Characterization of Canine Distemper Viruses Adapted to Neural Cells and Their Neurovirulence in Mice

Interaction of the Onderstepoort strain of canine distemper virus (CDV) with three established human neural cells, i.e. IMR-32 neuroblastoma, 118-MGC glioma and KG-1 oligodendroglioma, was examined, and adaptation of CDV to these cells was also attempted. The unadapted virus was found to grow at relatively low titers in the three neural cells inducing moderate to minimal cytopathic effects (CPE). The virus was successfully grown at high titers in these cells after 8 to 10 passages. Biological characteristics such as growth rate, morphology of CPE and plaque size changed after adaptation. Analysis by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, however, failed to show any difference in the molecular weight of component proteins among the unadapted and three adapted viruses. Inbred DDD strain of mice developed clinical signs after intracerebral inoculation with the unadapted virus but most of them survived with histological lesions of encephalitis. Neuroblastoma-adapted virus induced only transient clinical signs in some animals with mild encephalitic lesions in the gray matter. Increases in neurovirulence were found for viruses adapted to glioma and oligodendroglioma cells. Almost all mice inoculated with these two viruses at 3 weeks of age died within 8 days with histological lesions consisting of hyperemia, edema, severe degeneration of nerve cells and a few giant cells. Demyelinating lesions in the absence of inflammatory changes were observed in the cerebellum, pons and medulla oblongata of animals inoculated with oligodendroglioma-adapted virus.     

Canine Distemper Viruses Expressing a Hemagglutinin without N-Glycans Lose Virulence but Retain Immunosuppression

Paramyxovirus glycoproteins are posttranslationally modified by the addition of N-linked glycans, which are often necessary for correct folding, processing, and cell surface expression. To establish the contribution of N glycosylation to morbillivirus attachment (H) protein function and overall virulence, we first determined the use of the potential N-glycosylation sites in the canine distemper virus (CDV) H proteins. Biochemical characterization revealed that the three sites conserved in all strains were N glycosylated, whereas only two of the up to five additional sites present in wild-type strains are used. A wild-type virus with an H protein reproducing the vaccine strain N-glycosylation pattern remained lethal in ferrets but with a prolonged course of disease. In contrast, introduction of the vaccine H protein in the wild-type context resulted in complete attenuation. To further characterize the role of N glycosylation in CDV pathogenesis, the N-glycosylation sites of wild-type H proteins were successively deleted, including a nonstandard site, to ultimately generate a nonglycosylated H protein. Despite reduced expression levels, this protein remained fully functional. Recombinant viruses expressing N-glycan-deficient H proteins no longer caused disease, even though their immunosuppressive capacities were retained, indicating that reduced N glycosylation contributes to attenuation without affecting immunosuppression.Measles virus (MeV) and Canine distemper virus (CDV) are members of the genus Morbillivirus in the family Paramyxoviridae that are highly contagious and can cause severe disease. MeV is known to infect only humans and certain nonhuman primates and is rarely fatal, while CDV infects a broad range of carnivores and can result in up to 100% mortality (13). The signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM; CD150), which is expressed on activated T and B cells (10), is the primary receptor for morbilliviruses (3, 15, 42). Morbillivirus attachment to susceptible cells occurs via interaction between SLAM and the viral hemagglutinin (H) protein, one of two glycoproteins that are inserted into the viral membrane and subsequently expressed on the surfaces of infected cells. Upon binding, the conformational change of the H protein conducts a signal to the fusion (F) protein, which then mediates fusion between the viral and host cell membranes. However, the extent and efficiency of cell-cell fusion are H protein dependent (21, 52).Morbillivirus vaccine strains were developed during the 1960s by serial passages in eggs and different cell lines (11, 35). Consequently, there are significant molecular differences between the glycoproteins of wild-type and vaccine CDV strains. The H protein of the large-plaque Onderstepoort strain (OL) differs from the wild-type 5804P at 60 amino acid residues, introducing several additional N-glycosylation sites. Based on the observation that the vaccine strain H proteins have a lower apparent molecular weight than the wild-type proteins (9, 52), it has been hypothesized that reduced N glycosylation is an important attenuating factor and that an increase in N glycosylation may eventually result in vaccine failure (19).Posttranslational modifications, including N-linked glycosylation, are essential for the functions of many integral membrane and secreted proteins. N-glycan chains are added to asparagine (N) residues in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) at the consensus sequence N-X-S/T, where “X” can be any amino acid except proline. As the nascent protein chain is inserted into the ER and moves through the Golgi apparatus and finally to the plasma membrane, N-glycans are trimmed and modified into elaborate structures that can account for a substantial proportion of the overall molecular weight of a given glycoprotein (43). N glycosylation has been shown to be important for the correct folding, transport, and function of other paramyxovirus fusion and attachment glycoproteins, including MeV H (17), Sendai virus hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) (39), simian virus 5 HN (31), and Newcastle disease virus HN (27). In most cases, one or two N-glycans at specific locations are essential for proper folding and transport to the cell surface, and at least one or two N-glycans are required for the F or H/HN protein to function correctly (30, 47). Thus, the total deletion of N-glycans is generally not tolerated.To characterize the contribution of H protein N glycosylation to morbillivirus pathogenesis, we took advantage of the CDV ferret model (48, 50). We first determined the role of decreased natural N glycosylation of the vaccine strain H protein in protein function and virulence. Based on our finding that reduced N glycosylation results in prolonged disease, we performed a comprehensive mutational analysis to determine the minimal complement of H protein N glycosylation needed for proper intracellular transport and function. Using viruses bearing increasingly deglycosylated H proteins, we demonstrate that a CDV H protein without N-glycans remains completely functional. However, minimal N glycosylation is required for virulence.     

Occurrence of Pneumocystis carinii in Canine Distemper

Pneumocystis carinii is a eukaryotic opportunistic pathogen causing pneumonia (PCP) in immunosuppressed patients. It is best known in human medicine as a pathogen of AIDS pa-tients and in immunosuppressed transplant and cancer patients (Waltzer 1993).     

Continuous-Flow Ultracentrifugation of Canine Distemper Virus and Infectious Canine Hepatitis Virus

The use of a Spinco L-4 zonal centrifuge with the B-XVI continuous-flow rotor for the purification of canine distemper and infectious canine hepatitis viruses is described. Up to 68 liters of virus was processed at one time. Infectious canine hepatitis virus was found to band at 39% sucrose and canine distemper virus banded between 32 and 48% sucrose. The virus was concentrated 10-fold, and the purity of the virus, as measured by protein concentration, was increased by 99%.     

犬瘟热病毒核蛋白基因重组腺病毒的构建、鉴定与表达

核蛋白基因(N)位于犬瘟热病毒基因组的108—1679位置处,是保守性较强的免疫原性蛋白,因此选择N基因作为目的基因,利用酶切、连接等方法构建了含犬瘟热病毒核蛋白基因的穿梭质粒pVAX?E3LPN。以含CAV-2SY株全基因组的pPoly2-CAV-2为载体,构建了重组质粒pCAV-2-CDVLPN,利用脂质体介导法转染MDCK细胞,转染三次后,细胞出现了典型的腺病毒样病变。电镜负染、切片观察,酶切、PCR扩增及测序鉴定的结果表明表达犬瘟热核蛋白基因的重组犬2型腺病毒构建成功,表达的核蛋白分子量为58kDa。     

犬瘟热病毒核蛋白基因重组腺病毒的构建、鉴定与表达

核蛋白基因(N)位于犬瘟热病毒基因组的108-1679位置处,是保守性较强的免疫原性蛋白,因此选择N基因作为目的基因,利用酶切、连接等方法构建了含犬瘟热病毒核蛋白基因的穿梭质粒pVAXAE3LPN.以含CAV-2 SY株全基因组的pPoly2-CAV-2为载体,构建了重组质粒pCAV-2-CDVLPN,利用脂质体介导法转染MDCK细胞,转染三次后,细胞出现了典型的腺病毒样病变.电镜负染、切片观察,酶切、PCR.扩增及测序鉴定的结果表明表达犬瘟热核蛋白基因的重组犬2型腺病毒构建成功,表达的核蛋白分子量为58kDa.     

Canine Distemper Virus Associated with a Lethal Outbreak in Monkeys Can Readily Adapt To Use Human Receptors

A canine distemper virus (CDV) strain, CYN07-dV, associated with a lethal outbreak in monkeys, used human signaling lymphocyte activation molecule as a receptor only poorly but readily adapted to use it following a P541S substitution in the hemagglutinin protein. Since CYN07-dV had an intrinsic ability to use human nectin-4, the adapted virus became able to use both human immune and epithelial cell receptors, as well as monkey and canine ones, suggesting that CDV can potentially infect humans.     

犬瘟热病毒细胞膜受体的鉴定

犬瘟热病毒（ＣＤＶ）敏感细胞Ｖｅｒｏ用ＳＤＳ或ＲＩＰＡ溶解缓冲液溶解,利用病毒铺覆蛋白印迹技术（ＶＯＰＢＡ）鉴定犬瘟热病毒疫苗株（ＣＤＶ－ｏｎｄｅｓｔｅｐｏｏｒｔ）的细胞受体。结果发现,在Ｖｅｒｏ细胞上有两组ＣＤＶ结合蛋白质,即高分子量组蛋白质（１２７ｋＤ、１２０ｋＤ、１１０ｋＤ）与低分子量组蛋白质（２７ｋＤ和３０ｋＤ）。这些ＣＤＶ结合蛋白组分的性质及在ＣＤＶ致病中的作用有等进一步研究。     

犬瘟热病毒N基因在昆虫杆状病毒表达系统中的表达及应用

目的:为检测犬瘟热抗体提供诊断抗原,应用Bac-to-Bac杆状病毒表达系统表达犬瘟热病毒(canine distemper virus,CDV)N蛋白。方法:采用RT-PCR克隆CDV-N基因,构建重组杆粒BacmidCDV-N,并将其转染Sf9昆虫细胞。通过Western blot和间接免疫荧光检测N蛋白的表达。以表达的CDV N蛋白为包被抗原,建立了检测犬瘟热抗体的间接ELISA方法。结果:成功表达了CDV N蛋白。间接ELISA(iELISA)方法中,犬血清最佳稀释度1∶80,N蛋白稀释度1∶40(6.3μg/100μl)。应用该方法共检测了36份犬血清,与中和试验检测方法相比较,其特异性为81.8%,灵敏度为96.0%,符合率为91.7%。结论:表达的CDV-N蛋白具有良好反应原性,建立了快速检测CDV阳性血清的iELISA方法。     

First Evidence of Canine Distemper in Brazilian Free-Ranging Felids

Serum samples from 19 jaguars (Panthera onca), nine pumas (Puma concolor), and two ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) were collected between January 1999 and March of 2005 and tested for presence of canine distemper virus (CDV). All cats were free-ranging animals living in two protected areas in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. In addition, 111 domestic dogs from nearby areas were sampled for CDV. Our results show the first evidence of CDV exposure in Brazilian free-ranging felids. From the 30 samples analyzed, six jaguars and one puma were tested seropositive for CDV. All seropositive large felids were from Ivinhema State Park, resulting in 31.5% of the sampled jaguars or 60% of the total jaguar population in Ivinhema State Park, and 11.28% of the sampled pumas. From the total 111 domestic dogs sampled, 45 were tested seropositive for CDV. At Morro do Diabo State Park, 34.6% of the dogs sampled were positive for CDV, and 100% at Ivinhema State Park. Canine distemper virus in wild felids seems to be related with home range use and in close association with domestic dogs living in nearby areas.     

动物园大型猫科动物犬瘟热的免疫监测

虎、狮、豹等大型猫科动物可发生犬瘟热(CD),有必要进行预防。采取某动物园未免疫的东北虎、非洲狮、猞猁血样,用中和试验检测,结果显示这些动物的犬瘟热病毒(CDV)抗体水平均小于1:5。用CD弱毒疫苗接种以上动物,幼龄动物免疫14d逐步产生抗体;成年动物体内抗体水平在两月内迅速升高,并维持在1:64以上,9～11个月后逐步下降,加强免疫后抗体又迅速升高至≥1:112。该疫苗对所有接种的动物均安全可靠。白化的孟加拉虎接种疫苗后不能产生CDV中和抗体。     

动物园大型猫科动物犬瘟热的免疫监测

虎、狮、豹等大型猫科动物可发生犬瘟热(CD),有必要进行预防.采取某动物园未免疫的东北虎、非洲狮、猞猁血样,用中和试验检测,结果显示这些动物的犬瘟热病毒(CDV)抗体水平均小于15.用CD弱毒疫苗接种以上动物,幼龄动物免疫14d逐步产生抗体;成年动物体内抗体水平在两月内迅速升高,并维持在164以上,9～11个月后逐步下降,加强免疫后抗体又迅速升高至≥1112.该疫苗对所有接种的动物均安全可靠.白化的孟加拉虎接种疫苗后不能产生CDV中和抗体.     

The Hemagglutinin of Canine Distemper Virus Determines Tropism and Cytopathogenicity

Canine distemper virus (CDV) and measles virus (MV) cause severe illnesses in their respective hosts. The viruses display a characteristic cytopathic effect by forming syncytia in susceptible cells. For CDV, the proficiency of syncytium formation varies among different strains and correlates with the degree of viral attenuation. In this study, we examined the determinants for the differential fusogenicity of the wild-type CDV isolate 5804Han89 (CDV(5804)), the small- and large-plaque-forming variants of the CDV vaccine strain Onderstepoort (CDV(OS) and CDV(OL), respectively), and the MV vaccine strain Edmonston B (MV(Edm)). The cotransfection of different combinations of fusion (F) and hemagglutinin (H) genes in Vero cells indicated that the H protein is the main determinant of fusion efficiency. To verify the significance of this observation in the viral context, a reverse genetic system to generate recombinant CDVs was established. This system is based on a plasmid containing the full-length antigenomic sequence of CDV(OS). The coding regions of the H proteins of all CDV strains and MV(Edm) were introduced into the CDV and MV genetic backgrounds, and recombinant viruses rCDV-H(5804), rCDV-H(OL), rCDV-H(Edm), rMV-H(5804), rMV-H(OL), and rMV-H(OS) were recovered. Thus, the H proteins of the two morbilliviruses are interchangeable and fully functional in a heterologous complex. This is in contrast with the glycoproteins of other members of the family Paramyxoviridae, which do not function efficiently with heterologous partners. The fusogenicity, growth characteristics, and tropism of the recombinant viruses were examined and compared with those of the parental strains. All these characteristics were found to be predominantly mediated by the H protein regardless of the viral backbone used.     

SYBR GreenⅠ荧光RT-PCR检测犬瘟热方法的建立和应用

根据GenBank发表的犬瘟热病毒(CDV)的F基因序列,经过分析在F片段的保守区域内设计引物,建立了SYBR GreenⅠ荧光RT-PCR检测CDV的方法,并通过对厦门市宠物医院收集的临床发病和疑似发病的犬病料(包括眼分泌物、鼻拭子、唾液、血液、尿液等)的检测,结果表明,本研究建立的快速检测CDV的SYBR GreenⅠ荧光RT-PCR方法具有特异性强、灵敏度高、操作简便等优点,值得推广应用.     

SYBR Green I荧光RT-PCR检测犬瘟热方法的建立和应用

根据GenBank发表的犬瘟热病毒（CDV）的F基因序列,经过分析在F片段的保守区域内设计引物,建立了SYBR Green I荧光RT-PCR检测CDV的方法,并通过对厦门市宠物医院收集的临床发病和疑似发病的犬病料（包括眼分泌物、鼻拭子、唾液、血液、尿液等）的检测,结果表明,本研究建立的快速检测CDV的SYBR Green I荧光RT-PCR方法具有特异性强、灵敏度高、操作简便等优点,值得推广应用。