GM-CSF and IL-2 as adjuvant enhance the immune effect of protein vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease

Background

The West Nile virus (WNV) capsid (C) protein is one of the three viral structural proteins, encapsidates the viral RNA to form the nucleocapsid, and is necessary for nuclear and nucleolar localization. The antigenic sites on C protein that are targeted by humoral immune responses have not been studied thoroughly, and well-defined B-cell epitopes on the WNV C protein have not been reported.

Results

In this study, we generated a WNV C protein-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) and defined the linear epitope recognized by the mAb by screening a 12-mer peptide library using phage-display technology. The mAb, designated as 6D3, recognized the phages displaying a consensus motif consisting of the amino acid sequence KKPGGPG, which is identical to an amino acid sequence present in WNV C protein. Further fine mapping was conducted using truncated peptides expressed as MBP-fusion proteins. We found that the KKPGGPG motif is the minimal determinant of the linear epitope recognized by the mAb 6D3. Western blot (WB) analysis demonstrated that the KKPGGPG epitope could be recognized by antibodies contained in WNV- and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)-positive equine serum, but was not recognized by Dengue virus 1-4 (DENV1-4)-positive mice serum. Furthermore, we found that the epitope recognized by 6D3 is highly conserved among the JEV serocomplex of the Family Flaviviridae.

Conclusion

The KKPGGPG epitope is a JEV serocomplex-specific linear B-cell epitope recognized by the 6D3 mAb generated in this study. The 6D3 mAb may serve as a novel reagent in development of diagnostic tests for JEV serocomplex infection. Further, the identification of the B-cell epitope that is highly conserved among the JEV serocomplex may support the rationale design of vaccines against viruses of the JEV serocomplex.     

Identification of Differentially Expressed Proteins in Porcine Alveolar Macrophages Infected with Virulent/Attenuated Strains of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus

The highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) is still a serious threat to the swine industry. However, the pathogenic mechanism of HP-PRRSV remains unclear. We infected host porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) with the virulent HuN4 strain and the attenuated HuN4-F112 strain and then utilized fluorescent two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) to screen for intracellular proteins that were differentially expressed in host cells infected with the two strains. There were 153 proteins with significant different expression (P<0.01) observed, 42 of which were subjected to mass spectrometry, and 24 proteins were identified. PAM cells infected with the virulent strain showed upregulated expression of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), heat shock protein beta-1 (HSPB1), and proteasome subunit alpha type 6 (PSMA6), which were downregulated in cells infected with the attenuated strain. The upregulation of PKM2 provides sufficient energy for viral replication, and the upregulation of HSPB1 inhibits host cell apoptosis and therefore facilitates mass replication of the virulent strain, while the upregulation of PSMA6 facilitates the evasion of immune surveillance by the virus. Studying on those molecules mentioned above may be able to help us to understand some unrevealed details of HP-PRRSV infection, and then help us to decrease its threat to the swine industry in the future.     

Identification of a Conserved B-Cell Epitope on Duck Hepatitis A Type 1 Virus VP1 Protein

BackgroundThe VP1 protein of duck hepatitis A virus (DHAV) is a major structural protein that induces neutralizing antibodies in ducks; however, B-cell epitopes on the VP1 protein of duck hepatitis A genotype 1 virus (DHAV-1) have not been characterized.

Methods and Results

To characterize B-cell epitopes on VP1, we used the monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2D10 against Escherichia coli-expressed VP1 of DHAV-1. In vitro, mAb 2D10 neutralized DHAV-1 virus. By using an array of overlapping 12-mer peptides, we found that mAb 2D10 recognized phages displaying peptides with the consensus motif LPAPTS. Sequence alignment showed that the epitope ¹⁷³LPAPTS¹⁷⁸ is highly conserved among the DHAV-1 genotypes. Moreover, the six amino acid peptide LPAPTS was proven to be the minimal unit of the epitope with maximal binding activity to mAb 2D10. DHAV-1–positive duck serum reacted with the epitope in dot blotting assay, revealing the importance of the six amino acids of the epitope for antibody-epitope binding. Competitive inhibition assays of mAb 2D10 binding to synthetic LPAPTS peptides and truncated VP1 protein fragments, detected by Western blotting, also verify that LPAPTS was the VP1 epitope.

Conclusions and Significance

We identified LPAPTS as a VP1-specific linear B-cell epitope recognized by the neutralizing mAb 2D10. Our findings have potential applications in the development of diagnostic techniques and epitope-based marker vaccines against DHAV-1.     

Identification of a Conserved Linear B-Cell Epitope of Streptococcus dysgalactiae GapC Protein by Screening Phage-Displayed Random Peptide Library

The GapC of Streptococcus dysgalactiae (S. dysgalactiae) is a highly conserved surface protein that can induce protective humoral immune response in animals. However, B-cell epitopes on the S. dysgalactiae GapC have not been well identified. In this study, a monoclonal antibody (mAb5B7) against the GapC_1-150 protein was prepared. After passive transfer, mAb5B7 could partially protect mice against S. dysgalactiae infection. Eleven positive phage clones recognized by mAb5B7 were identified by screening phage-displayed random 12-peptide library, most of which matched the consensus motif DTTQGRFD. The motif sequence exactly matches amino acids 48-55 of the S. dysgalactiae GapC protein. In addition, the motif ⁴⁸DTTQGRFD⁵⁵ shows high homology among various streptococcus species. Site-directed mutagenic analysis further confirmed that residues D48, T50, Q51, G52 and F54 formed the core motif of ⁴⁸DTTQGRFD⁵⁵. This motif was the minimal determinant of the B-cell epitope recognized by the mAb5B7. As expected, epitope-peptide evoked protective immune response against S. dysgalactiae infection in immunized mice. Taken together, this identified conserved B-cell epitope within S. dysgalactiae GapC could provide very valuable insights for vaccine design against S. dysgalactiae infection.     

Comparative analysis of apoptotic changes in peripheral immune organs and lungs following experimental infection of piglets with highly pathogenic and classical porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Background

Our previous studies have demonstrated that piglets infected with highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) may develop significant thymus atrophy, which related to thymocytes apoptosis. However, apart from that detected in the thymus, there are no reports describing cell apoptosis induced by HP-PRRSV infection. In this study, we analyzed comparatively the pathological changes, cell apoptosis and viral load in peripheral immune organs including tonsil, inguinal lymph nodes (ILNs) and spleen and lungs following experimental infection of piglets with HP-PRRSV HuN4 and classical PRRSV CH-1a.

Findings

HP-PRRSV HuN4 exhibited much stronger cell tropism than CH-1a in immune organs and lungs of piglets. HuN4 infection led to the serious injuries in tonsils, ILNs, spleens and lungs, especially apoptosis in these organs was significant.

Conclusions

HuN4 infection induced severe lesions (gross pathology, histopathology and cell apoptosis) in the peripheral immune organs and lungs of infected piglets. Large numbers of apoptotic cells in immune organs and lung induced by HuN4 may play a role in the pathogenesis of the HP-PRRS and the distinct injuries caused by HuN4 infection may be associated with the high mortality rate of HP-PRRS in pigs.     

Overcoming Antigenic Diversity by Enhancing the Immunogenicity of Conserved Epitopes on the Malaria Vaccine Candidate Apical Membrane Antigen-1

Malaria vaccine candidate Apical Membrane Antigen-1 (AMA1) induces protection, but only against parasite strains that are closely related to the vaccine. Overcoming the AMA1 diversity problem will require an understanding of the structural basis of cross-strain invasion inhibition. A vaccine containing four diverse allelic proteins 3D7, FVO, HB3 and W2mef (AMA1 Quadvax or QV) elicited polyclonal rabbit antibodies that similarly inhibited the invasion of four vaccine and 22 non-vaccine strains of P. falciparum. Comparing polyclonal anti-QV with antibodies against a strain-specific, monovalent, 3D7 AMA1 vaccine revealed that QV induced higher levels of broadly inhibitory antibodies which were associated with increased conserved face and domain-3 responses and reduced domain-2 response. Inhibitory monoclonal antibodies (mAb) raised against the QV reacted with a novel cross-reactive epitope at the rim of the hydrophobic trough on domain-1; this epitope mapped to the conserved face of AMA1 and it encompassed the 1e-loop. MAbs binding to the 1e-loop region (1B10, 4E8 and 4E11) were ∼10-fold more potent than previously characterized AMA1-inhibitory mAbs and a mode of action of these 1e-loop mAbs was the inhibition of AMA1 binding to its ligand RON2. Unlike the epitope of a previously characterized 3D7-specific mAb, 1F9, the 1e-loop inhibitory epitope was partially conserved across strains. Another novel mAb, 1E10, which bound to domain-3, was broadly inhibitory and it blocked the proteolytic processing of AMA1. By itself mAb 1E10 was weakly inhibitory but it synergized with a previously characterized, strain-transcending mAb, 4G2, which binds close to the hydrophobic trough on the conserved face and inhibits RON2 binding to AMA1. Novel inhibition susceptible regions and epitopes, identified here, can form the basis for improving the antigenic breadth and inhibitory response of AMA1 vaccines. Vaccination with a few diverse antigenic proteins could provide universal coverage by redirecting the immune response towards conserved epitopes.     

Identification of a Conserved B-cell Epitope on Reticuloendotheliosis Virus Envelope Protein by Screening a Phage-displayed Random Peptide Library

Background

The gp90 protein of avian reticuloendotheliosis-associated virus (REV-A) is an important envelope glycoprotein, which is responsible for inducing protective antibody immune responses in animals. B-cell epitopes on the gp90 protein of REV have not been well studied and reported.

Methods and Results

This study describes the identification of a linear B-cell epitope on the gp90 protein by screening a phage-displayed 12-mer random peptide library with the neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) A9E8 directed against the gp90. The mAb A9E8 recognized phages displaying peptides with the consensus motif SVQYHPL. Amino acid sequence of the motif exactly matched ²¹³SVQYHPL²¹⁹ of the gp90. Further identification of the displayed B cell epitope was conducted using a set of truncated peptides expressed as GST fusion proteins and the Western blot results indicated that ²¹³SVQYHPL²¹⁹ was the minimal determinant of the linear B cell epitope recognized by the mAb A9E8. Moreover, an eight amino acid peptide SVQYHPLA was proven to be the minimal unit of the epitope with the maximal binding activity to mAb A9E8. The REV-A-positive chicken serum reacted with the minimal linear epitopes in Western blot, revealing the importance of the eight amino acids of the epitope in antibody-epitope binding activity. Furthermore, we found that the epitope is a common motif shared among REV-A and other members of REV group.

Conclusions and Significance

We identified ²¹³SVQYHPL²¹⁹ as a gp90-specific linear B-cell epitope recognized by the neutralizing mAb A9E8. The results in this study may have potential applications in development of diagnostic techniques and epitope-based marker vaccines against REV-A and other viruses of the REV group.     

汉滩病毒S基因的分段表达及其线性和构象型抗原表位分析

构建汉滩病毒76—118N蛋白及其分别从N-端和C-端缺失的共6个突变体,在大肠杆菌BL-21中进行表达,并对其中一些蛋白进行了纯化。通过Western blot、酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)进行汉滩病毒N蛋白的抗原表位分析,N蛋白及6个缺失突变体都与组特异性抗体L13F3呈阳性反应,而缺失突变体与型特异性抗体AH30呈阴性反应。构建汉滩病毒76—118N蛋白及其6个缺失突变体的真核表达载体,并在COS-7细胞中进行表达。通过间接免疫荧光试验(IFA)进行汉滩病毒N蛋白的抗原表位分析,病人血清与真核表达的N蛋白及6个缺失突变体呈阳性反应。而仅有N蛋白及缺失N端1～30位氨基酸序列的NPN30与型特异性抗体AH30呈阳性反应。证实组特异性抗体L13F3结合的抗原表位位于N端1～30位氨基酸;而C端抗原表位对于型特异性抗体AH30与N蛋白的识别和结合具有重要意义,缺失N端100位氨基酸序列可能破坏羧基端构象型表位,也可以影响N蛋白与AH30的结合。     

Structural difference recognized by a monoclonal antibody #404-11 between the rabies virus nucleocapsid (NC) produced in virus infected cells and the NC-like structures produced in the nucleoprotein (N) cDNA-transfected cells

We investigated structural changes in the rabies virus (HEP-Flury strain) nucleocapsid (NC) during the virus replication, for which we used two anti-nucleoprotein (N) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), #404-11 (specific for a conformation-dependently exposed linear epitope) and #1-7-11 (specific for a conformational epitope which is exposed after the nucleocapsid formation). Both mAbs recognized the N protein of the viral NC, but not of the RNA-free N-P complex. The 1-7-11 and 404-11 epitopes could be mapped to the N-terminal and the C-terminal regions of N protein, respectively. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that treatment of the NC either with the alkaline phosphatase or sodium deoxycholate (DOC) resulted in dissociation of most P proteins from the NC and in the reduced reactivity to mAb #404-11, but not to mAb #1-7-11. NC-like structures produced in the N cDNA-transfected cells displayed strong reactivity to mAb #1-7-11; however, reactivity to mAb #404-11 was very weak. And, coexpression with viral phosphoprotein (P) resulted in little increase in reactivity to mAb #404-11 of the NC-like structures, while the reactivity was significantly increased by cotransfection with P and the viral minigenome whose 3'- and 5'-end structures were derived from the viral genome. From these results, we assume that, although the 404-11 epitope is a linear one, the epitope-containing region is exposed only when N proteins encapsidate properly the viral RNA in collaboration with the P protein. Further, exposure of the 404-11 epitope region might be function-related, and be regulated by association and dissociation of the P protein.     

Identification of epitopes recognized by monoclonal antibodies directed against HTLV-I envelope surface glycoprotein using peptide phage display

Summary Phage peptide libraries constitute powerful tools for the mapping of epitopes recognized by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Using screening of phage displayed random peptide libraries we have characterized the binding epitopes of three mAbs directed against the surface envelope glycoprotein (gp46) of the human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I). Two phage libraries, displaying random heptapeptides with or without flanking cysteine residues, were screened for binding to mAbs 7G5D8, DB4 and 4F5F6. The SSSSTPL consensus sequence isolated from constrained heptapeptide library defines the epitope recognized by DB4 mAb and corresponds to the exact region 249–252 of the virus sequence. The APPMLPH consensus sequence isolated from non constrained heptapeptide library defines the epitope recognized by 7G5D8 mAb and corresponds to the region 187–193 with a single amino acid substitution, methionine to leucine at position 190. The third consensus sequence LYWPHD isolated from constrained heptapeptide library defines the epitope recognized by 4F5F6 mAb. It corresponds to an epitope without direct equivalence with the virus sequence. The data presented here showed that 7G5D8 and DB4 mAbs are raised against linear epitopes while 4F5F6 mAb recognized a continoous topographic epitope.     

Identification and characterization of a cross-reactive and a unique B-cell epitope on the hsp60 homologue from Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Two monoclonal antibodies (G6 and 7B), generated against a 63-kDa stress protein (GSP63) from Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain VP1, were used to investigate the antigenic heterogeneity of GSP63 among the Neisseriaceae and its antigenic relationship with the Hsp60 heat-shock protein family. Immunoblotting experiments demonstrated antibody reactivity with all pathogenic Neisseria tested and with some of the commensal strains. One of the antibodies (7B) cross-reacted with the 65-kDa M. bovis BCG heat-shock protein and with 14 out of the 21 similarly sized proteins in other bacterial species. The other antibody (G6) specifically recognized neisserial GSP63 homologues. These results demonstrate that GSP63 is a conserved neisserial antigen bearing both a unique neisserial B-cell epitope and a more widely distributed Hsp60 epitope.     

Structure-function study of the p55 subunit of murine IL-2 receptor by epitope mapping.

Using a cell-free translation system we have expressed the Mr 55,000 subunit of the murine IL-2R (p55 IL-2R), which binds IL-2 with low affinity (Kd = 10 nM). Mutants and truncated forms of p55 IL-2R have been used to map the epitopes recognized by three anti-p55 IL-2R mAb: 135D5, 7D4, and 2E4. The mAb 135D5 inhibits IL-2 binding to p55 IL-2R and recognizes an epitope located between amino acids 64 to 125. This epitope can be mimicked by a synthetic peptide corresponding to the region defined by residues 72 to 88. However, the mAb 7D4 and 2E4 do not affect the IL-2 binding to p55 IL-2R. These mAb recognize an epitope of p55 IL-2R lying between residues 125 to 212 that can be mimicked with a peptide corresponding to amino acids 188 to 208. A strong correlation emerged between the experimental results on epitope mapping and predictions of potential antigenicity of murine p55 IL-2R. In addition, we described two internal initiation sites of p55 IL-2R mRNA under the in vitro conditions used leading to the production of significant amounts of N-terminal truncated p55 IL-2R proteins.     

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies to the Zta and DNase proteins of epstein-barr virus

Two monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were derived and designated 4F10 and 311H. 4F10 was against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Zta protein and 311 H specifically recognized EBV DNase enzyme. Using mAb 4F10 as a probe, the Zta protein could be detected as a 36-kD molecule in L5 cells and as a 38-kD molecule in B95-8 cells, reflecting the fact reported by other laboratories, using rabbit polyclonal antisera, that the Zta protein was variously modified in different host cells. 311H mAb was generated using antigens purified from one-step His-Bind column chromatography. The antigenic epitope recognized by this mAb was mapped within the residues 1–152 of EBV DNase by reacting the mAb with three distinct truncated mutants. Also, using 311H as a reagent to trace the kinetic expression of EBV DNase proteins in EBV-infected Akata cells, the Western blotting results indicated that DNase antigen could be detected at 12 h postactivation. The feasibility of applying these two mAb in the investigation of EBV biology is discussed.     

Identification of epitopes recognized by monoclonal antibodies directed against HTLV-I envelope surface glycoprotein using peptide phage display

Phage peptide libraries constitute powerful tools for themapping of epitopes recognized by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).Using screening of phage displayed random peptide libraries wehave characterized the binding epitopes of three mAbs directedagainst the surface envelope glycoprotein (gp46) of the humanT-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I). Two phage libraries,displaying random heptapeptides with or without flankingcysteine residues, were screened for binding to mAbs 7G5D8, DB4and 4F5F6. The SSSSTPL consensus sequence isolated fromconstrained heptapeptide library defines the epitope recognizedby DB4 mAb and corresponds to the exact region 249–252 of thevirus sequence. The APPMLPH consensus sequence isolated fromnon constrained heptapeptide library defines the epitoperecognized by 7G5D8 mAb and corresponds to the region 187–193with a single amino acid substitution, methionine to leucine atposition 190. The third consensus sequence LYWPHD isolated fromconstrained heptapeptide library defines the epitope recognizedby 4F5F6 mAb. It corresponds to an epitope without directequivalence with the virus sequence. The data presented hereshowed that 7G5D8 and DB4 mAbs are raised against linearepitopes while 4F5F6 mAb recognized a continuous topographic epitope.     

Antibody-protein interactions: benchmark datasets and prediction tools evaluation

Background  

The ability to predict antibody binding sites (aka antigenic determinants or B-cell epitopes) for a given protein is a precursor to new vaccine design and diagnostics. Among the various methods of B-cell epitope identification X-ray crystallography is one of the most reliable methods. Using these experimental data computational methods exist for B-cell epitope prediction. As the number of structures of antibody-protein complexes grows, further interest in prediction methods using 3D structure is anticipated. This work aims to establish a benchmark for 3D structure-based epitope prediction methods.     

Chimeric fab fragments of antibodies to recombinant Ebola virus glycoprotein

Previously, we have determined the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the variable domains of three mouse monoclonal antibodies specific to the individual epitopes of the Ebola virus glycoprotein: GPE118 (IgG), GPE325 (IgM) and GPE534 (IgG) [1]. In the present paper, chimeric Fab fragments of Fab118, Fab325, and Fab534 antibodies were obtained based on the variable domains of murine antibodies by attaching CH1 and CL constant regions of human kappa-IgG1 to them. The recombinant chimeric Fab fragments were synthesized in the heterologous expression system Escherichia coli, isolated and purified using metal chelate affinity chromatography. The immunochemical properties of the obtained Fab fragments were studied by immunoblotting techniques as well as indirect and competitive ELISA using recombinant Ebola virus proteins: EBOV rGPdTM (recombinant glycoprotein of Ebola hemorrhagic fever virus without the transmembrane domain), NP (nucleoprotein) and VP40 (structural protein). The identity of recombinant chimeric Fab fragments, as well as their specificity to the recombinant glycoprotein of Ebola hemorrhagic fever virus (EBOV GP) was proved. The results of indirect ELISA evidence the absence of immunological cross-reactivity to NP and VP40 proteins of Ebola virus. The dissociation constants of the antigen-antibody complex K _d equal to 5.0, 1.0 and 1.0 nM for Fab118, Fab325 and Fab534, respectively, were determined; they indicate high affinity of the obtained experimental samples to EBOV GP. The epitope specificity of Fab fragments was studied using a panel of commercial neutralizing antibodies. It was found that all studied antibodies to EBOV GP are targeted to different epitopes, while the epitopes of the recombinant chimeric Fab fragments and original murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) coincide. All the obtained and studied mAbs to EBOV GP are specific to epitopes that coincide or overlap the epitopes of three commercial neutralizing mAbs to Ebola virus: epitopes Fab118 and Fab325 overlap the epitope of the known commercial mAb h13F6; Fab325 epitope also overlaps mAb c6D8 epitope; Fab534 epitope is located near mAb KZ52 conformational epitope, in the formation of which amino acid residues of GP1 and GP2 domains of EBOV GP are involved.     

A Human Monoclonal Antibody against Hepatitis B Surface Antigen with Potent Neutralizing Activity

We describe the production and characterization of human monoclonal antibodies (mAb) specific for the major hepatitis B virus (HBV) S protein. The mAbs, two IgG1κ and one IgG1λ, were secreted by B-cell clones obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of one person convalescent from acute hepatitis B and one vaccinated individual. The former recognized a denaturation-insensitive epitope within the p24 protein whereas the latter recognized a denaturation-sensitive, conformational epitope located within the HBsAg common “a” determinant. This mAb, denominated ADRI-2F3, displayed a very high protective titer of over 43,000 IU/mg mAb and showed an extremely potent neutralizing activity in the in vitro model of HBV infection using primary hepatocytes from Tupaia belangeri as target. Recombinant variable heavy and light domain sequences derived from mAb ADRI-2F3 were cloned into eukaryotic expression vectors and showed identical fine specificity and 1 log₁₀ higher titer than the original IgG1λ. It is envisaged that such mAb will be able to efficiently prevent HBV reinfection after liver transplantation for end-stage chronic HBV infection or infection after needle-stick exposure, providing an unlimited source of valuable protective anti-HBs antibody.     

Infectivity of Leishmania braziliensis promastigotes is dependent on the increasing expression of a 65,000-dalton surface antigen

Sequential development of Leishmania braziliensis promastigotes from a noninfective to an infective stage was demonstrated. The generation of infective forms was related to their growth cycle and restricted to stationary stage organisms. Using immunofluorescence techniques, we have noticed that the binding of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against L. braziliensis (VD5/25) increased progressively as the promastigotes developed in culture and was maximal with the infective forms. This antigenic differentiation was not detected with an anti-L. braziliensis polyclonal rabbit antiserum, suggesting that only a few epitopes, including that recognized by VD5/25, have their expression effectively increased on the surface of infective promastigotes. Immunoprecipitation of lysates of surface-iodinated L. braziliensis promastigotes with this mAb revealed two proteins of apparent 65,000 and 50,000 Mr, the 50,000 Mr protein probably representing the unreduced form of the major surface glycoprotein described in several species of Leishmania (GP65). The increasing expression of this epitope was not found with L. chagasi promastigotes, but seems to occur with the parasites from the L. mexicana complex. Intracellular survival of L. braziliensis was completely inhibited when the infective promastigotes were treated with VD5/25. It appears, therefore, that the increasing expression of GP65 on the promastigote surface represents an essential mechanism of leishmania survival in the macrophage.     

In silico epitope-based vaccine design against influenza a neuraminidase protein: Computational analysis established on B- and T-cell epitope predictions

ObjectiveInfluenza A virus belongs to the most studied virus and its mutant initiates epidemic and pandemics outbreaks. Inoculation is the significant foundation to diminish the risk of infection. To prevent an incidence of influenza from the transmission, various practical approaches require more advancement and progress. More efforts and research must take in front to enhance vaccine efficacy.MethodsThe present research emphasizes the development and expansion of a universal vaccine for the influenza virus. Research focuses on vaccine design with high efficacy. In this study, numerous computational approaches were used, covering a wide range of elements and ideas in bioinformatics methodology. Various B and T-cell epitopic peptides derived from the Neuraminidase protein N1 are recognized by these approaches. With the implementation of numerous obtained databases and bioinformatics tools, the different immune framework methods of the conserved sequences of N1 neuraminidase were analyzed. NCBI databases were employed to retrieve amino acid sequences. The antigenic nature of the neuraminidase sequence was achieved by the VaxiJen server and Kolaskar and Tongaonkar method. After screening of various B and T cell epitopes, one efficient peptide each from B cell epitope and T cell epitopes was assessed for their antigenic determinant vaccine efficacy. Identical two B cell epitopes were recognized from the N1 protein when analyzed using B-cell epitope prediction servers. The detailed examination of amino acid sequences for interpretation of B and T cell epitopes was achieved with the help of the ABCPred and Immune Epitope Database.ResultsComputational immunology via immunoinformatic study exhibited RPNDKTG as having its high conservancy efficiency and demonstrated as a good antigenic, accessible surface hydrophilic B-cell epitope. Among T cell epitope analysis, YVNISNTNF was selected for being a conserved epitope. T cell epitope was also analyzed for its allergenicity and cytotoxicity evaluation. YVNISNTNF epitope was found to be a non-allergen and not toxic for cells as well. This T-cell epitope with maximum world populace coverages was scrutinized for its association with the HLA-DRB1*0401 molecule. Results from docking simulation analyses showed YVNISNTNF having lower binding energy, the radius of gyration (Rg), RMSD values, and RMSE values which make the protein structure more stable and increase its ability to become an epitopic peptide for influenza virus vaccination.ConclusionsWe propose that this epitope analysis may be successfully used as a measurement tool for the robustness of an antigen–antibody reaction between mutant strains in the annual design of the influenza vaccine.     

应用噬菌体展示随机肽库淘筛mAb 5H5识别的抗原表位

本文利用噬菌体随机9肽库探索汉滩病毒（HTNV）核衣壳蛋白（NP）B细胞抗原表位。以抗HTNV NP单克隆抗体(mAb）5H5作为筛选分子,生物淘洗噬菌体递呈的随机9肽库。阳性克隆经夹心ELISA、竞争ELISA鉴定后,随机挑取10个克隆,DNA测序,与HTNV76－118株S基因进行同源性分析。结果显示筛选到的噬菌体能特异地与5H5结合,这种结合可被天然抗原所抑制。10个克隆的氨基酸序列相同,均为VRDAEEQYE,与76－118株NP氨基端的aa25-33一致。证实了该线性表位是mAb 5H5识别的表位,噬菌体肽库有助于病毒抗原表位的确定。