Serodiagnosis of human neurocysticercosis using antigenic components of Taenia solium metacestodes derived from the unbound fraction from jacalin affinity chromatography

The aim of the present study was to analyse Taenia solium metacestode antigens that were derived from the unbound fraction of jacalin affinity chromatography and subsequent tert-octylphenoxy poly (oxyethylene) ethanol Triton X-114 (TX-114) partitioning in the diagnosis of human neurocysticercosis (NCC). Immunoassays were designed to detect T. solium-specific IgG antibodies by ELISA and immunoblot. Serum samples were collected from 132 individuals who were categorised as follows: 40 had NCC, 62 presented Taenia spp or other parasitic diseases and 30 were healthy individuals. The jacalin-unbound (J_unbound) fraction presented higher sensitivity and specificity rates than the jacalin-bound fraction and only this fraction was subjected to subsequent TX-114 partitioning, resulting in detergent (DJ_unbound) and aqueous (AJ_unbound) fractions. The ELISA sensitivity and specificity were 85% and 84.8% for J_unbound, 92.5% and 93.5% for DJ_unboundand 82.5% and 82.6% for AJ_unbound. By immunoblot, the DJ_unboundfraction showed 100% sensitivity and specificity and only serum samples from patients with NCC recognised the 50-70 kDa T. solium-specific components. We conclude that the DJ_unboundfraction can serve as a useful tool for the differential immunodiagnosis of NCC by immunoblot.     

Bioactive molecules of Taenia solium metacestode,a causative agent of neurocysticercosis

Neurocysticercosis (NC), an infection of the CNS with Taenia solium metacestode, exemplifies formidable public health concerns associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The disease is a complex phenomenon involving molecular cell biological cross-talks between the parasite and human host. To effectively combat NC, specific diagnosis and proper management are prerequisites. Bioactive molecules implicated in host–parasite interactions and parasitic homeostasis should be elucidated. This article provides an overview of currently available serological biomarkers, especially those comprising low-molecular-weight proteins, and discusses available immunoproteomics for identification of such molecules. T. solium metacestode bioactive molecules, which might be critically implicated in the progression of NC disease, are summarized. Comprehensive understanding of the biochemical properties and biological functions of bioactive molecules may contribute to the development of novel intervention strategies against NC.     

Molecular dynamics simulations of apo and holo forms of fatty acid binding protein 5 and cellular retinoic acid binding protein II reveal highly mobile protein,retinoic acid ligand,and water molecules

Structural and dynamic properties from a series of 300 ns molecular dynamics, MD, simulations of two intracellular lipid binding proteins, iLBPs, (Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5, FABP5, and Cellular Retinoic Acid Binding Protein II, CRABP-II) in both the apo form and when bound with retinoic acid reveal a high degree of protein and ligand flexibility. The ratio of FABP5 to CRABP-II in a cell may determine whether it undergoes natural apoptosis or unrestricted cell growth in the presence of retinoic acid. As a result, FABP5 is a promising target for cancer therapy. The MD simulations presented here reveal distinct differences in the two proteins and provide insight into the binding mechanism. CRABP-II is a much larger, more flexible protein that closes upon ligand binding, where FABP5 transitions to an open state in the holo form. The traditional understanding obtained from crystal structures of the gap between two β-sheets of the β-barrel common to iLBPs and the α-helix cap that forms the portal to the binding pocket is insufficient for describing protein conformation (open vs. closed) or ligand entry and exit. When the high degree of mobility between multiple conformations of both the ligand and protein are examined via MD simulation, a new mode of ligand motion that improves understanding of binding dynamics is revealed.     

丙型肝炎病毒疫苗的研究进展

丙型肝炎是由丙型肝炎病毒(HCV)感染引起的重要传染病,有效的治疗性和预防性疫苗目前均尚未研制成功.HCV的高变异性及多种免疫逃避途径是疫苗研制的主要障碍.目前,已有多种类型的HCV候选疫苗进入临床试验或临床前期试验阶段,但其有效性、安全性等还不能令人满意.随着对HCV相关免疫应答机制的深入了解,有望研制出相应的治疗性和预防性疫苗.