Two bicistronic DNA vaccines against Vibrio anguillarum and the immune eff ects on flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

Chemokines are cytokines that can promote the activation and migration of immune cells,and increase the recognition of antigen by antigen-presenting cells(APC).Previous studies showed that a DNA vaccine can induce humoral and cellular immune responses of flounder after immunization.To explore the improvement of chemokines on the efficiency of OmpK vaccine,two bicistronic DNA candidate vaccines were constructed and the immune responses they induced in the flounder were investigated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),indirect immunofl uorescent assay(IFA),H&E staining,fl ow cytometry(FCM),and quantifi cational real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).pBudCE4.1 plasmid as an expression vector,bicistronic DNA vaccines encoding OmpK gene and CC-motif ligand 4 gene(p-OmpK-CCL4),or Ompk gene and CC-motif ligand 19 gene(p-OmpK-CCL19)were successfully constructed.The results showed that two bicistronic DNA vaccines expressed Ompk protein of Vibrio anguillarum and CCL4/CCL19 proteins of fl ounder both in vitro and in vivo.After immunization,a large number of leucocytes in muscle were recruited at the injection site in treatment groups.The constructed vaccines induced signifi cant increases in CD4-1^(+) and CD4-2^(+) T lymphocytes,and sIgM^(+) B lymphocytes in peripheral blood,spleen,and head kidney.The percentage of T lymphocytes peaked on the 14^(th) post-vaccination day whereas that of B lymphocytes peaked in the 6^(th) post-vaccination week.Moreover,the expression profi les of 10 immune-related genes increased in muscles around the injection site,spleen,and head kidney.After the challenge,p-OmpK-CCL4 and p-OmpK-CCL19 conferred a relative percentage survival(RPS)of 74.1%and 63.3%,respectively,higher than p-OmpK alone(40.8%).In conclusion,both CCL4 and CCL19 can improve the protection of p-OmpK via evoking local immune response and then humoral and cellular immunity.CCL4 and CCL19 will be potential molecular adjuvants for use in DNA vaccines.

Immunogenicity of DNA and Recombinant Sendai Virus Vaccines Expressing the HIV-1 gag Gene

Combinations of DNA and recombinant-viral-vector based vaccines are promising AIDS vaccine methods because of their potential for inducing cellular immune responses. It was found that Gag-specific cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL) responses were associated with lowering viremia in an untreated HIV-1 infected cohort. The main objectives of our studies were the construction of DNA and recombinant Sendai virus vector (rSeV) vaccines containing a gag gene from the prevalent Thailand subtype B strain in China and trying to use these vaccines for therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines. The candidate plasmid DNA vaccine pcDNA3.1(+)-gag and recombinant Sendai virus vaccine (rSeV-gag) were constructed separately. It was verified by Western blotting analysis that both DNA and rSeV-gag vaccines expressed the HIV-1 Gag protein correctly and efficiently. Balb/c mice were immunized with these two vaccines in different administration schemes. HIV-1 Gag-specific CTL responses and antibody levels were detected by intracellular cytokine staining assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) respectively. Combined vaccines in a DNA prime/rSeV-gag boost vaccination regimen induced the strongest and most long-lasting Gag-specific CTL and antibody responses. It maintained relatively high levels even 9 weeks post immunization. This data indicated that the prime-boost regimen with DNA and rSeV-gag vaccines may offer promising HIV vaccine regimens.

Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of DHBV DNA vaccines expressing envelope and capsid fusion proteins in ducks delivered by attenuated Salmonella typhimurium

Duck hepatitis B virus(DHBV) shares many basic characteristics with hepatitis B virus(HBV) and is an attractive model for vaccine development. In this study, DHBV DNA vaccines were designed to express envelope and capsid fusion proteins to enhance the breadth of immune response in ducks. Attenuated Salmonella typhimurium(SL7207) was used as a carrier and adjuvant to boost the magnitude of immune response. Based on this strategy, novel DNA vaccines(SL7207-p VAX1-LC and SL7207-p VAX1-SC) were generated. Growth kinetics, genetic stabilities and relative transcription levels of the L, S and C genes introduced by these vaccine strains were measured before inoculation to guarantee safety and efficacy. The relative transcript levels of the CD4 and CD8 T genes and the antibody levels(Ig Y) in ducks receiving the vaccines were higher than those in single gene delivered groups. Additionally, the copy number of covalently closed circular DNA in hepatocytes after DHBV challenge also provided evidence that our fusion vaccines could enhance the protective efficiency against DHBV infection in ducks.

Cloning of M and NP Gene of H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus and Immune Efficacy of their DNA Vaccines

H5N1 鸟的流行性感冒病毒(A/chicken/Hubei/489/2004 ) 的 M 和 NP 基因被 RT-PCR 从病毒的 RNA 放大，并且分别地克隆向量进 pMD18-T。包含 M 基因(pHM6-m ) 或 NP 基因(pHM6-np ) 的表示 plasmid 然后被把 M 或 NP 基因插入到 pHM6 优核质表示向量构造；构造 plasmid 然后被定序。32 只 BALB/c 老鼠(6-week-old ) 在随机被划分成四个组。三组 BALB/c 老鼠被接种一次有 plasmid pHM6-m， plasmid pHM6-np 的 30 渭 g 或 plasmid pHM6-m (15 渭 g ) 和 pHM6-np (15 渭 g ) 的混合的任何一个 30 渭 g 的肌内的线路分别地。老鼠的一个另外的组作为控制与 100 渭 l PBS 被注射。二个星期以后，所有老鼠与相应 H5N1 鸟的流行性感冒病毒被质问，并且在下列 12 天内观察了。在 pHM6-m 组， pHM6-np 组和混合 plasmids 组的老鼠的幸存率分别地是 62.5% ， 25.0% 和 50.0% 。结果证明有效保护能被 pHM6-m 或 pHM6-np 提供，但是 pHM6-m 比 pHM6-np 提供了更好保护的效果。关键词 H5N1 流行性感冒病毒 - M 基因 - NP 基因 - 克隆 - DNA 疫苗的 CLC 数字 S852.65 基础条款：国家基本科学才能训练资助(NSFC J0630648 )

Immunization with Cytomegalovirus Envelope Glycoprotein M and Glycoprotein N DNA Vaccines can Provide Mice with Complete Protection against a Lethal Murine Cytomegalovirus Challenge

Human cytomegalovirus virions contain three major glycoprotein complexes (gC I, II, III), all of which are required for CMV infectivity. These complexes also represent major antigenic targets for anti-viral immune responses. The gC II complex consists of two glycoproteins, gM and gN. In the current study, DNA vaccines expressing the murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) homologs of the gM and gN proteins were evaluated for protection against lethal MCMV infection in a mouse model. Humoral and cellular immune responses, spleen viral titers, and mice survival and body-weight changes were examined. The results showed that immunization with gM or gN DNA vaccine alone was not able to offer good protection, whereas co-immunization with both gM and gN induced an effective neutralizing antibody response and cellular immune response, and provided mice with complete protection against a lethal MCMV challenge. This study provides the first in vivo evidence that the gC II (gM-gN) complex may be able to serve as a protective subunit antigen for future HCMV vaccine development.

Rabies DNA Vaccines: Current Status and Future

Rabies continues to be a significant cause of human and animal mortality, despite the availability of safe and effective prophylactics. Apart from limited access, the cost and complex schedules of rabies biologics often impact on the success of post-exposure prophylaxis in humans in the endemic countries. Mass vaccination of dogs, critical in rabies control, often fails to achieve its goal in rabies-endemic countries due to logistic, animal and vaccine-related issues. DNA vaccination has been proposed as a cheaper and efficient strategy for rabies prophylaxis, and its feasibility has been demonstrated in a number of animal models including companion animals, since 1994. Despite the proven efficacy, the technology suffers from a few drawbacks that limit its large-scale application, such as delayed and weaker immune responses in larger animals. Recent advances in the field of vector design and delivery hold promise for enhancement of rabies DNA vaccine efficacy. The present article provides an overview of developments in the field of DNA rabies vaccination and its future prospects.

THE HUMORAL AND CELLULAR IMMUNE RESPONSES INDUCED BY HPV18L1-E6/E7 DNA VACCINES IN MICE

Objective To construct eukaryotic expression vector of HPV18 L1-E6, E7 chimeric gene and examine the humoral and cellular immune responses induced by this DNA vaccines in mice. Methods The C-terminal of major capsid protein L1 gene and mutant zinc finger domains of early E6/7 oncogenes in HPV18 were integrated and inserted into eukaryotic expression vector pVAX1 to generate vaccines pVAX1-L1E6Mxx, E7Mxx. CHO cells were transiently transfected with the individual construct. Target protein expressions in the lysate of the transfected cells were measured by ELISA and immunocytochemistry. After BALB/c mice were vaccinated with various recombinant plasmids(pVAX1-L1-E6M3 or pVAX1-L1-E7M3) and immunie adjuvants (pLXHDmB7-2 or LTB) through different administration routes (intramuscular or intranasal) , the great cellular immune responses were produced as revealed by delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and lymphocyte proliferation, and the expression of IL-4 and IFN-γ cells in CD4 + and CD8 + subpopulations. Results The highly efficient expression of pVAX1-L1E6Mxx, E7Mxx vector in host eukaryotic cells were demonstrated both by ELISA and immunocytochemistry. The level of specific serum IgG against HPV in experiment groups mice was much higher than that of control group, and intranuscular immunization group had the highest antibody level. Intramuscular immunization groups were superior to intranasal immunization groups in DTH response, splenocyte proliferation and CD8+ IFN-γ + cells number, but CD4 + IL4 + cell number was higher in intranasal immunization groups. The immunization groups using pLXHDmB7-2 as adjuvant were superior to other groups in immunoresponse. Conclusion These DNA vaccines produce remarkable cellular and humoral immune responses in the mouse and may provide as prophylatic and therapeutic candidates for HPV induced cancer treatment.

In Vivo Transfection Methods of DNA Vaccines

Advantages and disadvantages of four transfection methods of DNA vaccines into the body were introduced in this study, including direct transfection, transfection of bacterial vectors, cationic lipofection and cationic polymer transfection. Cationic polymer had the characteristics of high transfection efficiency, simple operation, wide application, good repeatability and low cell virulence, which could be expected as a new kind of effi- cient transfection reagents. In practical application, various transfection methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, so the best choice should be made in the design process of vaccines based on targets, test cost, using objects and its convenience.

Peripheral mitochondrial DNA as a neuroinflammatory biomarker for major depressive disorder

In the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder, chronic stress-related neuroinflammation hinders favorable prognosis and antidepressant response. Mitochondrial DNA may be an inflammatory trigger, after its release from stress-induced dysfunctional central nervous system mitochondria into peripheral circulation. This evidence supports the potential use of peripheral mitochondrial DNA as a neuroinflammatory biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of major depressive disorder. Herein, we critically review the neuroinflammation theory in major depressive disorder, providing compelling evidence that mitochondrial DNA release acts as a critical biological substrate, and that it constitutes the neuroinflammatory disease pathway. After its release, mitochondrial DNA can be carried in the exosomes and transported to extracellular spaces in the central nervous system and peripheral circulation. Detectable exosomes render encaged mitochondrial DNA relatively stable. This mitochondrial DNA in peripheral circulation can thus be directly detected in clinical practice. These characteristics illustrate the potential for mitochondrial DNA to serve as an innovative clinical biomarker and molecular treatment target for major depressive disorder. This review also highlights the future potential value of clinical applications combining mitochondrial DNA with a panel of other biomarkers, to improve diagnostic precision in major depressive disorder.

Assembly-free reads accurate identification(AFRAID)approach outperforms other methods of DNA barcoding in the walnut family(Juglandaceae)

DNA barcoding has been extensively used for species identification.However,species identification of mixed samples or degraded DNA is limited by current DNA barcoding methods.In this study,we use plant species in Juglandaceae to evaluate an assembly-free reads accurate identification(AFRAID)method of species identification,a novel approach for precise species identification in plants.Specifically,we determined(1)the accuracy of DNA barcoding approaches in delimiting species in Juglandaceae,(2)the minimum size of chloroplast dataset for species discrimination,and(3)minimum amount of next generation sequencing(NGS)data required for species identification.We found that species identification rates were highest when whole chloroplast genomes were used,followed by taxon-specific DNA barcodes,and then universal DNA barcodes.Species identification of 100%was achieved when chloroplast genome sequence coverage reached 20%and the original sequencing data reached 500,000 reads.AFRAID accurately identified species for all samples tested after 500,000 clean reads,with far less computing time than common approaches.These results provide a new approach to accurately identify species,overcoming limitations of traditional DNA barcodes.Our method,which uses next generation sequencing to generate partial chloroplast genomes,reveals that DNA barcode regions are not necessarily fixed,accelerating the process of species identification.

DNA Vaccines Approach:From Concepts to Applications

DNA vaccines are the third generation vaccines based on purified plasmid preparations containing transgenes that encode antigenic/therapeutic proteins or peptides capable of triggering an immune response against a wide range of diseases. This vaccine platform presents several attributes that confer distinct advantages over other vaccine technologies in terms of safety, ease of fabrication and stability. Many aspects, such as antigen expression and especially vector design, are under study because of their great influence on immunogenicity and efficacy of DNA vaccines. In this regard, with the attempt of improving the efficiency of DNA vaccines, co-expression of stimulatory sequences and diverse vector delivery systems are being optimized. With this in mind, this review aims to giving a conceptual approach of DNA vaccines, explaining their mechanisms of action and listing the already licensed veterinary DNA vaccines presented in the market.

Microbiota in patients with cefuroxime resistance and anal fistula revealed by 16S ribosomal DNA

BACKGROUND Anal fistula is increasingly prevalent due to modern lifestyle factors,and surgery remains the primary treatment.However,the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance,particularly to cefuroxime,complicates perioperative management.The role of gut microbiota in influencing this resistance is not well understood.AIM To investigate the relationship between gut microbiota composition and cefuroxime resistance in anal fistula patients and to assess probiotic intervention impact.METHODS This study included 30 anal fistula patients categorized into cefuroxime-sensitive(Cefur-S)and cefuroxime-resistant(Cefur-NS)groups.Gut microbiota samples were collected during colonoscopy,and 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing was performed to analyze microbial diversity.Patients in the Cefur-NS group received a 7-day course of Clostridium butyricum tablets.Post-intervention,microbial composition and cefuroxime resistance were reassessed.RESULTS Alpha and beta diversity analyses showed no significant differences in microbial diversity between the Cefur-S and Cefur-NS groups.However,effect size analysis identified Roseburia and Butyricicoccus as dominant genera in the Cefur-S group,with higher butyrate production potentially protecting against cefuroxime resistance.Post-intervention,the Cefur-NS group showed a significant reduction in cefuroxime resistance,improved stool consistency,and reduced bowel movement frequency.CONCLUSION This study suggests that specific gut microbiota,particularly Butyricicoccus and Roseburia,may mitigate cefuroxime resistance in anal fistula patients by increasing butyrate production.Probiotic intervention targeting gut microbiota composition presents a promising strategy for reducing antibiotic resistance and improving clinical outcomes.

血清CYFRA21-1、CA125联合HPV DNA检测在宫颈癌早期筛查中的价值及病理特征研究

目的分析血清细胞角蛋白19片段(CYFRA21-1)、糖类抗原125(CA125)联合HPV DNA检测在宫颈癌早期筛查中的价值及病理特征。方法选取2019年8月至2023年6月沧州市中心医院收治的宫颈癌患者152例为观察组,另选取同期在本院行体检且各项正常女性80名为对照组;对比两组血清CYFRA21-1、CA125水平以及HPV DNA检测结果;对比观察组不同手术病理结果及血清CYFRA21-1、CA125表达水平以及HPV DNA检测结果;以病理学检查为金标准,分析血清CYFRA21-1、CA125水平以及HPV DNA检测单独以及联合诊断宫颈癌的一致性;绘制ROC曲线,分析血清CYFRA21-1、CA125联合HPV DNA单独检测及联合检测宫颈癌的效能。结果152例患者中,鳞状细胞癌104例,腺癌患者48例;其中轻度不典型增生66例、中度不典型增生57例、重度不典型增生29例。观察组血清CYFRA21-1、CA125水平以及HPV DNA阳性率均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);血清CYFRA21-1、CA125水平:鳞状细胞癌<腺癌,轻度不典型增生<中度不典型增生<重度不典型增生,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组不同分期、不同肿瘤增生类型的HPV DNA阳性率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);血清CYFRA21-1、CA125水平、HPV DNA检测单独以及联合诊断宫颈癌与病理学检查结果的一致性Kappa值分别为0.677、0.731、0.756、0.902;CA125+CYFRA21-1+HPV DNA联合检测的AUC为0.894,高于CA125、CYFRA21-1、HPV DNA单独检测(P>0.05)。结论血清CYFRA21-1、CA125联合HPV DNA检测的诊断效能高于单一检测,提示三指标联合检测可显著提高宫颈癌早期筛查的诊断价值,可为制定临床治疗方案提供参考资料。

HBsAg ELISA+/HBV DNA NAT-献血者血清学与分子生物学特征分析

目的 了解西安地区无偿献血人群HBsAg ELISA检测结果与HBV DNA检测结果不一致的标本相关血清学标志物的分布情况。方法 收集2022年11月1日—2023年4月30日陕西省血液中心HBsAg ELISA+/HBV DNA NAT-(ELISA+/NAT-)标本共计71份,对其采用电化学发光法检测乙肝血清学标志物,同时复检巢式PCR扩增HBV S区和C区基因片段。结果 双ELISA+/NAT-标本(n=30)巢式PCR检测阳性率远高于单ELISA+/NAT-标本(n=41)(60%vs 24.40%,P<0.05)。前者献血者100%为初次献血者,血清抗-HBc阳性率100%,血清学模式以1、4、5此3项阳性(80%)为主;后者献血者中31.7%为重复献血者,血清抗-HBc阳性率仅为19.51%,血清学模式以单2项阳性(43.90%)和全阴(36.58%)为主。结论 单ELISA+结果存在较多假阳性,导致不必要的血液报废;而NAT-标本可能存在低水平的HBV DNA,产生漏检风险。建议针对单HBsAg ELISA+/NAT-献血者,采用多套系统多种方法追溯检测,提高献血者HBV筛查的准确度,减少不必要的血液浪费。

Taq DNA聚合酶的分子改造及其在探针法qPCR直扩体系中的应用

Taq DNA聚合酶作为实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(qPCR)技术的核心组分,其性能优劣直接影响qPCR技术的进一步发展。然而,野生型Taq DNA聚合酶的耐抑制剂性能差、延伸性能不足。为获得具有高性能的Taq DNA聚合酶,采用基因工程技术将双链DNA结合蛋白Sso7d或Sto7d融合在野生型Taq DNA聚合酶的N端或C端,构建了4个均可溶表达的改造体,再经过耐受性测试筛选较优的改造体,结果显示:改造体Taq-Sto的耐受性最高,其热稳定性不受影响,且在1 s/kbp的延伸条件下能成功扩增靶标,表明Taq-Sto具有增强的延伸性能,在TaqMan探针法qPCR体系中对腐殖酸、单宁酸、全血等抑制剂同样表现出良好的耐受性。EMSA实验发现:Taq-Sto对DNA模板的结合亲和力有所提高,有利于增强Taq-Sto对模板的竞争力;将Taq-Sto应用于非洲猪瘟病毒(ASFV)的TaqMan探针法qPCR检测,与商品化试剂相比,Taq-Sto具有更低的ASFV检出限,且在体积分数为2%~6%的猪粪便样本或猪肉样本中的检测灵敏度分别为100.0%和85.4%,说明Taq-Sto在直扩qPCR检测领域更具有优势。

New perspectives on DNA methylation modifications in ocular diseases

The methylation of DNA is a prevalent epigenetic modification that plays a crucial role in the pathological progression of ocular diseases.DNA methylation can regulate gene expression,thereby affecting cell function and signal transduction.Ophthalmic diseases are a kind of complex diseases,and their pathogenesis involves many factors such as genetic,environmental and individual differences.In addition,inflammation,oxidative stress and lipid metabolism,which abnormal DNA methylation is closely related to,are also considered to be major factors in eye diseases.The current understanding of DNA methylation in eye diseases is becoming more complex and comprehensive.In addition to the simple suppression of gene expression by hypermethylation,factors such as hypomethylation or demethylation,DNA methylation in non-promoter regions,interactions with other epigenetic modifications,and dynamic changes in DNA methylation must also be considered.Interestingly,although some genes are at abnormal methylation levels,their expression is not significantly changed,which indirectly reflects the complexity of gene regulation.This review aims to summarize and compare some relevant studies,and provide with new ideas and methods for the prevention and treatment of different eye diseases,such as glaucoma,retinoblastoma,and diabetic retinopathy.

Circulating tumor DNA in liquid biopsy: Current diagnostic limitation

With the rapid development of science and technology,cell-free DNA(cfDNA)is rapidly becoming an important biomarker for tumor diagnosis,monitoring and prognosis,and this cfDNA-based liquid biopsy technology has great potential to become an important part of precision medicine.cfDNA is the total amount of free DNA in the systemic circulation,including DNA fragments derived from tumor cells and all other somatic cells.Tumor cells release fragments of DNA into the bloodstream,and this source of cfDNA is called circulating tumor DNA(ctDNA).cfDNA detection has become a major focus in the field of tumor research in recent years,which provides a new opportunity for non-invasive diagnosis and prognosis of cancer.In this paper,we discuss the limitations of the study on the origin and dynamics analysis of ctDNA,and how to solve these problems in the future.Although the future faces major challenges,it also con-tains great potential.