Cross-neutralizing Anti-hemagglutinin Antibodies Isolated from Patients Infected with Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus

Objective To recover broad-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies(Bn Abs)from avian influenza A(H5N1)virus infection cases and investigate their genetic and functional features.Methods We screened the Abs repertoires of expanded B cells circulating in the peripheral blood of H5N1 patients.The genetic basis,biological functions,and epitopes of the obtained Bn Abs were assessed and modeled.Results Two Bn Abs,2-12 D5,and 3-37 G7.1,were respectively obtained from two human H5N1 cases on days 12 and 21 after disease onset.Both Abs demonstrated cross-neutralizing and Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity(ADCC)activity.Albeit derived from distinct Ab lineages,i.e.,V^H1-69-D2-15-JH^4(2-12D5)and V^H1-2-D3-9-JH^5(3-32 G7.1),the Bn Abs were directed toward CR6261-like epitopes in the HA stem,and HA2 I45 in the hydrophobic pocket was the critical residue for their binding.Signature motifs for binding with the HA stem,namely,IFY in VH1-69-encoded Abs and LXYFXW in D3-9-encoded Abs,were also observed in 2-12D5 and 3-32 G7.1,respectively.Conclusions Cross-reactive B cells of different germline origins could be activated and re-circulated by avian influenza virus.The HA stem epitopes targeted by the Bn Abs,and the two Ab-encoding genes usage implied the VH1-69 and D3-9 are the ideal candidates triggered by influenza virus for vaccine development.

The Pathogenic Characteristics of the Initial Three Mpox Cases in Hunan Province, China

Mpox virus (MPXV) belongs to the family Poxviridae,subfamily Chordopoxvirinae,and genus Orthopoxvirus,which also includes Variola virus(VARV),Cowpox virus (CPXV),and Vaccinia virus(VACV).Clinical symptoms of mpox are similar to smallpox but are relatively milder^([1]).MPXV was first isolated from crab-eating monkeys in the tropical rainforests of Africa in 1958^([2]).The first human case of MPXV infection was reported in the Congo in1970^([3]).Following the eradication of smallpox in1977,mpox has emerged as one of the prominent viral members of the Poxviridae family,significantly impacting public health^([4]),mainly prevalent in Central and West Africa.Starting from May 2022.

Phylogenetic and Molecular Analysis of an H7N7 Avian Influenza Virus Isolated in East Dongting Lake in 2012

Objective In March 2012, an H7N7 subtype avian influenza virus （AIV） named A/wild goose/Dongting/PC0360/2022 （H7N7） （DT/PC0360） was recovered from a wild goose in East Dongting Lake. We performed whole-genome sequencing of the isolate, and analyzed the phylogenetic and molecular characterization. Methods RNA was extracted from environment samples （including fecal samples from wild bird or domestic ducks, and water samples） for detecting the presence of Influenza A Virus targeting Matrix gene, using realtime RT-PCR assay. The positive samples were performed virus isolation with embryonated eggs. The subtype of the isolates were identified by RT-PCR assay with the HI-HI6 and N1-N9 primer set. The whole-genome sequencing of isolates were performed. Phylogenetic and molecular characterizations of the eight genes of the isolates were analyzed. Results Our results suggested that all the eight gene segments of DT/PC0360 belonged to the Eurasian gene pool, and the HA gene were belonged to distinct sublineage with H7N9 AIV which caused outbreaks in China's Mainland in 2013. The hemagglutinin cleavage site of HA of DT/PC0360 showed characterization of low pathogenic avian influenza virus. Conclusion Strengthening the surveillance of AlVs of wild waterfowl and poultry in this region is vita for our knowledge of the ecology and mechanism of transmission to prevent an influenza pandemic.