Prediction and analysis of multi epitope based vaccine against Newcastle disease virus based on haemagglutinin neuraminidase protein

Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an avian orthoavulavirus, is a causative agent of Newcastle disease named (NDV), and can cause even the epidemics when disease is not treated. Previously several vaccines based on attenuated and inactivated viruses have been reported which are rendered useless with the passage of time due to versatile changes in viral genome. Therefore, we aimed to develop an effective multi-epitope vaccine against the haemagglutinin neuraminidase (HN) protein of 26 NDV strains from Pakistan through a modern immunoinformatic approaches. As a result, a vaccine chimaera was constructed by combining T-cell and B-cell epitopes with the appropriate linkers and adjuvant. The designed vaccine was highly immunogenic, non-allergen and antigenic; therefore, the potential 3D-structureof multi epitope vaccine was constructed, refined and validated. A molecular docking study of a multiepitope vaccine candidate with the chicken Toll-like receptor-4 indicated successful binding. An In silico immunological simulation was used to evaluate the candidate vaccine''s ability to elicit an effective immune response. According to the computational studies, the proposed multiepitope vaccine is physically stable and may induce immune responses whichsuggested it a strong candidate against 26 Newcastle disease virus strains from Pakistan.     

A Markov Chain Model for Newcastle Disease and its Relevance to the Intracerebral Pathogenicity Index

By modelling the progression of the avian disease caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV) as a one‐step, time homogeneous Markov Chain (MC) it is possible to set the intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) in a statistical context. Previous assessments of ICPI values for different viruses ignore the fact that the same ICPI value may occur via different sequences of disease status. However, the MC model approach takes into account the state transitions by which an animal came to obtain its particular contribution to the ICPI value. Because the probability that an animal remains normal approaches zero as time increases, the MC model suggests a pathogenicity index based on the multiplying factor that determines this probability's approach to zero. Numerical examples are given with data from NDV pathogenicity trials.     

Species Based Synonymous Codon Usage in Fusion Protein Gene of Newcastle Disease Virus

Newcastle disease is highly pathogenic to poultry and many other avian species. However, the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has also been reported from many non-avian species. The NDV fusion protein (F) is a major determinant of its pathogenicity and virulence. The functionalities of F gene have been explored for the development of vaccine and diagnostics against NDV. Although the F protein is well studied but the codon usage and its nucleotide composition from NDV isolated from different species have not yet been explored. In present study, we have analyzed the factors responsible for the determination of codon usage in NDV isolated from four major avian host species. The F gene of NDV is analyzed for its base composition and its correlation with the bias in codon usage. Our result showed that random mutational pressure is responsible for codon usage bias in F protein of NDV isolates. Aromaticity, GC3s, and aliphatic index were not found responsible for species based synonymous codon usage bias in F gene of NDV. Moreover, the low amount of codon usage bias and expression level was further confirmed by a low CAI value. The phylogenetic analysis of isolates was found in corroboration with the relatedness of species based on codon usage bias. The relationship between the host species and the NDV isolates from the host does not represent a significant correlation in our study. The present study provides a basic understanding of the mechanism involved in codon usage among species.     

Detection of Newcastle disease virus using nucleic acid sequence-based amplification.

Newcastle disease (ND) is a contagious and widespread avian disease affecting most species of birds. ND virus (NDV) is the only member of the avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (APMV1) causing ND outbreak in bird flocks. The technique of nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) is a potential method to rapidly and reliably detect NDV isolates. Here, we describe an effective and unprecedented method for detecting NDV strains of all pathotypes. A conserved region of the fusion protein gene was used for designing oligonucleotides specific to all NDV pathotypes. The dynamic range of this NDV NASBA detection method is comparable to virus culture and therefore the NDV NASBA method is a potential alternative for NDV screening and surveillance.     

Development and in vitro characterization of a bivalent DNA containing HN and F genes of velogenic Newcastle disease virus

Newcastle disease (ND) is highly contagious, economically important viral disease affecting most of avian species worldwide. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has single stranded negative sense RNA genome which encodes for six structural and two non-structural proteins. Envelope glycoproteins i.e. hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and the fusion (F), elicit protective immune response. In this study, HN and F genes of velogenic (virulent) strain were amplified and cloned at multiple cloning sites A and B, respectively into pIRES bicistronic vector for use as bivalent DNA vaccine against ND. The recombinant plasmid was characterized for its orientation by restriction enzyme digestion and PCR. Expression of HN and F genes was assessed in transfected Vero cells at RNA level using RT-PCR in total RNA as well as protein level using IFAT, IPT and western blot using NDV specific antiserum. All these experiments confirmed that HN and F genes cloned in recombinant pIRES.nd.hn.f are functionally active. The recombinant construct is being evaluated as DNA vaccine against ND.     

鹅源新城疫病毒ZJ1株微型基因组的构建及其初步应用

在获得鹅源新城疫病毒ZJ1株全基因组序列的基础上,用增强型绿色荧光蛋白（eGFP）报告基因取代鹅源新城疫病毒ZJ1株整个编码区,只保留与病毒复制、转录和病毒粒子包装相关的调控序列,将其反向克隆入转录载体TVT7R(0.0)中,构建了该毒株的微型基因组。当转染用辅助病毒ZJ1株感染的Hep_2细胞时报告基因得到表达,表明此微型 基因组RNA可被辅助病毒提供的NP、P和L蛋白翻译。同时将该病毒NP、P和L蛋白基因分别克隆入真核表达载体pCI_neo中,构建了表达该病毒NP、P与L蛋白的辅助质粒,用此微型基因组对辅助质粒的表达产物进行了功能鉴定并对该病毒拯救过程中痘苗病毒的最适感染剂量进行了摸索。以上研究为该病毒的成功拯救及开展其它相关研究奠定了基础。     

Viral infections of little blue penguins (Eudyptula minor) along the southern coast of Australia

Serum antibodies to strains of avian paramyxovirus and flavivirus were detected in little blue penguins sampled at Port Campbell and Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia. No antibody to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was detected in 267 sera collected, although one penguin captured for experimental studies had a hemagglutination-inhibition antibody titer of 2(4) to this virus. Experimental studies showed that the avian paramyxovirus designated APMV-IM and strain V4 of NDV were non-pathogenic for penguins, although the penguins could have been previously infected with these or similar virus strains. A flavivirus designated Saumarez reef virus, and an unnamed virus isolated from ticks on Macquarie Island, Southern Ocean were pathogenic causing disease and mortality in penguins inoculated with the viruses.     

Incorporation of Host Complement Regulatory Proteins into Newcastle Disease Virus Enhances Complement Evasion

Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an avian paramyxovirus, is inherently tumor selective and is currently being considered as a clinical oncolytic virus and vaccine vector. In this study, we analyzed the effect of complement on the neutralization of NDV purified from embryonated chicken eggs, a common source for virus production. Fresh normal human serum (NHS) neutralized NDV by multiple pathways of complement activation, independent of neutralizing antibodies. Neutralization was associated with C3 deposition and the activation of C2, C3, C4, and C5 components. Interestingly, NDV grown in mammalian cell lines was resistant to complement neutralization by NHS. To confirm whether the incorporation of regulators of complement activity (RCA) into the viral envelope afforded complement resistance, we grew NDV in CHO cells stably transfected with CD46 or HeLa cells, which strongly express CD46 and CD55. NDV grown in RCA-expressing cells was resistant to complement by incorporating CD46 and CD55 on virions. Mammalian CD46 and CD55 molecules on virions exhibited homologous restriction, since chicken sera devoid of neutralizing antibodies to NDV were able to effectively neutralize these virions. The incorporation of chicken RCA into NDV produced in embryonated eggs similarly provided species specificity toward chicken sera.     

Chimeric Newcastle Disease Virus-like Particles Containing DC-Binding Peptide-Fused Haemagglutinin Protect Chickens from Virulent Newcastle Disease Virus and H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus Challenge

Newcastle disease virus(NDV) and H9N2 subtype Avian influenza virus(AIV) are two notorious avian respiratory pathogens that cause great losses in the poultry industry. Current inactivated commercial vaccines against NDV and AIV have the disadvantages of inadequate mucosal responses, while an attenuated live vaccine bears the risk of mutation.Dendritic cell(DC) targeting strategies are attractive for their potent mucosal and adaptive immune-stimulating ability against respiratory pathogens. In this study, DC-binding peptide(DCpep)-decorated chimeric virus-like particles(cVLPs),containing NDV haemagglutinin–neuraminidase(HN) and AIV haemagglutinin(HA), were developed as a DC-targeting mucosal vaccine candidate. DCpep-decorated cVLPs activated DCs in vitro, and induced potent immune stimulation in chickens, with enhanced secretory immunoglobulin A(sIgA) secretion and splenic T cell differentiation. 40 μg cVLPs can provide full protection against the challenge with homologous, heterologous NDV strains, and AIV H9N2. In addition,DCpep-decorated cVLPs could induce a better immune response when administered intranasally than intramuscularly, as indicated by robust s IgA secretion and a reduced virus shedding period. Taken together, this chimericVLPs are a promising vaccine candidate to control NDV and AIV H9N2 and a useful platform bearing multivalent antigens.     

Antiviral Activity of Antimicrobial Lipopeptide from Bacillus subtilis fmbj Against Pseudorabies Virus, Porcine Parvovirus, Newcastle Disease Virus and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus in Vitro

Bacillus subtilis fmbj can produce lipopeptide antimicrobial substance, whose main components were surfactin and fengycin. In the study, the antiviral activity of antimicrobial lipopeptides (AMLs) from B. subtilis fmbj (CGMCC No. 0934) against Pseudorabies Virus (PRV), Porcine Parvovirus (PPV), Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) was evaluated in vitro. The AMLs represented a direct inactivation effect on cell-free virus stocks of PRV, PPV, NDV and IBDV, and it could effectively inhibit infection and replication of the NDV and IBDV, but failed to affect PRV and PPV. The AMLs were represented higher toxicity for the Porcine Kidney (PK-15) cells (50% cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) value was 32.87 μM) and lower for the Chicken Embryo Fibroblasts (CEF) cells (CC₅₀ value was 89.16 μM). The Selectivity index of AMLs on PRV, PPV, NDV and IBDV was 1.44, 2.23, 8.40 and 12.19, respectively.     

Monitoring of wild birds for Newcastle disease virus in Switzerland using real time RT-PCR

Wild birds are considered to be the natural reservoir of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV; avian paramyxovirus-1) causing New-castle disease, and are often suspected to be involved in outbreaks in domesticated birds. To assess the epidemiologic status of wild birds living, or overwintering, in Switzerland, 3,049 cloacal swabs covering the period 2003-2006 were screened for NDV, using real time RT-PCR. All samples were negative. This result seems in contrast with previously performed serologic screenings of wild birds.     

新城疫病毒抗肿瘤作用的研究进展

新城疫病毒(newcastle disease virus,NDV)属副黏病毒,由于其安全性,自从被发现以来,即受到广大研究者们的关注。经过多年的研究,新城疫病毒在抑制人肝癌、恶性胸膜间皮瘤、纤维肉瘤以及头颈癌细胞方面都取得了可喜的成果。目前,新城疫病毒抑瘤作用的机制尚未完全阐明,研究表明主要涉及诱导肿瘤细胞凋亡,发挥抑瘤佐剂作用,增强免疫细胞活性及抑制肿瘤化疗耐药。NDV即使在缺氧环境下,也可以稳定的发挥抗肿瘤作用,且其强毒株具有高效的抗肿瘤作用。本文主要就近年来新城疫病毒抗肿瘤作用的研究进展进行了综述。     

禽流感和新城疫病毒二重荧光定量RT-PCR检测方法的建立

目的：建立二重荧光定量RT-PCR方法,用于禽流感病毒（AIV）和新城疫病毒（NDV）的检测。方法：根据AIV和NDV的基因保守序列,设计了AIV和NDV的2对特异性引物和2条用不同荧光基团标记的TaqMan探针;对反应条件和试剂浓度进行优化,建立了能够同时检测AIV和NDV的Z-重荧光定量RT-PCR方法。结果：所建方法特异性好,对AIV和NDV的检测敏感性均达到2000个模板拷贝数,比常规RT-PCR敏感性高100倍;抗干扰能力强,对AIV和NDV不同模板浓度进行组合,仍可有效地同时检测2种病毒。对保存的AIV或NDV鸡胚尿囊液及临床病料进行二重荧光定量RT-PCR检测,结果尿囊液检测的拷贝数均达到10^10/μL以上,临床病料的拷贝数为2．13x10^8-6．52x10^4／μL。结论：建立了用于检测AIV和NDV的二重荧光定量RT-PCR法,该方法特异、敏感、快速、可定量,对AIV和NDV的防制有重要意义。     

Production of Mouse Interferon with High Titers in a Large-Scale Suspension Culture System1

L-MS cells, adapted to grow in suspension, were obtained by selection from a high interferon (IF)-producing line of mouse L cell monolayers. A large volume of L-MS cells (20 liters or more; 1–2 × 10¹⁰ cells) was readily grown in a spinner culture, retaining their ability to produce high yields of IF in serum-free medium following induction with Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The optimal condition for the production of IF in the suspension culture of L-MS cells was established. The system also proved itself to be susceptible to IF induction by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly I · Poly C) and by NDV inactivated with ultraviolet light (NDV-UV). By employing the present system, large quantities of mouse IF of a high titer could be routinely prepared.     

Metabolic, hygric and ventilatory physiology of a hypermetabolic marsupial, the honey possum (Tarsipes rostratus)

The honey possum is the only non-volant mammal to feed exclusively on a diet of nectar and pollen. Like other mammalian and avian nectarivores, previous studies indicated that the honey possum’s basal metabolic rate was higher than predicted for a marsupial of equivalent body mass. However, these early measurements have been questioned. We re-examined the basal metabolic rate (2.52 ± 0.222 ml O₂ g⁻¹ h⁻¹) of the honey possum and confirm that it is indeed higher (162%) than predicted for other marsupials both before and after accounting for phylogenetic history. This, together with its small body mass (5.4 ± 0.14 g; 1.3% of that predicted by phylogeny) may be attributed to its nectarivorous diet and mesic distribution. Its high-basal metabolic rate is associated with a high-standard body temperature (36.6 ± 0.48°C) and oxygen extraction (19.4%), but interestingly the honey possum has a high point of relative water economy (17.0°C) and its standard evaporative water loss (4.33 ± 0.394 mg H₂O g⁻¹ h⁻¹) is not elevated above that of other marsupials, despite its mesic habitat and high dietary water intake.     

Life on the edge: thermal optima for aerobic scope of equatorial reef fishes are close to current day temperatures

Equatorial populations of marine species are predicted to be most impacted by global warming because they could be adapted to a narrow range of temperatures in their local environment. We investigated the thermal range at which aerobic metabolic performance is optimum in equatorial populations of coral reef fish in northern Papua New Guinea. Four species of damselfishes and two species of cardinal fishes were held for 14 days at 29, 31, 33, and 34 °C, which incorporated their existing thermal range (29–31 °C) as well as projected increases in ocean surface temperatures of up to 3 °C by the end of this century. Resting and maximum oxygen consumption rates were measured for each species at each temperature and used to calculate the thermal reaction norm of aerobic scope. Our results indicate that one of the six species, Chromis atripectoralis, is already living above its thermal optimum of 29 °C. The other five species appeared to be living close to their thermal optima (ca. 31 °C). Aerobic scope was significantly reduced in all species, and approached zero for two species at 3 °C above current‐day temperatures. One species was unable to survive even short‐term exposure to 34 °C. Our results indicate that low‐latitude reef fish populations are living close to their thermal optima and may be more sensitive to ocean warming than higher‐latitude populations. Even relatively small temperature increases (2–3 °C) could result in population declines and potentially redistribution of equatorial species to higher latitudes if adaptation cannot keep pace.     

Parenteral vaccination of mammalian livestock with Newcastle disease virus-based vector vaccines offers optimal efficacy and safety

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is an avian virus that is being evaluated as a vaccine vector for the delivery of foreign genes in mammals. The use of NDV as a vaccine vector in these species offers two major advantages. First, NDV is highly attenuated in mammals, rendering its use inherently safe. Second, mammals lack pre-existing NDV immunity, which minimizes the risk of vaccination failure. NDV-vector vaccines are generally administered to mammals via the respiratory route. We recently showed that intramuscular vaccination with NDV-based Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) vaccines provides complete protection in mice and induces neutralizing antibodies in sheep and cattle, the main target species of RVFV. Here, we discuss the use of NDV as a vaccine vector for applications in mammalian livestock with an emphasis on the vaccination route. We also report the results of novel experiments that underscore our notion that vaccination via a parenteral route is more effective than immunization via the respiratory route.     

LTR point mutations in the Tax-responsive elements of HTLV-1 isolates from HIV/HTLV-1-coinfected patients

Background

Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) has been considered to only infect avian species. However, one paramyxovirus named as Xiny10 was isolated from swine. The differences of Xiny10, another previous swine NDV (JL01) and vaccine strain La Sota were compared on the basis of sequences of the whole-lengthen Fusion (F) gene and biological characteristics.

Findings

Through serologic tests and sequence alignment, Xiny10 was proved as NDV. It has great differences with JL01 in virulence, biological characteristics, genotype and amino acid homology of F gene. The sequence alignment showed Xiny10 and La Sota both belonged to genotype II. It shared 97.3% to 98.7% identities with genotype II NDVs, which was higher than these strains from the other genotypes.

Conclusions

These above data suggested that the swine virus was NDV and it might be generated from La Sota.     

Virus-induced alterations of lymphoid tissue. IV. The effect of Newcastle disease virus on the fate of transfused thoracic duct lymphocytes

⁵¹Cr-labeled thoracic duct lymphocytes were briefly incubated at 4 °C with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and then infused into syngeneic rats. Virus diverted the homing of many donor cells from lymph nodes and spleen to the liver. Evidence was obtained suggesting that some NDV-treated lymphocytes initially trapped in the liver subsequently migrated into the lymph nodes. The results imply that NDV transiently interrupts the normal route of lymphocyte migration. Alterations in lymphocyte distribution were mediated by attachment of virus to the cell surface and were the same as those induced by incubating lymphocytes with V. cholera neuraminidase before infusion. It appears that reactions involving 2–3′ and/or2–8′ linked sialyl residues on the surface of recirculating lymphocytes can markedly affect their distribution in the body.     

新城疫液相芯片快速检测方法的建立

目的：建立可检测新城疫病毒（Newcastle disease virus,NDV）的液相芯片快速检测技术。方法：用DNAStar软件对GEN-BANK中NDV的NP基因进行序列分析设计NDV特异性探针并标记生物素,利用该探针与荧光编码微球偶联后与抽提的NDV病毒RNA的RT-PCR产物杂交反应,用液相芯片检测仪（Liquichip 200）检测荧光信号建立了NDV快速液相芯片检测方法。结果：检测结果显示,该法具有较好的特异性,不与H5AIV和H9AIV反应;检测灵敏度达到150个EID50;该法与鸡胚病毒分离法检出NDV的符合率达到97.1%。结论：初步建立了检测NDV的液相芯片技术,为进一步搭建NDV全新快速高通量检测平台奠定了基础,也为其他同类病毒的快速高通量检测提供了借鉴和经验。