An arrayed human genomic library constructed in the PAC shuttle vector pJCPAC-Mam2 for genome-wide association studies and gene therapy

The various iterations of the HapMap Project and many genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified hundreds of potential genes involved in monogenic and multifactorial traits. We constructed an arrayed 115,000-member human genomic library in the PAC shuttle vector pJCPAC-Mam2 that can be propagated in both bacterial and human cells. The library appears to represent a two-fold coverage of the human genome. Transient transfection of a p53-containing PAC clone into p53-null Saos-2 human osteosarcoma cells demonstrated that both p53 mRNA and protein were produced. Additionally, expression of the p53 protein triggered apoptosis in a subset of the Saos-2 cells. This library should serve as a valuable resource to validate potential disease genes identified by GWAS in human cell lines and in animal models. Also, individual library members could potentially be used for gene therapy trials for a variety of recessive disorders.     

Epstein–Barr virus noncoding RNAs from the extracellular vesicles of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells promote angiogenesis via TLR3/RIG-I-mediated VCAM-1 expression

Viral noncoding RNAs (Epstein–Barr virus-encoded RNAs, EBERs) are believed to play a critical role in the progression of lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the accurate mechanisms accounting for their oncogenic function have not been elucidated, especially in terms of interaction between tumor cells and mesenchymal cells. Here, we report that, in addition to NPC cells, EBERs are also found in endothelial cells in Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-infected NPC parenchymal tissues, which implicates NPC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in transmitting EBERs to endothelial cells. In support of this hypothesis, we first ascertained if EBERs could be transferred to endothelial cells via EVs isolated from NPC culture supernatant. Then, we clarified that EVs-derived EBERs could promote angiogenesis through stimulation of VCAM-1 expression. Finally, we explored the involvement of EBER recognition by TLR3 and RIG-I in NPC angiogenesis. Our observations collectively illustrate the significance and mechanism of EVs-derived EBERs in angiogenesis and underlie the interaction mechanisms between EBV-infected NPC cells and the tumor microenvironment.     

表达EB病毒主要膜蛋白的非复制型重组痘苗病毒毒力及体液免疫反应

利用表达EBV GP350/220的非复制型重组痘苗病毒VMA△CK及复制性重组痘苗病毒VMA,注射乳鼠脑内,观察毒力。同时,用VMA△CK及VMA免疫Bal/c小鼠,经ELISA测定其特异性抗体水平。免疫血清用抗体中和EBV感染Raji细胞抑制产生早期抗原（NEA）法测定其中和抗体滴度。将免疫血清与P3HR-1细胞共同孵育后,测上清中EBV滴度以观察抗体体制EBV从P3HR-1细胞中释放效应。结果发现,VMA△CK毒力明显低于VMA,其LD50为4.5PFU/0.02ml,而VMA△CK的LD50大于10^6PFU/0.02ml。VMA△CK与VAM免疫血清中抗GP350/220抗体水平无明显差异,而初兔后抗痘苗病毒抗体水平VMA免疫组较VMA△CK免疫组高5倍左右。VMA△CK免疫组血清中和抗体水平没有明显差异。VMA△CK免疫血清稀释度与P3HR-1细胞培养上清中EBV滴度有剂量依赖关系。     

Epstein�CBarr virus-associated inflammatory pseudotumor of the spleen: report of two cases and review of the literature

We report two rare examples of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated inflammatory pseudotumor of the spleen. One patient presented with night sweats, abdominal pain, and weight loss and was found to have a splenic mass on CT scan suspected of lymphoma. The splenic mass in second patient was found incidentally at the time of work up for kidney stones. The pathologic examination of these splenectomy specimens showed similar histologic features. However, the spindle cells were composed of EBV-infected follicular dendritic cells in one case whereas the second case lacked significant follicular dendritic cell proliferation and showed only focal EBV-infected cells suggesting that these proliferations are heterogenous in nature.     

Avitalized bacteria mediate tumor growth control via activation of innate immunity

Acute bacterial infections have beneficial effects on tumor patients. To eliminate side effects evoked by viable microbes, we here assessed the immunotherapeutic potential of inactivated bacteria on colorectal carcinomas. Our In vitro results indicate a cell-specific direct cytotoxicity towards tumor cells presented by G1-arrest. Antitumoral activity was boosted in the presence of leukocytes. Long time stimulations revealed massive activation of NK cells even in complete autologous settings. In vivo, repetitive local treatment mediated tumor growth control. Evaluation of residual tumors identified increased infiltrates, with NK cells (CD49b⁺, NKG2D⁺) being the main responding cell population. Substantial NK cell-mediated delay of tumor growth was also achieved in T-cell deficient mice xenografted with human colorectal carcinomas. Of note, local as well as systemic therapy mediated tumor growth control.These data highlight the potential of avitalized bacteria to especially activate the immune system’s innate arm and they should be considered for future integrated immunotherapy.     

Plants as sources of natural and recombinant anti-cancer agents

Herbal remedies were the first medicines used by humans due to the many pharmacologically active secondary metabolites produced by plants. Some of these metabolites inhibit cell division and can therefore be used for the treatment of cancer, e.g. the mitostatic drug paclitaxel (Taxol). The ability of plants to produce medicines targeting cancer has expanded due to the advent of genetic engineering, particularly in recent years because of the development of gene editing systems such as the CRISPR/Cas9 platform. These technologies allow the introduction of genetic modifications that facilitate the accumulation of native pharmaceutically-active substances, and even the production heterologous recombinant proteins, including human antibodies, lectins and vaccine candidates. Here we discuss the anti-cancer agents that are produced by plants naturally or following genetic modification, and the potential of these products to supply modern healthcare systems. Special emphasis will be put on proteinaceous anti-cancer agents, which can exhibit an improved selectivity and reduced side effects compared to small molecule-based drugs.     

Molecular mimicry and the autoimmune response to the peripheral nerve myelin PO glycoprotein

In the Lewis rat immunisation with the myelin PO glycoprotein can induce an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the peripheral nervous system, experimental allergic neuritis (EAN), which has many clinical and histopathological parallels with the human disease the Guillain-Barre syndrome. In view of the reported association of GBS with a number of infectious agents we have investigated whether molecular mimicry may occur between microbial antigens and the PO protein that could possibly trigger a similar pathogenic autoimmune response in man. A computer search of the available protein sequence data bases identified several absolute sequence homologies between PO and viral proteins that involve five or more consecutive amino acid residues. Four of these sequence homologies involved viral pathogens previously associated with the Guillain-Barre syndrome, namely Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Varicella zoster virus (VZV) and human immunodeficiency virus I (HIV I). Although, sequence homologies were also found between viral peptides and the neuritogenic determinants of PO, residues 56–71 and 180–199, these homologies proved incapable of eliciting EAN in the Lewis rat. These observations are discussed with reference to the role that molecular mimicry between T cell epitopes on pathogen derived antigens and the PO protein may play in the pathogenesis of the Guillain-Barre syndrome.Abbreviations EAN Experimental allergic neuritis - EAE experimental allergic encephalomyelitis - PNS peripheral nervous system - CNS central nervous system - MBP myelin basic protein - GBS Guillain Barre syndrome - CFA complete Freund's Adjuvant - LPC lysophosphatidyl choline - VZV Varicella zoster virus - CMV cytomegalovirus - EBV Epstein Barr virus - HIV I human immunodeficiency virus I Special issue dedicated to Dr. Alan N. Davison     

Tunneling nanotubes: a new route for the exchange of components between animal cells

Recently, highly sensitive nanotubular structures mediating membrane continuity between mammalian cells have been discovered. With respect to their peculiar architecture, these membrane channels were termed tunneling nanotubes (TNTs). TNTs could form de novo between animal cells leading to the generation of complex cellular networks. They have been shown to facilitate the intercellular transfer of organelles as well as, on a limited scale, of membrane components and cytoplasmic molecules. It has been proposed that TNTs represent a novel and general biological principle of cell-to-cell communication and it becomes increasingly apparent that they fulfill important functions in the physiological processes of multicellular organisms.     

EB病毒潜伏膜蛋白1多态性与鼻咽癌的关系

为了分析广东地区鼻咽癌病人和非鼻咽癌病人携带的Epstein-Barr病毒（EBV）潜伏膜蛋白1（LMP1）基因多态性,探讨LMP1基因羧基端缺失30个碱基的EBV是否与华南地区鼻咽癌高发有关。为此收集了初始的107例鼻咽癌病人和106例非鼻咽癌肿病人的漱口液,用巢式PCR扩增LMP1羧基端,观察缺失型LMP1的构成比。同时,测序分析缺失型LMP1编码区序列,了解缺失型LMP1多态性与鼻咽癌的关联度。结果：在50％的样品中可检出LMP1基因,缺失型LMP1在鼻咽癌病人和非鼻咽病人的构成比相似,约占70？％,原型和缺失型LMP1混合感染少见（0－6％）。另外,广州地区的缺失型LMP序列与上海、台湾、香港地区的缺失型LMP1基因高度同源,鼻咽癌病人是和非鼻咽癌病人携带的缺失型LMP1基因序列基本相同。此结果表明,广州地区流行的LMP1羧基端缺失30个碱基的EBV株,漱口液中检测出的缺失型与原型LMP1构成比约为7：3,在鼻咽癌病人和非鼻咽癌病人此分布情况相似。