Cloning, expression, and purification of a highly immunogenic recombinant gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) chimeric peptide

To design an anti-gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine capable of eliciting strong immunogenicity, a gene fragment encoding a chimeric peptide was constructed using polymerase chain reaction and ligated into a novel expression vector for recombinant expression in a T7 RNA polymerase-based expression system. The chimeric peptide called GnRH3-hinge-MVP contained three linear repeats of GnRH (GnRH3), a fragment of the human IgG1 hinge region, and a T-cell epitope of measles virus protein (MVP). The expression plasmid contained the GnRH3-hinge-MVP construct ligated to its fusion partner (AnsB-C) via an unique acid labile Asp-Pro linker. The recombinant fusion protein was expressed in an inclusion body in Escherichia coli under IPTG or lactose induction and the target peptide was easily purified using washing of urea and ethanol precipitation. The target chimeric peptide was isolated from the fusion partner following acid hydrolysis and purified using DEAE-Sephacel chromatography. The purified GnRH3-hinge-MVP was determined to be highly homogeneous by IEF analysis and the N-terminal sequencing. Further, immunization of female mice with the recombinant chimeric peptide resulted in generation of high-titer antibodies specific for GnRH. The results showed that GnRH3-hinge-MVP could be considered as a candidate anti-GnRH vaccine.     

Gonadotrope function in ovariectomized ewes actively immunized against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

The gonadotrope cells of the ovine anterior pituitary were insulated from hypothalamic inputs by imposing an immunologic barrier generated by active immunization of ovariectomized ewes against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) through a p-aminophenylacetic acid bridge. All GnRH-KLH animals immunized developed titers of anti-GnRH that exceeded 1:5000. The antisera were specific for GnRH and cross-reacted with GnRH agonists modified in position 10 to an extent that was less than 0.01%. Ewes actively immunized against GnRH-KLH displayed levels of basal and GnRH agonist-induced gonadotropin secretion that were markedly lower (p less than 0.05) than comparable parameters in ewes actively immunized against KLH. In contrast, basal and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced prolactin (PRL) secretion were not compromised by active immunization. Immunization against the GnRH-KLH conjugate, but not KLH alone, prevented expression of the positive feedback response to exogenous estradiol (E2). Pituitary stores of immunoactive luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were significantly (p less than 0.001) reduced in ewes immunized against GnRH-KLH but stores of PRL were not affected by such immunization. Further, the biopotency of the residual LH stores in tissue of animals from the anti-GnRH group was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower than LH biopotency in anti-KLH animals. Serum levels of LH in anti-GnRH ewes were restored by circhoral administration of a GnRH agonist that did not cross-react with the antisera generated. Pulsatile delivery of GnRH agonist in anti-GnRH ewes significantly (p less than 0.05) elevated serum LH within 48 h and reestablished LH levels comparable to anti-KLH ewes within 6 days of treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Active immunization against GnRH in pre-pubertal domestic mammals: testicular morphometry,histopathology and endocrine responses in rabbits,guinea pigs and ram lambs

Effective tools for male contraception are important in the control of reproduction in animal populations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of active immunization against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on male reproductive function assessing testicular morphological changes and serum-gonadotropin levels in pre-pubertal rabbits, guinea pigs and ram lambs. An anti-GnRH vaccine was developed by linking a GnRH-homologous molecule to a tetanus clostridial toxoid (Al(OH)₃ coadjuvant). After vaccination protocols testicular morphometry, histopathological alterations and endocrine responses (FSH, LH, testosterone and cortisol serum levels) were evaluated. Testicular volume was significantly reduced in vaccinated animals with respect to the control group in rabbits, guinea pigs and ram lambs (P<0.05 to P<0.001). The anti-GnRH vaccine generated a reduction in testicular volume of 15-, 27- and 11-fold, respectively. Tubule diameters decreased in the vaccinated group with respect to the control ~2.0-, 1.2- and 3.5-fold, respectively (P<0.001). Tubule, intertubular and lumen volumes significantly decreased in vaccinated rabbits (P<0.05), guinea pigs and ram lambs (P<0.01). Vaccinated animals of the three species showed significant reductions in spermatogonial numbers (10- to 40-fold; P<0.01). Sperm was absent in all seminiferous tubules of all rabbits, and most individuals of guinea pigs (80%) and ram lambs (60%). No significant differences were observed between vaccinated and control groups regarding FSH and LH during the experiments in the three experimental species/models used. Testosterone, however, was only significantly lower (~22-fold, P<0.01) in vaccinated rabbits. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that pre-pubertal active immunization against GnRH leads to endocrine disruption and marked differences on testicular morphometry, development and activity among lagomorphs, hystricomorphs and ovine species with species-specific sensitivity regarding the anti-GnRH immune response.     

Growth inhibition of tumor cells in vitro by using monoclonal antibodies against gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor

As the continuation of a previous study, synthetic peptides corresponding to the extracellular domains of human gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor were used to generate additional monoclonal antibodies which were further characterized biochemically and immunologically. Among those identified to recognize GnRH receptor, monoclonal antibodies designated as GHR-103, GHR-106 and GHR-114 were found to exhibit high affinity (Kd ≤ 1 × 10⁻⁸ M) and specificity to GnRH receptor as judged by the whole cell binding immunoassay and Western blot assay. Both anti-GnRH receptor monoclonal antibodies and GnRH were shown to compete for the same binding site of GnRH receptor on the surface of cultured cancer cells. Growth inhibitions of cancer cells cultured in vitro were demonstrated by cellular apoptosis experiments (TUNEL and MTT assays) under different conditions of treatment with GHR-106 monoclonal antibody or GnRH analogs. It was generally observed that both GnRH I and GHR-106 effectively induce the apoptosis of cultured cancer cells as determined by TUNEL and MTT assays. Consistently, suppressions of gene expressions at mRNA levels were demonstrated with several ribosomal proteins (P0, P1, P2 and L37), when cancer cells were incubated with GnRH or GHR-106. The widespread expressions of GnRH receptor in almost all of the studied human cancer cell lines were also demonstrated by RT-PCR and Western blot assay, as well as indirect immunofluorescence assay with either of these monoclonal antibodies as the primary antibody. In view of the longer half life of antibodies as compared to that of GnRH or its analogs, anti-GnRH receptor monoclonal antibodies in humanized forms could function as GnRH analogs and serve as an ideal candidate of anti-cancer drugs for therapeutic treatments of various cancers in humans as well as for fertility regulations.     

Sustained testicular atrophy in bulls actively immunized against GnRH: potential to control carcase characteristics

The objectives were to determine whether active immunization against gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) induced a long-term suppression of testicular function in bulls, and to ascertain the effects of immunization against GnRH on carcase and meat quality characteristics. In experiment 1, 6-month-old Zebu bulls were assigned to: control (n=25), no treatment; immunized (n=31), immunized against GnRH at 0 and 4 months (anti-GnRH(2)), with a sub-set of bulls (n=17) immunized again at 10 months (anti-GnRH(3)). After the second immunization, testicular growth ceased for 2 months in 14/31 (45%) bulls and for at least 6 months in 17/31 (55%) bulls. Among the latter bulls (anti-GnRH(3)) the testes did not grow for >1 year after the third immunization in 5/17 (30%) bulls. In experiment 2, 22-month-old Zebu bulls were assigned to: control (n=14), no treatment; immunized (n=17), immunized against GnRH at 0, 2 and 4 weeks. The testes decreased (P<0.05) in size for 2 months after immunization in 11/17 (65%) bulls and then re-initiated growth, whilst in 6/17 (35%) bulls the testes continued to decrease in size for 4 months and did not re-initiate growth for 1 year. At slaughter, the latter immunocastrated bulls had carcase and meat quality characteristics the same as contemporary bulls that had been castrated before puberty. The findings demonstrated that active immunization against GnRH can induce a long-term suppression of testicular function in a proportion of bulls. Also, when bulls are immunocastrated after puberty, carcase and meat quality traits change from those typical of entire bulls to traits that are characteristic of long-term castrated bulls.     

Dendritic cells loaded with polyomavirus VP1/VP2Her2 virus-like particles efficiently prevent outgrowth of a Her2/neu expressing tumor

One immunization with murine polyomavirus (MPyV) VP1 virus-like particles containing a fusion protein between MPyV VP2 and the extra cellular and transmembrane domain of Her2 (Her2_1–683PyVLPs) efficiently protects BALB/c mice from outgrowth of the Her2 expressing tumor D2F2/E2. To possibly enhance the anti-Her2 immune response and abrogate the induced anti-VLP antibody response, immunization with murine dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with Her2_1–683PyVLPs was performed. Mice were immunized once or more with 5 or 50 μg Her2_1–683PyVLPs alone or loaded on DCs, and challenged 14 days after the last immunization with a lethal dose of Her2-positive D2F2/E2 cells. Mice were protected from tumor outgrowth, when immunized only once with 5 or 50 μg Her2_1–683PyVLPs loaded on DCs, or 50 μg of Her2_1–683PyVLPs alone, whereas immunization once or more with 5 μg of Her2_1–683PyVLPs alone only protected half of the mice. Immunization with recombinant Her2 protein alone, or loaded on DCs, did not induce tumor immunity. Using both immunization strategies, Her2-specific T cell immunity was demonstrated, while Her2-specific antibodies were not detected. Loading VLPs on DCs reduced anti-VLP antibodies sixfold, but did not influence the efficiency of subsequent immunizations. Notably, DC maturation by Her2_1–683PyVLPs in vitro was not demonstrated although the IL-12 production was significantly increased. In conclusion, loading of VLPs on DCs can enhance specific VLP immunization considerably.     

Passive immunization of rams (Ovis aries) against GnRH: effects on antibody titer,serum concentrations of testosterone,and sexual behavior

The effect of immunoneutralization of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on serum concentrations of testosterone and sexual behavior was evaluated in sexually mature male sheep. In Experiment 1, GnRH1 rams (n=16) were passively immunized against GnRH (300 ml antiserum), control rams were either passively immunized against keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH, n=15) or surgically castrated (Wethers1, n=4). Sexual performance of the rams was assessed weekly for 3 weeks before and 6 weeks after immunization, using ovarihystertomized ewes actively immunized against GnRH. Experiment 2 evaluated the effects of repeated immunization. Rams were immunized with two aliquots (400 and 300 ml, respectively) of anti-GnRH sera (GnRH, n=5) or normal sheep serum (NSS, n=4), 2 weeks apart. Surgically castrated animals were used as a second control group (Wethers2). Administration of anti-GnRH sera, but neither anti-KLH nor NSS sera, resulted in marked reduction (P<0.05) in serum concentrations of testosterone. Sexual behavior was not consistently affected by administration of one aliquot of anti-GnRH sera, however repeated immunizations resulted in more persistent reduction in serum concentrations of testosterone and more consistent suppression of sexual behavior.     

Active immunization of intact mares against gonadotropin-releasing hormone: differential effects on secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone

Five lighthorse mares were actively immunized against gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) to determine the relative importance of this hypothalamic hormone in the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Five mares immunized against the conjugation protein served as controls. Mares were initially immunized in November and received secondary immunizations 4 wk later, and then at 6-wk intervals until ovariectomy in June. All mares immunized against GnRH exhibited an increase (p less than 0.01) in the binding of tritiated GnRH by plasma, an indication that antibodies against this hormone had been elicited. Concentrations of LH, FSH and progesterone in weekly blood samples were lower (p less than 0.05) in GnRH-immunized mares than in controls after approximately 4 mo of immunization. However, the LH concentrations were affected to a greater degree than were FSH concentrations. All five control mares exhibited normal cycles of estrus and diestrus in spring, whereas no GnRH-immunized mare exhibited cyclic displays of estrus up to ovariectomy. All mares were injected intravenously with a GnRH analog (which cross-reacted less than 0.1% with the anti-GnRH antibodies) in May, after all control mares had displayed normal estrous cycles, to characterize the response of LH and FSH in these mares; two days later, the mares were injected with GnRH. The LH response to the analog, which was assessed by net area under the curve, was lower (p less than 0.01) by approximately 99% in mares immunized against GnRH than in control mares. In contrast, the FSH response to the analog was similar for both groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Detection of antibodies against customized epitope: use of a coating antigen employing VEGF as fusion partner

Diagnosis of many infectious, autoimmune diseases and cancers depends on the detection of specific antibodies against peptide epitope by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, small peptides are difficult to be coated on the plate surfaces. In this study, we selected GnRH as a model hapten to evaluate whether VEGF₁₂₁ would be suitable as an irrelevant hapten-carrier to develop a universal platform for specific antibodies detection. Firstly, GnRH was fused to the C terminus of VEGF₁₂₁ and the resultant fusion protein VEGF–GnRH expressed effectively as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. Thereafter, VEGF–GnRH was easily purified to near homogeneity with a yield of about 235 mg from 2.1 L induced culture. At last, VEGF–GnRH was used to perform ELISA and western blot, and our results suggested that VEGF–GnRH was capable of detecting anti-GnRH antibodies in sera both qualitatively and quantitatively. Indeed, previous studies of our laboratory had demonstrated that other fusion proteins such as VEGF–Aβ10, VEGF–GRP, VEGF–CETPC, and VEGF–βhCGCTP37 were able to detect their corresponding antibodies specifically. Therefore, VEGF₁₂₁ may be a suitable irrelevant fusion partner of important diagnostic peptide markers. Our works would shed some light on the development of a universal platform for detection of specific antibodies.     

Gonadotropin secretion in ovariectomized ewes: effect of passive immunization against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and infusion of a GnRH agonist and estradiol

Gonadotropin secretion was examined in ovariectomized sheep after passive immunization against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Infusion of ovine anti-GnRH serum, but not control antiserum, rapidly depressed serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH). The anti-GnRH-induced reduction in serum LH was reversed by circhoral (hourly) administration of a GnRH agonist that did not cross-react with the anti-GnRH serum. In contrast, passive immunization against GnRH led to only a modest reduction in serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Pulsatile delivery of the GnRH agonist did not influence serum concentrations of FSH. Continuous infusion of estradiol inhibited and then stimulated gonadotropin secretion in animals passively immunized against GnRH, with gonadotrope function driven by GnRH agonist. However, the magnitude of the positive feedback response was only 10% of the response noted in controls. These data indicate that the estradiol-induced surge of LH secretion in ovariectomized sheep is the product of estrogenic action at both hypothalamic and pituitary loci. Replacement of the endogenous GnRH pulse generator with an exogenous generator of GnRH-like pulses that were invariant in frequency and amplitude could not fully reestablish the preovulatory-like surge of LH induced by estradiol.     

Effect of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor and other growth factors on motility and morphology of non-tumorigenic and tumor cells

Summary Using an automated cell analyzer system, the effect of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), endothelial acidic fibroblast growth factor (a-FGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), and recombinant human insulinlike growth factor (IGF) on the motility and morphology of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK), rat hepatomas, C₂, and H_5–6 and murine mammary carcinoma (EMT-6) cells was investigated. Treatment of MDCK cells with HGF/SF, bFGF, EGF, and a-FGF resulted in an increase in average cell velocity and in the fraction of moving cells. Cells treated with the PDGF and IGF did not show significant alterations in velocity. MDCK cells treated with each growth factor were classified into groups of “fast” and “slow” moving cells based on their average velocities, and the average morphologic features of the two groups were quantitated. Fast-moving cells had larger average area, circularity, and flatness as compared to slow-moving cells. Factors that stimulated cell movement also induced alterations in cell morphologic parameters including spreading, flatness, area, and circularity. HGF/SF also scattered and stimulated motility of C₂ and H_5–6 hepatoma cells. In contrast to MDCK cells, there was no significant difference between the morphology of the fast moving and slow moving C₂ and H_5–6 cells. These studies suggest that growth factor cytokines have specific effects on motility of normal and tumor cells.     

Substitution of only two residues of human Hsp90α causes impeded dimerization of Hsp90β

Two isoforms of the 90-kDa heat-shock protein (Hsp90), i.e., Hsp90α and Hsp90β, are expressed in the cytosol of mammalian cells. Although Hsp90 predominantly exists as a dimer, the dimer-forming potential of the β isoform of human and mouse Hsp90 is less than that of the α isoform. The 16 amino acid substitutions located in the 561–685 amino acid region of the C-terminal dimerization domain should be responsible for this impeded dimerization of Hsp90β (Nemoto T, Ohara-Nemoto Y, Ota M, Takagi T, Yokoyama K. Eur J Biochem 233: 1–8, 1995). The present study was performed to define the amino acid substitutions that cause the impeded dimerization of Hsp90β. Bacterial two-hybrid analysis revealed that among the 16 amino acids, the conversion from Ala₅₅₈ of Hsp90β to Thr₅₆₆ of Hsp90α and that from Met₆₂₁ of Hsp90β to Ala₆₂₉ of Hsp90α most efficiently reversed the dimeric interaction, and that the inverse changes from those of Hsp90α to Hsp90β primarily explained the impeded dimerization of Hsp90β We conclude that taken together, the conversion of Thr₅₆₆ and Ala₆₂₉ of Hsp90α to Ala₅₅₈ and Met₆₂₁ is primarily responsible for impeded dimerization of Hsp90β.     

Immunization of cattle against modified peptides of gonadotropin releasing hormone conjugated to carriers: Effectiveness of Freund's and alternative adjuvants

Two gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) peptides with a cystein substitution of the first (C1-GnRH) or tenth (C10-GnRH) amino acid were conjugated to ovalbumin and equine serum albumin, respectively, via the sulfhydryl group of the introduced cysteine. Animals were immunized three times at 3-wk intervals with both conjugates in either saline (n = 5), Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA; n = 5), Havlogen (n = 6), Ribi adjuvant system (RAS; n = 5), dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA; n = 4), Alhydrogel (n = 5) or Regressin (n = 5). Animals immunized with conjugates in saline or RAS did not produce anti-GnRH titers. The highest anti-GnRH titers were produced by animals treated with FCA. The Alhydrogel and DDA treatments stimulated the production of GnRH antibodies in all animals treated, but titers were lower than in animals immunized with FCA. When vaccines were formulated with Havlogen or Regressin, anti-GnRH titers were low or absent. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were depressed in FCA and in Alhydrogel treated animals. The antisera raised were predominantly directed against either the carboxy- or the amino-terminal end of the GnRH peptide, or directed equally against both, depending on the individual animal. Results suggest that no epitope of GnRH dominates the immune response in cattle and show that the best alternative to FCA is Alhydrogel.     

Structural elucidation of Leuprolide and its analogues in solution: insight into their bioactive conformation

Leuprolide [dLeu⁶, NHEt¹⁰]GnRH, a potent gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, is used in a wide variety of hormone-related diseases like cancer and endometriosis. In this report, the conformational behaviour of Leuprolide and its linear synthetic analogues, namely [Tyr⁵(OMe), dLeu⁶, Aze⁹, NHEt¹⁰]GnRH (1) and [Tyr⁵(OMe), dLeu⁶, NHEt¹⁰]GnRH (2) have been studied in DMSO and H₂O solutions by means of 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments and detailed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The aim was to identify the conformational requirements of GnRH analogues for agonistic activity. This approach is of value as no crystallographic data are available for the GnRH receptor (G protein-coupled receptor, GPCR). The NOE data indicate the existence of a β-turn type I in the 2–5 segments of Leuprolide and its linear analogues in the case of using DMSO-d₆ as solvent, whereas a β-turn type II in the 3–6 segments is indicated using D₂O as solvent. The final structures fulfil the conformational requirements that are known, in the literature, to play a significant role in receptor recognition and activation. Finally, the linear analogues (1) and (2) are biologically active when tested against the human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7.     

Heterologous expression,purification and characterization of the influenza A virus <Emphasis Type="Italic">M2e</Emphasis> gene fused to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mycobacterium tuberculosis</Emphasis> HSP70<Subscript>359–610</Subscript> in prokaryotic system as a fusion protein

One of the concerns about influenza A vaccine based on M2e protein is their limited potency; hence, optimal approaches to enhance immunogenicity of M2e protein immunization remain to be established. It seems by linking this M2e-peptide to an appropriate carrier such as mycobacterium tuberculosis C-terminal 28-kDa domain of HSP70 (HSP70_359–610), we can render it very immunogenic. According to previous reports, this study was designed to produce a novel influenza A virus recombinant fusion protein consisted of M2e, a potent immunogenic protein from influenza A virus, fused to C-terminal domain of mycobacterium tuberculosis HSP70, HSP70_359–610, as a carrier and adjuvant. We fused the genes of M2e and HSP70 _359–610 then inserted in pQE-60, prokaryotic expression vector. This recombinant fusion protein with a 6xHis-tag was successfully over expressed in Escherichia coli M-15. The recombinant fusion protein was purified by Ni–NTA affinity chromatography under denaturing conditions, followed by urea gradient dialysis. The purified fusion protein was analyzed on SDS–PAGE. Western blot assay was used to examine the immunoreaction of the expressed protein using commercial penta-His HRP conjugate antibody. The antigenicity and biological activity of the recombinant protein was also qualitatively detected on the infected MDCK cells surface by immunofluorescence and cell-ELISA assay using rabbit’s immunized antiserum. This observation suggest that the expressed fusion protein is useful as a universal recombinant vaccine for overcoming highly mutational influenza virus, but more immunological study in animal lab remains to be evaluated.     

Use of blocking ELISA additivity test and antibody-antibody competition technique for analysis of recognition ability of monoclonal anti-gonadotropin releasing hormone antibodies

Monoclonal anti-GnRH antibodies reacting to the heptapeptide 4-10 (H-Ser-Tyr-Gly-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-OH) were isolated by affinity chromatography using Sepharose 4B-heptapeptide (4-10) column. The ELISA additivity test and antibody-antibody competition techniques were used to study whether the affinity purified MoAb (A-MoAb) fraction recognize the sequence or the conformation of the native hormone. All four A-MoAbs, P862, P778, P764 and P813, were able to recognize the common epitope and did not allow to bind the conventional anti-GnRH antibodies (CoAbs) indicating that the CoAbs were conformation specific. Similarly in antibody-antibody competition technique, all A-MoAbs were able to compete with CoAbs, indicating that MoAbs were generated against the conformation of GnRH involving the entire molecule.     

Therapeutic effect of a T helper cell supported CTL response induced by a survivin peptide vaccine against murine cerebral glioma

Survivin is a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) that has significant potential for use as a cancer vaccine target. To identify survivin epitopes that might serve as targets for CTL-mediated, anti-tumor responses, we evaluated a series of survivin peptides with predicted binding to mouse H2-K^b and human HLA-A*0201 antigens in peptide-loaded dendritic cell (DC) vaccines. H2-K^b-positive, C57BL/6 mice were vaccinated using syngeneic, peptide-loaded DC2.4 cells. Splenocytes from vaccinated mice were screened by flow cytometry for binding of dimeric H2-K^b:Ig to peptide-specific CD8+ T cells. Two survivin peptides (SVN_57–64 and SVN_82–89) generated specific CD8+ T cells. We chose to focus on the SVN_57–64 peptide because that region of the molecule is 100% homologous to human survivin. A larger peptide (SVN_53–67), containing multiple class I epitopes, and a potential class II ligand, was able to elicit both CD8+ CTL and CD4+ T cell help. We tested the SVN_53–67 15-mer peptide in a therapeutic model using a peptide-loaded DC vaccine in C57BL/6 mice with survivin-expressing GL261 cerebral gliomas. This vaccine produced significant CTL responses and helper T cell-associated cytokine production, resulting in a significant prolongation of survival. The SVN_53–67 vaccine was significantly more effective than the SVN_57–64 core epitope as a cancer vaccine, emphasizing the potential benefit of incorporating multiple class I epitopes and associated cytokine support within a single peptide.     

Absence of caveolin-1 alters heat shock protein expression in spontaneous mammary tumors driven by Her-2/neu expression

In a previous study, we measured caveolin-1 protein levels, both in the normal breast and in breast cancer. The study revealed no association between caveolin-1 expression in the epithelial compartment and clinical disease outcome. However, high levels of caveolin-1 in the stromal tissue surrounding the tumor associated strongly with reduced metastasis and improved survival. Using an animal model, we found that the onset of mammary tumors driven by Her-2/neu expression was accelerated in mice lacking caveolin-1. We have analysed the heat shock protein (Hsp) response in the tumors of mice lacking caveolin-1. In all cases, the mammary tumors were estrogen and progesterone receptor negative, and the levels of Her-2/neu (evaluated by immunohistochemistry) were not different between the caveolin-1 +/+ (n = 8) and the caveolin-1 −/− (n = 7) tumors. However, a significant reduction in the extent of apoptosis was observed in mammary tumors from animals lacking caveolin-1. While Bcl-2, Bax, and survivin levels in the tumors were not different, the amount of HSPA (Hsp70) was almost double in the caveolin-1 −/− tumors. In contrast, HSPB1 (Hsp27/Hsp25) levels were significantly lower in the caveolin-1 −/− tumors. The mammary tumors from caveolin-1 null mice expressed more HSPC4 (gp96 or grp94), but HSPC1 (Hsp90), HSPA5 (grp78), HSPD1 (Hsp60), and CHOP were not altered. No significant changes in these proteins were found in the stroma surrounding these tumors. These results demonstrate that the disruption of the Cav-1 gene can cause alterations of specific Hsps as well as tumor development.     

Production and biological activity of murine monoclonal antibodies against GnRH

Immunization against GnRH represents a nonsurgical means of castrating domestic species. However, clear target antibody titres for bioactivity have not been established. The aims of this study were to produce characterized anti-GnRH monoclonal antibodies and to determine a threshold titre. Three murine monoclonals were developed which produced IgG2a class immunoglobulins and bound 50% I(125)-GnRH at a 10(6) to 10(7) dilution. The antibodies were specific to GnRH, showed a strong affinity (Ka values from 1.99 to 2.60 x 10(10) litres/mole), and were directed towards the amino terminus. In female mice all 3 antibody clones interrupted ovarian cyclicity, causing an extension in diestrus followed by prolonged estrus/metestrus (12 to 30 d). Throughout this period circulating titres were greater than 15% I(125)-GnRH binding at a 5 x 10(4) dilution. In male mice, immunization with 0.2 ml of ascites significantly reduced testes (P < 0.05), epididymides (P < 0.001) and seminal vesicle (P < 0.01) weights. A 0.1 ml dose (61.4 +/- 18.6% binding at a 10(6) dilution) was ineffective. A serial dilution study indicated that a titre of 50% binding at 2 x 10(6) dilution (antigen binding capacity of 268 +/- 35 ng/ml) was required to completely block GnRH activity. This is a higher tire than threshold levels determined previously. Identification of factors determining the titre required for bioactivity is needed.     

奥利亚罗非鱼促性腺激素释放激素cDNA的原核表达及其免疫原性研究

促性腺激素释放激素(gonadotropin-releasinghormone,GnRH)是下丘脑分泌产生的神经激素,对脊椎动物生殖的调控起重要作用。为研究GnRH对奥利亚罗非鱼性腺发育的作用,构建了GnRHcDNA的原核表达载体并进行融合表达。利用RT-PCR方法从丘脑中扩增出长约400bp的目的序列GnRH基因,克隆至T载体中,经酶切鉴定和序列测定分析确认序列的正确性后将此片段克隆到表达载体pMAL-c2x中构建重组表达质粒pMAL-GnRH,并在大肠杆菌TB1中获得了高表达,目的蛋白约占菌体总蛋白的41.6%。菌体经溶菌酶裂解,制备无细胞抽提液,Amylose-sepharose柱层析后得到分子量为56kD单一条带的目的蛋白。目的蛋白经FactorXa酶切裂解,Amylose-sepharose过柱纯化后得到纯化的GnRH前体蛋白。以80μg/只的剂量4次免疫ICR小鼠,免疫小鼠可以检测到特异性针对GnRH前体蛋白的血清抗体应答,免疫组抗体水平显著高于空白组(P<0.05),且加强免疫第5周后抗体效价为0.707±0.320,达到高峰值,说明表达产物具有免疫原性,可以刺激机体产生免疫应答。