O型口蹄疫病毒VPl基因与大肠杆菌不耐热肠毒素LTB基因的融合表达及表达产物的免疫原性分析

以质粒pMDTLT为模板,用PCR的方法扩增出LTB基因,然后将其插入到pETVP1质粒中VP1基因的上游,构建了含有融合基因LTBVP1的表达质粒pETLTBVP1.转化宿主菌BL21(DE3)LysS后进行诱导表达,诱导菌经SDS-PAGE显示重组蛋白以包涵体的形式表达,分子量约为39 kD;Western blotting分析表明,重组蛋白能与FMDV阳性血清及兔抗霍乱毒素(CT)血清反应,说明融合蛋白保持了LTB和VP1各自的免疫学活性.小鼠免疫实验表明:该融合蛋白通过腹腔接种小鼠能诱导产生较强的免疫应答反应,免疫鼠产生的血清抗体水平高于试验中商品口蹄疫疫苗免疫组.     

肝素的抗补体作用

1929年Ecker和Gross发现了肝素的抗补体作用。当时认为,抗补体作用可能系肝素作用于补体的第三或第四成分(C_3,C_4),使其灭活。随后的报告肯定了这一发现。目前认为,肝素可作用于补体系统的经典途径、替代途径和调控机制,以发挥抗补体作用。一、阻抑经典途径的激活补体系统经典途径的激活是由于C_1活化而启动的。C_1活化通过两种方式进行:(1)抗原抗体复合物形成后,暴露了抗体上的补体结合点(即C_(1q)受体),血清中呈活性状态的     

低氧促进脂多糖诱导小胶质细胞CXCL10表达

本文旨在观察低氧处理对脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide, LPS)诱导的小胶质细胞CXC趋化因子配体10 (CXC-chemokine ligand-10,CXCL10)表达的影响,并探讨其作用机制。将C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为对照组、低氧组、LPS组以及低氧联合LPS组,LPS组腹腔注射0.5 mg/kg LPS,低氧组放置于低压低氧舱(模拟海拔6 000 m)中,处理6 h后收集血清和海马组织样品。用ELISA法检测血清和海马组织中CXCL10的含量。用低氧(1%O2)和/或LPS (100 ng/mL)刺激小胶质细胞系BV2和原代小胶质细胞6 h,用实时定量PCR检测细胞CXCL10 mRNA表达水平,用ELISA检测细胞培养上清中CXCL10的含量,用Western blot检测核因子κB (nuclear factorκB, NF-κB)信号通路相关蛋白p65和IκBα的表达。另外,用小分子化合物PDTC阻断NF-κB信号通路后检测BV2细胞CXCL10 mRNA表达水平。结果显示,在LPS诱导的小鼠炎症模型中,低氧处理可促进LPS对小鼠血清和海马组织中CXCL...     

戊型肝炎病毒感染激活补体系统

为了探究补体系统与戊型肝炎病毒复制的相关性,分别在HEV感染的A549细胞和BALB/c小鼠中检测C3aR、CD55和CD59蛋白的表达.利用RT-qPCR定量检测细胞和组织中补体的表达,采用免疫组化法检测HEV感染BALB/c小鼠中补体CD59及C5b-9的表达,ELISA检测补体相关炎症因子的变化.HEV感染可以激活补体蛋白C3aR、C5b-9、CD55和CD59的表达,引起补体蛋白相关炎症因子IL-10表达水平下降,IL-12和TNF-α的表达水平的上升,从而导致机体的炎症反应,加剧组织损伤.HEV感染激活补体系统并参与早期的抗病毒反应,HEV感染对补体的持续激活导致炎症因子过度表达,加重机体损伤.     

O型口蹄疫病毒VP1基因与大肠杆菌不耐热肠毒素LTB 基因的融合表达及表达产物的免疫原性分析

以质粒pMDTLT为模板、用PCR的方法扩增出LTB基因,然后将其插入到pETVP1质粒中VP1基因的上游,构建了含有融合基因LTBVP1的表达质粒pETLTBVP1。转化宿主菌BL21(DE3)LysS后进行诱导表达,诱导菌经SDS-PAGE显示重组蛋白以包涵体的形式表达,分子量约为39kD;Western blotting分析表明,重组蛋白能与FMDV阳性血清及兔抗霍乱毒素(CT)血清反应,说明融合蛋白保持了LTB和VP1各自的免疫学活性。小鼠免疫实验表明:该融合蛋白通过腹腔接种小鼠能诱导产生较强的免疫应答反应,免疫鼠产生的血清抗体水平高于试验中商品口蹄疫疫苗免疫组。     

黄芩苷对脂多糖诱导的巨噬细胞NF-κB活化和炎症因子表达的影响

目的:研究黄芩苷对脂多糖(LPS)诱导小鼠巨噬细胞核因子κB(NF-κB)及肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白介素6(IL-6)表达的影响.方法:分别用LPS(终浓度1μgomL-1)和LPs+黄芩苷(终浓度10,50,100μmol moloL-1)处理生长良好的小鼠巨噬细胞RAW264.7,用RT-PCR法和Elisa法检测细胞及其上清液中TNF-α、IL-6 mRNA和蛋白的表达变化,用Western Blot法检测细胞核内NF-κB p65蛋白含量变化.结果:LPS刺激RAW264.7细胞可导致NF-κB激活,上调TNF-α、IL-6表达;黄芩苷预处理能降低LPS诱导的NF-κB出活化和TNF-α、IL-6表达.结论:黄芩苷可通过抑制NF-κB活化,下调LPS诱导的巨噬细胞TNF-α、IL-6的生成,发挥抗炎作用.这可能是其抗动脉粥样硬化的作用机制之一.     

脂多糖LPS诱导的神经炎症对小鼠认知功能的影响及相关机制分析

为研究脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide,LPS)对小鼠认知功能的影响,本研究将18只C57BL/6小鼠随机分为两组,即正常对照组和LPS处理组,每组各9只小鼠。在腹腔注射LPS 24 h后行水迷宫实验检测小鼠行为学变化。此外,本研究采用Western blotting和免疫组化检测小鼠脑内小胶质细胞特异性标记物离子通道相关钙衔接蛋白(ionized calcium binding adapter,IBA1)的表达,TUNEL凋亡法检测小鼠脑内神经元凋亡情况。实验结果发现LPS处理后小鼠认知功能下降。Western blotting和免疫组化结果均提示LPS处理后小鼠脑中IBA1表达量增加,小胶质细胞激活;TUNEL提示LPS处理后小鼠脑内出现大量凋亡神经元,由此推断LPS可能通过激活小胶质细胞,扩大神经炎症反应,增加神经元凋亡导致小鼠认知功能下降。     

c-Myc抑制剂10058-F4减轻脂多糖/右旋半乳糖胺诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤

本研究探讨c-Myc抑制剂10058-F4对脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide, LPS)和右旋半乳糖胺(D-galactosamine, D-Gal)诱导的急性肝损伤的影响及其可能机制。32只雄性BALB/c小鼠(Mus musculus)分为4组：正常对照组、 10058-F4组、 LPS/D-Gal组和10058-F4+LPS/D-Gal组。通过腹腔注射LPS/D-Gal诱导小鼠急性肝损伤,10058-F4在注射LPS/D-Gal前0.5 h经腹腔注入。注射LPS/D-Gal 1.5 h后处死小鼠并采集样本,分别采用实时荧光定量PCR法和ELISA法检测肝组织中肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α)的mRNA水平和血清中TNF-α的水平。另取32只小鼠经上述相同处理后,注射LPS/D-Gal 6 h后处死并采集样本,检测小鼠血清中转氨酶活性及白介素-6(interleukin-6, IL-6)的水平、肝组织中IL-6的mRNA水平及肝组织中半胱氨酸天冬氨酸特异性蛋白酶(cysteinyl aspartate specific p...     

A群奈瑟氏脑膜炎球菌荚膜多糖-破伤风类毒素结合疫苗的制备及其免疫原性研究

采用溴化氰(CNBr)活化多糖,以无水己二酸二肼(ADH)作为连接剂,1乙基13(3二甲基氨基丙基)碳化二亚胺(EDAC)为偶联剂制备A群奈瑟氏脑膜炎球菌荚膜多糖(GAMP)与破伤风类毒素(TT)的结合物,经皮下免疫NIH小鼠,用ELISA检测小鼠血清中抗GAMP及抗载体蛋白的IgG抗体水平。用补体介导的体外杀菌试验检测血清中GAMP抗体的杀菌活性。结果显示,实验中制备的多糖衍生物和多糖蛋白质结合物都具有GAMP抗原特异活性。结合物免疫小鼠后可诱生比多糖单独免疫更高水平的GAMP血清IgG抗体,并能形成免疫记忆,产生再次应答。结合物免疫小鼠所诱生的血清GAMP抗体较之多糖组具有更强的体外杀菌活性。表明此方法制备的结合物可获得优于多糖的、稳定的特异免疫原性。     

高氧抑制LPS/ATP诱导的骨髓源性巨噬细胞的焦亡

目的:研究不同浓度的氧气在LPS/ATP诱导的骨髓源性巨噬细胞焦亡中的作用。方法:提取C57BL/6小鼠的骨髓源性巨噬细胞,用1μg/ml脂多糖(LPS)刺激细胞24 h,用5 mM三磷酸腺苷(ATP)刺激细胞4 h,酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA)检测细胞培养上清液中IL-1β水平的变化。用5 mM ATP刺激细胞后,给予细胞40%、60%和100%的氧气处理1.5 h,ELISA检测细胞培养上清液中IL-1β水平的变化。结果:1μg/mL LPS和5 mM ATP先后刺激下,骨髓源性巨噬细胞培养上清液中IL-1β的水平明显升高(P0.001),用caspase-1特异性抑制剂AC-YVAD-CMK刺激骨髓源性巨噬细胞后IL-1β水平明显降低(P0.001)。5 mM ATP刺激之后给予细胞不同浓度的氧气干预1.5 h后,细胞培养上清液中IL-1β的水平明显下降。结论:高氧抑制LPS/ATP诱导的骨髓源性巨噬细胞的焦亡。     

Acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide is independent of complement activation

Although acute lung injury (ALI) is an important problem in humans, its pathogenesis is poorly understood. Airway instillation of bacterial LPS, a known complement activator, represents a frequently used model of ALI. In the present study, pathways in the immunopathogenesis of ALI were evaluated. ALI was induced in wild-type, C3(-/-), and C5(-/-) mice by airway deposition of LPS. To assess the relevant inflammatory mediators, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids were evaluated by ELISA analyses and various neutralizing Abs and receptor antagonists were administered in vivo. LPS-induced ALI was neutrophil-dependent, but it was not associated with generation of C5a in the lung and was independent of C3, C5, or C5a. Instead, LPS injury was associated with robust generation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), leukotriene B(4) (LTB4), and high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and required engagement of receptors for both MIF and LTB4. Neutralization of MIF or blockade of the MIF receptor and/or LTB4 receptor resulted in protection from LPS-induced ALI. These findings indicate that the MIF and LTB4 mediator pathways are involved in the immunopathogenesis of LPS-induced experimental ALI. Most strikingly, complement activation does not contribute to the development of ALI in the LPS model.     

Leukotrienes augment interleukin 1 production by human monocytes

The effects of leukotrienes (LT) on production of interleukin 1 (IL 1) by human peripheral blood monocytes were examined. LTB4 enhanced IL 1 production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes twofold to threefold, and the most efficient concentrations of LTB4 were 10(-8) to 10(-7) M. LTD4 also enhanced IL 1 production, but to a lesser extent than LTB4. Adherence-purified, but otherwise unstimulated, human monocytes could also be induced to produce IL 1 in response to LTB4. Similarly, IL 1 production by monocytes stimulated with the known IL 1 inducers muramyl dipeptide, silica, or zymosan was also enhanced by LTB4. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase with use of indomethacin during IL 1 production by LPS-treated monocytes enhanced thymocyte response to IL 1, but LTB4 further enhanced IL 1 production when added to indomethacin-treated monocyte cultures. Neither LTB4 nor indomethacin had any direct effect on thymocyte proliferation. Optimal enhancement of IL 1 production occurred when LPS and LTB4 were present together at the initiation of the 24-hr monocyte culture. Significant enhancement was also observed, however, when monocyte cultures were either preincubated with LTB4 before addition of LPS or cultured with LPS alone for 3 hr before addition of LTB4. These results indicate that leukotrienes can modulate IL 1 production by human monocytes and suggest that they may play a role in IL 1-mediated functions of monocytes in inflammatory and immune reactions.     

Regulation of interleukin 1 production by mouse peritoneal macrophages. Effects of arachidonic acid metabolites, cyclic nucleotides, and interferons

The effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cyclic nucleotides, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and interferons on interleukin 1 (IL 1) production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated C3H/HeNCrl mouse peritoneal macrophages were studied. IL 1 production was inhibited by PGE2, the adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate analog dibutyryl cAMP, the cAMP agonist isoproterenol, and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine. These agents were more inhibitory when added early in the latent phase of IL 1 synthesis following stimulation with LPS rather than just prior to release of IL 1 into the medium. Production of both the intracellular and extracellular forms of IL 1 was blocked by PGE2 and cAMP. Suppression of LPS-induced IL 1 production by PGE2 was prevented by leukocyte alpha-interferon. Moreover, alpha-interferon augmented LPS-induced IL 1 production but did not stimulate IL 1 production in the absence of LPS. Immune gamma-interferon markedly inhibited LPS-stimulated IL 1 production. The lipoxygenase inhibitor eicosa-5,8,11,14-tetraynoic acid suppressed, whereas 3-amino-1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2-pyrazoline augmented, LPS-induced IL 1 production. The opposing effects of these agents suggested that lipoxygenase metabolites do not act as inducers of IL 1 production. Purified LTB4 did not stimulate base-line or augment LPS-induced IL 1 production (both intracellular and extracellular forms). Moreover, calcium ionophore A23187 (a lipoxygenase activator) did not stimulate IL 1 production, alone or in combination with LTB4. Thus, net IL 1 production by macrophages may be regulated by a balance between the effects of PGE2, cAMP, alpha-interferon, and gamma-interferon, but not LTB4.     

Role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase in chemoattractant and LPS delay of constitutive neutrophil apoptosis

The present study examined the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase-stimulated Akt (PI-3K/Akt) in the regulation of constitutive human neutrophil apoptosis by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and two chemoattractants, fMLP and leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)). LPS and LTB(4) inhibited apoptosis, while fMLP had no effect. Inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) with PD098059 significantly inhibited the anti-apoptotic effect of both LPS and LTB(4), while inhibition of p38 kinase with SB203580 had no effect. Inhibition of PI-3K with wortmannin and LY294002 significantly attenuated the anti-apoptotic effect of LTB(4), but not LPS. LPS, fMLP, and LTB(4) stimulated similar levels of ERK and Akt activation. LTB(4) and LPS inhibited neutrophil apoptosis when added simultaneously with fMLP, and LTB(4) and LPS demonstrated an additive effect. We conclude that the ERK and/or PI-3K/Akt pathways are necessary, but not sufficient, for LPS and LTB(4) to delay apoptosis, but other anti-apoptotic pathways remain to be identified.     

Fcgamma-receptor signaling augments the LPS-stimulated increase in serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels

The phagocytosis of IgG-coated erythrocytes (EIgG) has been shown to augment the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated increase in serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels. The present study evaluated the role of Fcgamma-receptor (FcgammaR) signaling and complement activation in the effect of EIgG on the TNF-alpha response to LPS. The role of FcgammaR was determined using FcR gamma-chain knockout mice that lack functional FcgammaRI and FcgammaRIII. In wild-type animals, EIgG caused a 16-fold augmentation of the serum TNF-alpha response to LPS, whereas there was no augmentation in the FcgammaR-deficient animals. Heat-damaged erythrocytes also augmented the TNF-alpha response to LPS. This effect was absent in FcgammaR-deficient animals. An IgG antibody against heated erythrocytes was detected in mouse serum. The complement activation caused by EIgG had little effect on the LPS-stimulated increase in serum TNF-alpha levels as indicated by activation of complement with cobra venom factor or IgM-coated erythrocytes as well as studies with C5-deficient mice. These results indicate that FcgammaR signaling primarily mediates the augmented serum TNF-alpha response to LPS caused by EIgG.     

Complement levels and activity in the normal and LPS-injured lung

Complement, a complex protein system, plays an essential role in host defense through bacterial lysis, stimulation of phagocytosis, recruitment of immune cells to infected tissue, and promotion of the inflammatory response. Although complement is most well-characterized in serum, complement activity is also present in the lung. Here we further characterize the complement system in the normal and inflamed lung. By Western blot, C5, C6, and factor I were detected in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) at lower levels than in serum, whereas C2 was detected at similar levels in BAL and serum. C4 binding protein (C4BP) was not detectable in BAL. Exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) elevated levels of C1q, factor B, C2, C4, C5, C6, and C3 in human BAL and C3, C5, and factor B in mouse and rat BAL. Message for C1q-B, C1r, C1s, C2, C4, C3, C5, C6, factor B, and factor H, but not C9 or C4BP, was readily detectable by RT-PCR in normal mouse lung. Exposure to LPS enhanced factor B expression, decreased C5 expression, and did not affect C1q-B expression in mouse and rat lung. BAL from rats exposed to LPS had a greater ability to deposit C3b onto bacteria through complement activation than did BAL from control rats. In summary, these data demonstrate that complement levels, expression, and function are altered in acute lung injury and suggest that complement within the lung is regulated to promote opsonization of pathogens and limit potentially harmful inflammation.     

Yersinia enterocolitica serum resistance proteins YadA and ail bind the complement regulator C4b-binding protein

Many pathogens are equipped with factors providing resistance against the bactericidal action of complement. Yersinia enterocolitica, a Gram-negative enteric pathogen with invasive properties, efficiently resists the deleterious action of human complement. The major Y. enterocolitica serum resistance determinants include outer membrane proteins YadA and Ail. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-antigen (O-ag) and outer core (OC) do not contribute directly to complement resistance. The aim of this study was to analyze a possible mechanism whereby Y. enterocolitica could inhibit the antibody-mediated classical pathway of complement activation. We show that Y. enterocolitica serotypes O:3, O:8, and O:9 bind C4b-binding protein (C4bp), an inhibitor of both the classical and lectin pathways of complement. To identify the C4bp receptors on Y. enterocolitica serotype O:3 surface, a set of mutants expressing YadA, Ail, O-ag, and OC in different combinations was tested for the ability to bind C4bp. The studies showed that both YadA and Ail acted as C4bp receptors. Ail-mediated C4bp binding, however, was blocked by the O-ag and OC, and could be observed only with mutants lacking these LPS structures. C4bp bound to Y. enterocolitica was functionally active and participated in the factor I-mediated degradation of C4b. These findings show that Y. enterocolitica uses two proteins, YadA and Ail, to bind C4bp. Binding of C4bp could help Y. enterocolitica to evade complement-mediated clearance in the human host.     

Evasion of complement-mediated lysis and complement C3 deposition are regulated by Francisella tularensis lipopolysaccharide O antigen

The bacterium Francisella tularensis (Ft) is a potential weapon of bioterrorism when aerosolized. Macrophage infection is necessary for disease progression and efficient phagocytosis by human macrophages requires serum opsonization by complement. Microbial complement activation leads to surface deposition of a highly regulated protein complex resulting in opsonization or membrane lysis. The nature of complement component C3 deposition, i.e., C3b (opsonization and lysis) or C3bi (opsonization only) fragment deposition, is central to the outcome of activation. In this study, we examine the mechanisms of Ft resistance to complement-mediated lysis, C3 component deposition on the Ft surface, and complement activation. Upon incubation in fresh nonimmune human serum, Schu S4 (Ft subsp. tularensis), Fn (Ft subsp. novicida), and LVS (Ft subsp. holarctica live vaccine strain) were resistant to complement-mediated lysis, but LVSG and LVSR (LVS strains altered in surface carbohydrate structures) were susceptible. C3 deposition, however, occurred on all strains. Complement-susceptible strains had markedly increased C3 fragment deposition, including the persistent presence of C3b compared with C3bi, which indicates that C3b inactivation results in survival of complement-resistant strains. C1q, an essential component of the classical activation pathway, was necessary for lysis of complement-susceptible strains and optimal C3 deposition on all strains. Finally, use of Francisella LPS mutants confirmed O Ag as a major regulator of complement resistance. These data provide evidence that pathogenic Francisella activate complement, but are resistant to complement-mediated lysis in part due to limited C3 deposition, rapid conversion of surface-bound C3b to C3bi, and the presence of LPS O Ag.     

Association of a 38 kDa bovine serum protein with the outer membrane of Bordetella pertussis

A series of isogenic mutants lacking either the O1 (O-:K66) or K66 (O1:K-) antigens or both (O-:K-), some of which had additional defects in their LPS core polysaccharide was used to examine the interaction between polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNLs) and K. pneumoniae serotype O1:K66. In the absence of serum complement, only a O-:K- strain with a deep rough LPS chemotype elicited a PMNL-dependent chemiluminescent (CL) response. However, following opsonization of the non-capsulated strains by complement, the largest CL response was to the O1:K- mutant. This mutant also activated and bound more complement C3 than any of the other encapsulated or non-capsulated strains examined. Despite the surface exposure of smooth and rough LPS in the encapsulated parent and mutant strains, the K66 antigen reduced the binding of C3 and prevented PMNL activation. Both anti-LPS and anti-K66 antibodies, however, stimulated a PMNL-dependent CL response to the K66 bearing strains.     

Complement-dependent acute-phase expression of C-reactive protein and serum amyloid P-component

The acute-phase response (APR) is regulated by TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 acting alone, in combination, or in concert with hormones. The anaphylotoxin C5a, generated during complement activation, induces in vitro the synthesis of these cytokines by leukocytes and of acute-phase proteins by HepG2 cells. However, there is no clear evidence for a role of C5a or any other complement activation product in regulation of the APR in vivo. In this study, using human C-reactive protein (CRP) transgenic mice deficient in C3 or C5, we investigated whether complement activation contributes to induction of the acute-phase proteins CRP and serum amyloid P-component (SAP). Absence of C3 or C5 resulted in decreased LPS-induced up-regulation of the CRP transgene and the mouse SAP gene. Also, LPS induced both the IL-1beta and IL-6 genes in normocomplementemic mice, but in complement-deficient mice it significantly induced only IL-6. Like LPS injection, activation of complement by cobra venom factor led to significant elevation of serum CRP and SAP in normocomplementemic mice but not in complement-deficient mice. Injection of recombinant human C5a into human CRP transgenic mice induced the IL-1beta gene and caused significant elevation of both serum CRP and SAP. However, in human CRP transgenic IL-6-deficient mice, recombinant human C5a did not induce the CRP nor the SAP gene. Based on these data, we conclude that during the APR, C5a generated as a consequence of complement activation acts in concert with IL-6 and/or IL-1beta to promote up-regulation of the CRP and SAP genes.