Recombinant adeno-associated virus 8-mediated inhibition of microRNA let-7a ameliorates sclerosing cholangitis in a clinically relevant mouse model

BACKGROUND Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)is characterized by chronic inflammation and it predisposes to cholangiocarcinoma due to lack of effective treatment options.Recombinant adeno-associated virus(rAAV)provides a promising platform for gene therapy on such kinds of diseases.A microRNA(miRNA)let-7a has been reported to be associated with the progress of PSC but the potential therapeutic implication of inhibition of let-7a on PSC has not been evaluated.AIM To investigate the therapeutic effects of inhibition of a miRNA let-7a transferred by recombinant adeno-associated virus 8(rAAV8)on a xenobiotic-induced mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis.METHODS A xenobiotic-induced mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis was induced by 0.1% 3,5-Diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-Dihydrocollidine(DDC)feeding for 2 wk or 6 wk.A single dose of rAAV8-mediated anti-let-7a-5p sponges or scramble control was injected in vivo into mice onset of DDC feeding.Upon sacrifice,the liver and the serum were collected from each mouse.The hepatobiliary injuries,hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated.The targets of let-7a-5p and downstream molecule NF-κB were detected using Western blot.RESULTS rAAV8-mediated anti-let-7a-5p sponges can depress the expression of let-7a-5p in mice after DDC feeding for 2 wk or 6 wk.The reduced expression of let-7a-5p can alleviate hepato-biliary injuries indicated by serum markers,and prevent the proliferation of cholangiocytes and biliary fibrosis.Furthermore,inhibition of let-7a mediated by rAAV8 can increase the expression of potential target molecules such as suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and Dectin1,which consequently inhibit of NF-κB-mediated hepatic inflammation.CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that a rAAV8 vector designed for liver-specific inhibition of let-7a-5p can potently ameliorate symptoms in a xenobiotic-induced mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis,which provides a possible clinical translation of PSC of human.

Packaging and Functional Identification of Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus Encoding cdc2-siRNA

Cyclin dependent kinases （cdks） play an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. To explore the possibility of cdks-related gene therapy for neurodegen-erative diseases, we packed recombinant adeno-associated virus （rAAV） encoding cdc2-siRNA. The expressing plasmid pAAV-MCS-EGFP-U6-cdc2-siRNA was constructed by using molecular biological techniques. The rAAV encoding cdc2-siRNA （rAAV-EGFP-U6-cdc2-siRNA） was packed by calcium phosphate mediated co-transfection of the plasmid pAAV-MCS-EGFP-U6-cdc2-siRNA, p-RC and p-Helper into AAV-293 cells. DNA sequencing proved the successful construction of U6-cdc2-siRNA in pAAV-MCS-EGFP. Seventy-two h after packaging, the expression of EGFP could be detected in AAV-293 cells. Western blotting revealed that cdc2 gene expression in AAV-293 cells was down-regulated markedly after transfection with rAAV-EGFP-U6-cdc2-siRNA, which evidenced the satisfactory silencing effect of this virus. It was concluded that the packaging of rAAV encoding cdc2-siRNA was successful. rAAV encoding cdc2-siRNA could silence cdc2 gene effectively, which might offer a novel means for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

ADENO-ASSOCIATED VIRUS INTRODUCED INTEGRATION AND EXPRESSION OF FOREIGN GENES IN PC12 CELLS

Objective To investigate integration and expression of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in neuronal PC12 cells,the result of which can be applied in further gene therapy of diseases of the central nervous sys- tem. Methods Human neurotrophin-3(hNT3)genes were inserted into AAV vectors. Then the recombinat AAV plas- mids were encapsidated as recombinant virions. PCl2 cells were transfected with the virions and the positive cells were selected by G418. The transfection positive (hNT3 modified)PC12 cells were cultured for several generations and the cellular genomic DNA and total RNA were extracted. We investigated the integration locus or AAV vectors by South- ern blot and transcript situation or foreign genes by dot blot. Results The hybridization tests showed that AAV in- troduced foreign genes were stably integrated, but at random locus, and robustly transcribed in hNT3 modified PCl2 cells. Conclusion AAV vectors can serve as high efficiency vectors or target genes in neuronal PC12 cells.

CONSTRUCTION AND EXPRESSION OF ADENO-ASSOCIATED VIRUS-BASED PLASMID EXPRESSING VECTORS CONTAINING hIL-2 GENE OR mIFN-γ GENE

Obiective TO improve the plasmid vectors in gene therapy, adeno - associated virus (AAV) basedplasmid expressing vectors containing hIL - 2 gene or mIFN-γ gene were constructed and its expression intransfected cells was studied. Methods By means of step to step cloning, promoter CMVp was placed at thedownstream of 5’ inverted terminal repeat from AAV (AAV - ITR) of pAP, hIL - 2 gene or mIFN -γ gene insertedinto pAC between CMVp and polyA. Then intron A was inserted into pAC - hIL - 2 or pAC- mIFN-γ betweenCMVp and IL - 2 gene or IFNγ gene to construct pAI- hIL - 2 or pAI- mIFN -γ. Liposome - plasmid complexeswere formed by mixing Dosper with these AAV- based plasmids containing hIL - 2 gene or mIFN- γgene. Results High biotogical activities of IL - 2 or IFN- γ could be detected in the supernatants of NIH3T3 andMM45T Li cells after transfection. Insertion of intron A into pAC- hIL - 2 or pAC- mIFN - γ improved theexpression of IL - 2 or IFN- γ. Conclusion These data demonstrated that the constructed AAV-based plasmidexpressing vectors could ejlciently express therapeutic genes in cultured cells and could be used as a nonviral genetransfer system in human gene therapy.

Genetic and biological properties of H9N2 avian influenza viruses isolated in central China from2020 to 2022

The H9N2 subtype of avian influenza virus(AIV)is widely prevalent in poultry and wild birds globally,and has become the predominant subtype circulating in poultry in China.The H9N2 AIV can directly or indirectly(by serving as a"donor virus")infect humans,posing a significant threat to public health.Currently,there is a lack of in-depth research on the prevalence of H9N2 viruses in Shanxi Province,central China.In this study,we isolated 14 H9N2 AIVs from October 2020 to April 2022 in Shanxi Province,and genetic analysis revealed that these viruses belonged to 7 different genotypes.Our study on animals revealed that the H9N2 strains we identified displayed high transmission efficiency among chicken populations,and exhibited diverse replication abilities within these birds.These viruses could replicate efficiently in the lungs of mice,with one strain also demonstrating the capacity to reproduce in organs like the brain and kidneys.At the cellular level,the replication ability of different H9N2 strains was evaluated using plaque formation assays and multi-step growth curve assays,revealing significant differences in the replication and proliferation efficiency of the various H9N2 viruses at the cellular level.The antigenicity analysis suggested that these isolates could be classified into 2 separate antigenic clusters.Our research provides crucial data to help understand the prevalence and biological characteristics of H9N2 AIVs in central China.It also highlights the necessity of enhancing the surveillance of H9N2 AIVs.

Isolation of a feline-derived feline panleukopenia virus with an A300P substitution in the VP2 protein and confrmation of its pathogenicity in dogs

Feline panleukopenia virus(FPV)is a single-stranded DNA virus that can infect cats and cause feline panleukopenia,which is a highly contagious and fatal disease in felines.The sequence of FPV is highly variable,and mutations in the amino acids of its capsid protein play crucial roles in altering viral virulence,immunogenicity,host selection,and other abilities.In this study,the epidemiology of FPV was studied using 746 gastrointestinal swab samples derived from cats that presented gastrointestinal symptoms specifcally,diarrhea or vomiting during the period spanning from 2018 to 2022.The overall prevalence of FPV-positive patients among these samples was determined to be 45.4%.Capsid(virion)protein 2(VP2)gene of each FPV-positive sample was sequenced and amplifed,yielding 65 VP2 sequences.Among them,six VP2 gene sequences were detected in the majority of the samples test positive for FPV,and these positive samples originated from a diverse range of geographical locations.These isolates were named FPV-6,FPV-10,FPV-15,FPV-251,FPV-271 and FPV-S2.Additionally,the substitution of Ala300Pro(A300P)in VP2 was detected for the frst time in feline-derived FPV(FPV-251).FPV-251 isolate,with this substitution in VP2 protein,exhibited stable proliferative capacity in Madin-Darby canine kidney(MDCK)cells and A72 cells.FPV-271 was selected as the FPV control isolate due to its single amino acid diference from VP2 protein of FPV-251 at position 300(FPV-271 has alanine,while FPV-251 has proline).After oral infection,both FPV-251 and FPV-271 isolates caused feline panleukopenia,which is characterized by clinical signs of enterocolitis.However,FPV-251 can infect dogs through the oral route and cause gastrointestinal(GI)symptoms with lesions in the intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes(MLNs)of infected dogs.This is the frst report on the presence of an A300P substitution in VP2 protein of feline-derived FPV.Additionally,FPV isolate with a substitution of A300P at VP2 protein demonstrated efcient replication capabilities in canine cell lines and the ability to infect dogs.

Evaluating the role of interleukin-2 and interleukin-12 in pediatric patients with concurrent Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Epstein-Barr virus infections

BACKGROUND Mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP)frequently causes respiratory infections in children,whereas Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)typically presents subclinical manifestations in immunocompetent pediatric populations.The incidence of MP and EBV coinfections is often overlooked clinically,with the contributory role of EBV in pulmonary infections alongside MP remaining unclear.AIM To evaluate the serum concentrations of interleukin-2(IL-2)and interleukin-12(IL-12)in pediatric patients with MP pneumonia co-infected with EBV and assess their prognostic implications.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from patients diagnosed with MP and EBV co-infection,isolated MP infection,and a control group of healthy children,spanning from January 1,2018 to December 31,2021.Serum IL-2 and IL-12 levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Logistic regression was employed to identify factors influencing poor prognosis,while receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves evaluated the prognostic utility of serum IL-2 and IL-12 levels in co-infected patients.RESULTS The co-infection group exhibited elevated serum IL-2 and C-reactive protein(CRP)levels compared to both the MP-only and control groups,with a reverse trend observed for IL-12(P<0.05).In the poor prognosis cohort,elevated CRP and IL-2 levels,alongside prolonged fever duration,contrasted with reduced IL-12 levels(P<0.05).Logistic regression identified elevated IL-2 as an independent risk factor and high IL-12 as a protective factor for adverse outcomes(P<0.05).ROC analysis indicated that the area under the curves for IL-2,IL-12,and their combination in predicting poor prognosis were 0.815,0.895,and 0.915,respectively.CONCLUSION Elevated serum IL-2 and diminished IL-12 levels in pediatric patients with MP and EBV co-infection correlate with poorer prognosis,with combined IL-2 and IL-12 levels offering enhanced predictive accuracy.

Perilipin 2 inhibits replication of hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid by regulating autophagy under high-fat conditions

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection poses a global health concern without a definitive cure;however,antiviral medications can effectively suppress viral replication.This study delves into the intricate interplay between lipid metabo-lism and HBV replication,implicating molecular mechanisms such as the stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase 1 autophagy pathway,SAC1-like phosphatidylinositol phosphatase,and galectin-9 mediated selective autophagy of viral core proteins in regulating HBV replication.Within lipid droplets,perilipin 2(PLIN2)emerges as a pivotal guardian,with its overexpression protecting against autophagy and downregulation stimulating triglyceride catabolism through the autophagy pathway.This editorial discusses the correlation between hepatic steatosis and HBV replication,emphasizing the role of PLIN2 in this process.The study underscores the multifaceted roles of lipid metabolism,autophagy,and perilipins in HBV replication,shedding light on potential therapeutic avenues.

Throat Lozenges and Spray Containing Chlorhexidine and Lidocaine Fixed Combination Show Virucidal Activity against Respiratory Syncytial Virus and SARS-CoV-2

The limitations of existing treatments for both Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lie in their inability to provide universally accessible, easy-to-use, and effective solutions. A commercially available fixed combination of chlorhexidine and lidocaine in both, lozenge and spray form, were assessed for their antiviral efficacy against RSV and SARS-CoV-2 in a suspension test, the viral titres were measured by standard TCID50. Both formulations were able to reduce the RSV titre to undetectable levels (99.9% virus inactivation, 3 log10 reduction) in less than 1 minute. The lozenge formulation inactivated the viral activity of SARS-CoV-2 in 5 minutes (99% virus inactivation, 2 log10 reduction), while the spray formulation led to a reduction of SARS-CoV-2 titre to undetectable levels in less than 1 minute (99.9%, 3 log10 reduction). In conclusion, our results show that preparations combining chlorhexidine and lidocaine significantly reduce certain respiratory viruses in vitro. In this regard, physiological effects of these preparations become more obvious potentially affecting viral transmission to other individuals and spreading to the lower respiratory tract—thereby shortening the duration and severity of symptoms.

Adeno-associated virus mediated interferon-gamma inhibits the progression of hepatic fibrosis in vitro and in vivo

AIM:To investigate the effects of adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated expression of human interferon-γ for gene therapy in experimental hepatic fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: We constructed the recombinant AAV encoding human INF-γ (rAAV- INF-γ) and took the primary rat hepatic stellate cells and carbon tetrachloride induced rats as the experimental hepatic fibrosis model in vitro and in vivo. Immunocytochemistry analysis was used to reveal the expression of α-SMA, the marker protein expressed in hepatic stellate cells. The mRNA expression of TGF-β, TIMP-1, and MMP-13 were analyzed by RT-PCR method. In vivo study, the hydroxyproline content in liver and serum AST, ALT were also detected. RESULTS: In vitro study, AAV vector could mediated efficient expression of human INF-γ, which inhibit the activation of hepatic stellate cells, decrease the expression of α-SMA and mRNA of TIMP-1, TGF-β, with the MMP-13 unchanged. In vivo study, the histological examination revealed that rAAV- INF-γ could inhibit the progression of the hepatic fibrosis. In the rAAV-INF-γ induced group, the hydroxyproline content and serum AST, ALT level were decreased to 177±28 μg/g wet liver, 668.5±140.0, 458.4±123.5 U/L, compare with the fibrosis control group 236±31 μg/g wet liver, 1 019.1±276.3, 770.5±154.3 U/L, respectively (P<0.01). mRNA expression of TIMP-1 in the rAAV-INF-γ induced rat liver was decreased while no significant change was observed in TGF-β and MMP-13. CONCLUSION: All these results indicated that rAAV-INF-γ has potential effects for gene therapy of hepatic fibrosis, which could inhibit the progression of hepatic fibrosis.

Inhibitory effect of adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer of human endostatin on hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the effect of adeno-associated virusmediated gene transfer of human endostatin on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).METHODS: HCC cell line Hep3B was infected with recombinantadeno-associated virus containing human endostatin gene (rAAV2-hEndo). The results of transfection were detected by RT-PCR and SDS-PAGE assay. MTT assay was used to observe the effects of supernatant of transfected cells on ECV304 cell proliferation. An animal model of HCC was established by injecting Hep3B cells subcutaneously into the back of nude mice. Intratumoral injection of rAAV2hEndo, empty virus and phosphate-buffered saline were given sequentially. Serum endostatin was determined byELISA, the inhibitory effect of endostatin on the growth of xenograft was assessed in 3 wk.RESULTS: The results of RT-PCR and SDS-PAGE assay confirmed that rAAV2-hEndo successfully transfected Hep3B cells, and endostatin was secreted from Hep3B cells to medium. The supernatant of transfected cells markedly inhibited the proliferation of ECV304 cells (P＜0.01). Intratumoral injection of rAAV2-hEndo (2×1010v.g.) led to a sustained serum endostatin level ofapproximately (86.71±5.19) ng/mL. The tumor volumeand microvessel density were less in rAAV2-hEndo group than in control groups (P＜0.01).CONCLUSION: Human endostatin can be stably expressed by adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer and effectively inhibit the growth of HCC.

Adeno-associated virus-mediated heme oxygenase-1 gene transfer suppresses the progression of micronodular cirrhosis in rats

AIM： To test the hypothesis that enhancement of the activity of heine oxygenase can interfere with processes of fibrogenesis associated with recurrent liver injury, we investigated the therapeutic potential of over-expression of heine oxygense-1 in a CCl4-induced micronodular cirrhosis model. METHODS： Recombinant adeno-associated viruses carrying rat HO-1 or GFP gene were generated, 1×10^12 vg of adeno-associated viruses were administered through portal injection at the time of the induction of liver fibrosis. RESULTS： Conditioning the rat liver with over-expression of HO-1 by rAAV/HO-1 significantly increased the HO enzymatic activities in a stable manner. The development of micronodular cirrhosis was significantly inhibited in rAAV/HO-1-transduced animals as compared to controls. Portal hypertension was markedly diminished in rAAV/HO-1-transduced animals as compared to controls, whereas there are no significant changes in systolic blood pressure. This finding was accompanied with improved liver biochemistry, less infiltrating macrophages and less activated hepatic stellate cells （HSCs） in rAAV/ HO-1-transduced livers. CONCLUSIONS： Enhancement of HO activity in the livers suppresses the development of cirrhosis.

Immunological inhibition of transplanted liver allografts by adeno-associated virus vector encoding CTLA4Ig in rats

BACKGROUND: Blockade interaction between CD28 and B7 with CTLA4Ig has been shown to induce experimental transplantation tolerance. In order to prolong the inhibitory effect of CTLA4Ig, a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector pSNAV expressing CTLA4Ig was constructed, and its effects on transplanted liver allografts were investigated. METHODS: The pSNAV-CTLA4Ig construct was infused into partial liver allografts of rats via the portal vein during transplantation. CTLA4Ig expression in the transplanted livers was detected with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression of IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 in the allografts. RESULTS: The expression of CTLA4Ig in the partial allograft was detected successfully and pSNAV-CTLA4Ig improved the survival rate of rats after liver transplantation. Agarose gel analysis of RT-PCR products indicated the presence of CTLA4Ig in the pSNAV-CTLA4Ig treatment group. Cytokines expressed in allografts on day 7 after orthotopic liver transplantation showed that IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA levels decreased in transplant recipients treated with pSNAV-CTLA4Ig compared with those treated with pSNAV-LacZ (1.62 +/- 0.09,1.52 +/- 0.11,1.50 +/- 0.07 and 1.43 +/- 0.07 versus 1.29 +/- 0.09, 1.32 +/- 0.07, 1.34 +/- 0.06 and 1.35 +/- 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: pSNAV-CTLA4Ig effectively expressed CTLA4Ig in liver allografts. CTLA4Ig improved the pathological findings after liver transplantation. CTLA4Ig induced immune tolerance of liver transplantation, and the mechanism involved induced alteration of Th1 and Th2 cytokine transcripts. The adeno-associated virus vector encoding CTLA4Ig may be useful in the clinical study of transplantation tolerance.

Black Garlic as an Antiviral for Herpes Simplex Virus-2 in Lung Cells

Allicin, an antioxidant, is known for providing garlic with its unique fragrance and taste, as well as for its antimicrobial properties. Black garlic, a fermented form of garlic, contains higher levels of antioxidants than fresh garlic. Antioxidants play a vital role in alleviating cellular stress during viral infections. Viral infections result in oxidative stress through the production of reactive oxidative species (ROS). A prolonged state of oxidative stress can result in cell death, DNA damage, and disease progression. In this study, black garlic extract (BGE) is evaluated for its ability to mitigate cytopathic effects and oxidative stress caused by herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infections in vitro. Antiviral assays were performed to determine the percent of viral inhibition resulting from treatment with the BGE. ROS-GloTM H2O2 assays were then completed to measure the post-infection ROS levels of BGE-treated virus and cells. The results thus far suggest that BGE may inhibit viral infection and decrease levels of oxidative stress.

Characteristics and advantages of adeno-associated virus vector-mediated gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases

Common neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system are characterized by progressive damage to the function of neurons, even leading to the permanent loss of function. Gene therapy via gene replacement or gene correction provides the potential for transformative therapies to delay or possibly stop further progression of the neurodegenerative disease in affected patients. Adeno-associated virus has been the vector of choice in recent clinical trials of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases due to its safety and efficiency in mediating gene transfer to the central nervous system. This review aims to discuss and summarize the progress and clinical applications of adeno-associated virus in neurodegenerative disease in central nervous system. Results from some clinical trials and successful cases of central neurodegenerative diseases deserve further study and exploration.

Anti-amyloid beta single-chain Fv ameliorates behavioral impairment in Alzheimer's disease mice via adeno-associated virus delivery

Intracranial delivery of human Fc-deleted antibody specific to amyloid-β peptide （Aβ, anti-Aβ single-chain Fv, scFv） via adeno-associated virus （AAV） inhibits amyloid deposition in transgenic mice. However, the effects of AAV-mediated Fc-deleted antibody on animal behavior remain unclear. In this study, the anti-Aβ scFv antibody gone, isolated from phage display, was fused to the 5＇ end of the scFv antibody gone for antibody secretion by 2 rounds of polymerase chain reaction amplification. The fused antibody cDNA was cloned into a pSNAV2 plasmid under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter. The sequence verified expression vector pSNAV2/scFv was transferred to BHK-21 ceils, and stable transfected BHK-21/scFv cells were established by G418 selection and infected with the recombinant herpes simplex virus rHSV/repcap for AAV production. Recombinant AAV was injected into the left quadriceps femoris of PDAPP transgenic mice. After 3 months, Morris water-maze results confirmed significantly improved cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer＇s disease. Key Words： Alzheimer＇s disease; adeno-associated virus; amyloid-β peptide; single-chain antibody; neurodegenerative diseases; neural regeneration

CONSTRUCTING ADENO-ASSOCIATED VIRUS-TGFβ_3 AND COMPARING ITS BIOLOGICAL EFFECT ON PROTEOGLYCAN SYNTHESIS IN DEDIFFERENTIATED NUCLEUS PULPOUS CELLS WITH ADENOVIRUS-TGFβ_1

Objective To construct adeno-associated virus (AAV) expression system for transforming growth factor β3 (TGFβ3) and detect its biological effect on proteoglycan synthesis of the earlier and later dedifferentiated rabbit lumbar disc nucleus pulpous (NP) cells, which was compared with that of adenovirus (AV) expression system for TGFβ1. Methods TGFβ3 gene was obtained using PCR. Its upstream contained restriction enzyme site Kpn Ⅰ, and its downstream contained restriction enzyme site SalⅠ. Using the restriction enzyme sites of PCR product of TGFβ3 and the corresponding multiple cloning site (MCS) in plasmid AAV, TGFβ3 was subcloned into AAV. The recombinant plasmid AAV-TGFβ3 was transfected into H293 cells with LipofectamineTM 2000, and the expression of TGFβ3 gene was detected using immunofluorescent analysis. After AAV-TGFβ3 virus particle with infectious activity was packaged, TGFβ3 expression in NP cells was detected by immunoblotting, and its biological effect on proteoglycan synthesis was detected by antonopulos method and compared with that of AV-TGFβ1 in the earlier and later dedifferentiated NP cells. Results For the earlier dedifferentiated NP cells, AAV-TGFβ3 slowly and stably enhanced proteoglycan synthesis, but AV-TGFβ1 rapidly and transiently enhanced its synthesis. For the later dedifferentiated NP cells, AAV-TGFβ3 stably enhanced proteoglycan synthesis, but AV-TGFβ1 inhibited its synthesis. Conclusion AAV expression system can mediate TGFβ3 gene to be expressed stably, and AAV-TGFβ3 can enhance proteoglycan synthesis of the earlier and later dedifferentiated NP cells.

Construction of Adeno-associated Virus System for Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 Gene

To construct the recombinant adeno-associated virus （rAAV） vector with human bone morphogenetic protein 7 （BMP7） and observe the BMP7 mRNA expression in vitro, BMP7 CDS sequence was cloned into expression plasmid pAAV-MCS of AAV Helper Free System. The recombinant plasmid was identified with enzyme digestion and sequencing. The recombinant plasmid, pAAV-RC, pHelper were co-transfected into AAV-293 cells according to the calcium phosphate-based protocol. The viral stock was collected by 4 rounds of freeze/thaw. After purified and concentrated, the recombinant virus titer was determined by dot-blot assay. HEK293 cells were transfected with the recombinant virus at different MOI, and the expression of BMP7 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. The results showed rAAV-BMP7 was constructed and packaged successfully. The physical particle titer was 2.5×10^11 vector genomes/mL. There was different expression level of BMP7 mRNA after transfecton. These data suggested that recombinant AAV mediated a stable expression of hBMP7 mRNA in 293 cells. The AAV production method may pave the way of an effective strategy for the jaw bone defection around dental implants.

Establishment of a recombinant adeno-associated virus expressing hVEGF_(165)

BACKGROUND： Because certain gene vectors could have deleterious effects in the central nervous system, the choice of a safe and effective vector system has become more important for gene therapy of nerve regeneration. OBJECTIVE： To construct a non-pathogenic, recombinant adeno-associated virus （AAV） simultaneously expressing human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 （hVEGF165） and green fluorescent protein （GFP）. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized controlled experiment was performed at the Virology Laboratory of Shaanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention between March and September 2007. MATERIALS： AAV helper-free system, AAV-293 packaging cell line, and AAV HT-1080 cells were purchased from Stratagene, USA. E. coli DH5α was a stocked strain from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of Shaanxi, China. Plasmid pUC18-hHVEGF165 was a gift from Zhibin Shi. METHODS： The hVEGF165 gene was amplified by PCR from pUC18-hHVEGF165 and inserted into plasmid pAAV-IRES-hrGFP to construct recombinant plasmid pAAV-hVEGF165-IRES-hrGFP. Subsequently pAAV-hVEGF165-IRES-hrGFP, pAAV-RC （the rep/cap-gene containing plasmid）, and pHelper were co-transfected into AAV-293 cells to complete rAAV-hVEGF165-IRES-hrGFP packaging through homologous recombination. The efficiency of AAV packaging was monitored under a fluorescent microscope, and the recombinant viral particles were harvested from infected AAV-293 cells, and further concentrated and purified. AAV HT-1080 cells were infected with the recombinant virus AAV-hVEGF165-IRES-hrGFP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Recombinant virus titer was measured by fluorescent cell counting, and infection efficiency was detected by Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter （FACS） upon infecting AAV-HT1080 cells. The recombination with the exogenous gene was verified by PCR. RESULTS： The PCR amplified products were verified as hVEGF165 gene by DNA sequencing, and the recombinant pAAV-hVEGF165-IRES-GFP was confirmed by double digestion. The system provided a high packaging ratio of 95%, and the purified recombinant virus had a high titer of 5.5×1011 virus particles/mL. The AAV-HT1080 cells were infected at a ratio of 90.4%. The recombinant virus was confirmed by PCR to contain the exogenous hVEGF165 gene. CONCLUSION： The non-pathogenic rAAV-hVEGF165-GFP vector, carrying hVEGF165 and GFP reporter gene, was successfully constructed with a high titer and infection efficiency.

Effects of recombinant adeno-associated viruses expressing human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 on spinal cord injury

Numerous studies have confirmed that vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） improves the function of neural cells following spinal cord injury （SCI）. However, some studies have also verified that VEGF cannot significantly induce the increase in vascular density at or surrounding the lesion, and that VEGF therapy exacerbated secondary damage following SCI. Based on the dual effects of VEGF on SCI, we constructed the recombinant adeno-associated viruses （rAAV）-hVEGF165-IRES-human recombinant green fluorescent protein （hrGFP） （AAV-VEGF） and rAAV-IRES-hrGFP （AAV-GFP）. Our results suggested that rAAV expressed hVEGFles, and a low dose of VEGF relieved increased vascular permeability, improved microcirculation in the local spinal cord, lessened spinal cord edema, and decreased neuronal apoptosis. These results verified that the releasing effects of the rAAV virus vector had protective effects on the spinal cord.