthus by other workers is clearly a component of another polymer, distinct from the glucan. The presence of an alpha 1,3-linked glucan, common to microcyst walls of various bacterial genera, probably contributes to the rigidity of the walls of these forms and, inter alia, to their resistance to ultrasonic treatment. Preliminary experiments indicate that the gulcan is discarded on germination of the microcysts rather than being broken down by specific enzymes.     

New biologically active substances from protozoa and an evaluation of their action]

Novel biologically active substances were obtained from nonpathogenic for humans and free-living protozoa: Crithidia oncopelti, Trypanosoma lewisi, and Astasia longa. There were studied conditions of biosynthesis, composition and biological activity of the total lipid fraction from the protozoa species, sucrose ethers and fatty acids, the latter were isolated from A. longa--(astazilide preparation), reserve beta-1,3 glucan from A. longa (astazian preparation), and fraction of surface glycophospholipids and peptides from Crithidia oncopelti (GLP preparation). Two of three preparations studied (astazilide and GLP) are the complexes of natural substances with certain composition. Conditions of the protozoa cultivation were developed to provide standardization of the complex composition. Division of the complexes into separate components decreased or abolished the biological activity. It was established that the substances studied modify biological reactions, that is exert a systemic effect. They may be used for inhibiting the growth of experimental tumors and preventing the metastatic spreading in tumor-carrier animals. The substances obtained belong to the group of nonspecific stimulators for cellular immunity which can be used in medicine, veterinary medicine, food industry, pharmacologic industry and cosmetology.     

Molecular characterization and expression in Escherichia coli of three beta-1,3-glucanase genes from Lysobacter enzymogenes strain N4-7

Lysobacter enzymogenes strain N4-7 produces multiple biochemically distinct extracellular beta-1,3-glucanase activities. The gluA, gluB, and gluC genes, encoding enzymes with beta-1,3-glucanase activity, were identified by a reverse-genetics approach following internal amino acid sequence determination of beta-1,3-glucanase-active proteins partially purified from culture filtrates of strain N4-7. Analysis of gluA and gluC gene products indicates that they are members of family 16 glycoside hydrolases that have significant sequence identity to each other throughout the catalytic domain but that differ structurally by the presence of a family 6 carbohydrate-binding domain within the gluC product. Analysis of the gluB gene product indicates that it is a member of family 64 glycoside hydrolases. Expression of each gene in Escherichia coli resulted in the production of proteins with beta-1,3-glucanase activity. Biochemical analyses of the recombinant enzymes indicate that GluA and GluC exhibit maximal activity at pH 4.5 and 45 degrees C and that GluB is most active between pH 4.5 and 5.0 at 41 degrees C. Activity of recombinant proteins against various beta-1,3 glucan substrates indicates that GluA and GluC are most active against linear beta-1,3 glucans, while GluB is most active against the insoluble beta-1,3 glucan substrate zymosan A. These data suggest that the contribution of beta-1,3-glucanases to the biocontrol activity of L. enzymogenes may be due to complementary activities of these enzymes in the hydrolysis of beta-1,3 glucans from fungal cell walls.