Identification of the immunogenic domains in HBsAg preS1 region using overlapping preS1 fragment fusion proteins

AIM: The incorporation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) preS1 region into epitope-based vaccines against HBV has been accepted widely, but the incorporate site and size of preS1 sequence is controversial. Therefore our purpose was to further investigate its immunogenic domains for the epitopebased hepatitis B vaccine design.METHODS: Eight GST fusion proteins containing overlapping preS1 fragments in preS1 (21-119) region were expressed in E.coli. Using these purified fusion proteins, the immunogenic domains in preS1 region were identified in detail in mice and humans by Western blot analysis and ELISA.RESULTS: The results in mice showed that the immunogenic domains mainly existed in preS1 (21-59) and preS1 (95-109). Similarly, these fragments had strong immunogenicity in humans; whereas the other parts except for preS1 (60-70) also had some immunogenicity.More importantly, a major immunogenic domain, preS1 (34-59), which has much stronger immunogenicity, was identified. Additionally, the antibodies against some preS1 fragments, especially preS1 (34-59), were speculated to be virus-neutralizing.CONCLUSION: Eight GST fusion proteins containing overlapping preS1 fragments were prepared successfully. They were used for the study on the immunogenic domains in preS1 (21-119) region. The preS1 (34-59) fragments were the major immunogenic domains in the preS1 region, and the antibodies against these fragments were speculated to be virus-neutralizing. Therefore, the incorporation of preS1 (34-59) fragments into epitopebased HBV vaccines may be efficient for enhancement of immune response. Additionally, the results also imply that there are more complex immune responses to preS1 region and more abundant immunogenic domains in humans.

Construction, expression and characterization of human interferon α2b-(G4S)n-thymosin α1 fusion proteins in Pichia pastoris

AIM:Interferon α2b (IFNα2b) and thymosin α1 (Tα1) exhibit synergic effects in the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C when used together. For developing a fusion protein drug, fusion proteins of IFNα2b and Ta1 linked by different lengths of (G4S)n(n = 1-3) were constructed and expressed in Pichia pastoris. METHODS: Using PCR and molecular clone techniques, the fusion genes of IFNα2b-(G4S)n-Tα1 (n = 1-3) were constructed and subcloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pPIC9. After transformation of these plasmids into P. pastoris, the expressed fusion proteins IFNα2b-(G4S) n-Tα1 (n = 1-3) were obtained. These proteins were purified through diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) affinity chromatography and Superdex?75 gel filtration and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Antiviral and E-rosette assays were used to investigate the bioactivities of these fusion proteins. RESULTS: DNA sequencing confirmed that the fusion genes of IFNa2b-(G4S)n-Tα1 (n= 1-3) were correctly cloned to the pPIC9 vector. The recombinant IFNα2b-(G4S)n-Tα1 (n = 1-3) fusion proteins expressed in P. pastoris were purified with DEAE and Superdex?75 gel filtration chromatography. The fusion proteins could be observed on sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with molecular weight (MW) of 23.2, 22.9, and 22.6 ku, respectively, and reacted to the IFNa2b monoclonal antibody and Tal polyclonal antibody. The purified fusion proteins exhibit antiviral activity and can enhance the percentage of E-rosette-forming-cell in E-rosette assay. CONCLUSION: The recombinant IFNa2b-(G4S)n-Tα1 (n = 1-3) fusion proteins were successfully expressed in P. pastoris. Purified fusion proteins exhibit both antiviral activity of IFNa2b and immunomodulatory activity of Tal in vitro. These results will be the basis for further evaluation of the fusion proteins' function in vivo.

Disorder structural predictions of the native EWS and its oncogenic fusion proteins in rapport with the function

The Intrinsic structural disorder (ISD) of native EWS and its fusion oncogenic proteins, including EWS/FliI, EWS/ATF1 and EWS/ZSG, was estimated by different Predictors. The ISD difference between the wild type and the oncogenic fusions found in the CTD is due to the fusion partner, usually a transcription factor (TF). A disordered region was found in the sequence (AA 132 - 156) of the NTD (EAD) of EWS, consisting of the longest region free of Y motifs. The IQ domain (AA 258 - 280), a Y-free region, flanked by two Y-boxes, is also disordered by all used Predictors. The EWS functional regions RGG1, RGG2 and RGG3 are predominantly disordered. A strong dependence was found between the structure of EWS protein and its oncogenic fusions, and their estimated ISD. The oncogenic function of the fusions is related to a decreased ISD in the CTD, due to the fused TF. The Predictors shown that the different isoforms have similar profiles, shifted with some amino acids, due to the translocations. On the bases of the prediction results, an analysis was made of the EWS sequence and its functional regions with increased ISD to make a relationship sequence-disorder-function that could be helpful in the design of antitumor agents against the corresponding malignances.

INHIBITION OF APOPTOSIS BY bcr-abl FUSION GENE IN K562 CELLS

Objective: To investigate the effect of bcr-abl fusion gene on CML cell apoptosis. Methods: Apoptosis of ex-vivo cultured K562 cells were observed after exposure to synthetic 18 mer antisense oligodeoxynucleotide complementary to the bcr-abl junction (b3a2). Results: Apoptosis of K562 cells was significantly increased associated with inhibition of bcr-abl expression. Conclusion: bcr-abl fusion gene formation due to chromosome translocation may be the major mechanism of CML via inhibition of apoptosis.

白血病 BCR-ABL 融合基因逆转录 PCR 检测中的实验因素探讨

建立白血病中费城（Ｐｈ）染色体上独特的ｂｃｒ－ａｂｌ融合基因的逆转录ＰＣＲ（ＲＴ－ＰＣＲ）快速检测方法。利用正交设计原理优化逆转录反应条件，探讨该法中引物设计和嵌套式ＰＣＲ对检测灵敏度的影响，利用扩增产物所含限制性酶切位点进行产物特异性鉴定。运用此法检测１２例慢性粒细胞白血病，除１例阴性外，其余１１例阳性标本含不同类型（ｂ３ａ２，ｂ２ａ２，Ｂ１ａ２）ｂｃｒ－ａｂｌｍＲＮＡ。讨论了用于临床标本检测中应考虑的问题。

EXPRESSION OF PRE S ROTEIN OF HBV AS A ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE FUSION PROTEINS IN NIH 3T3 CELLS

The pre S1 protein of hepatitis B virus(HBV)has been shown to bind to the hepatocytes.However,the hepatocyte receptor for HBV binding has not been cloned yet.The pre S sequence of HBV was inserted into a matnmalian expression vector, Aptag-1,to produce a Alkaline Phusphatase fusion proteins that could be easily and sensitively traced.Efficient expression was achieved in NIH 3T3 cells.This fusion proteins can be used to screen hepatocyte cDNA expression library for the cloning of HBV receptor in hepatocytes.

Participation of epididymal cysteine-rich secretory proteins in sperm-egg fusion and their potential use for male fertility regulation

Rat protein DE is an androgen-dependent cysteine-rich secretory protein （CRISP） synthesized by proximal epididymal regions. DE, also known as CRISP-1, is localized on the equatorial segment of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa and participates in gamete fusion through binding to egg complementary sites. Immunization of rats with DE inhibits fertility and sperm fusion ability, suggesting that DE represents a good epididymal contraceptive target. Recombinant DE fragments and synthetic peptides revealed that DE binds to the egg via a 12-amino acid region of an evolutionarily conserved motif, Signature 2 （S2）. The ability of other CRISP to bind to the rat egg was correlated with their S2 amino acid sequences. Although testicular protein Tpx- 1 （CRISP-2） was capable of binding to rodent eggs, human epididymal AEG-related protein （ARP） and helothermine （from lizard saliva） were not. The S2 region presented only two substitutions in Tpx-1 and four in ARP and helothermine, compared with the DE S2, suggesting that this amino acid sequence was relevant for egg interaction. Studies with Tpx- 1 and anti-Tpx- 1 revealed the participation of this protein in gamete fusion through binding to complementary sites in the egg. In competition studies, DE reduced binding of Tpx- 1 dose-dependently, indicating that both CRISP share the egg complementary sites. That anti-DE and anti-Tpx-1 inhibit sperm-egg fusion while recognizing only the corresponding proteins, suggests functional cooperation between these homologous CRISP to ensure fertilization success. These results increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of gamete fusion and contribute to the development of new and safer fertility regulating methods. （Asian J Androl 2007 July; 9： 528-532）

新型BCR-ABL抑制剂的设计合成与构效关系

通过对现有的BCR-ABL变构抑制剂阿西米尼(asciminib)进行结构优化研究,得到N-苯基吲哚啉-5-甲酰胺分子骨架Ⅰ,并以该分子骨架为基础,利用分子对接辅助设计合成化合物1~12,使用ESI-MS和NMR对其进行结构表征,后续采用CCK-8法测定目标化合物在体外抗BCR-ABL1依赖型Luc-Ba/F3细胞增殖能力。最终筛选出高活性先导化合物1,针对该化合物在后续成药性评价中暴露出的清除率高、半衰期短等问题进行了其成药性质优化,引入亲水性基团,后续设计并合成化合物13~22,其中化合物17具有较好的细胞抑制活性,清除率较低,半衰期较长,有望作为临床候选化合物展开进一步的生物活性和成药性的评价。

Affinity Chromatography Purification of Recombinant Human Interleukin-6 from Its Fusion Protein with GST

Recombinant E.coli JM109, containing pHZ1818 plasmid which included the fused gene encoding human interleukin 6(IL 6), expressed a fusion protein with glutathion S transferase(GST). The fusion protein existed both in the supernatant and inside the bacterial cell,but the insoluble protein had no biological activity and could not be refolded. The rotative speed of the shaker and the temperature of induction were optimized to maximize the expression of the soluble fusion protein. From the supernatant of the cell sonicates Glutathion Sephrose 4B affinity column chromatography was employed to isolate the fusion protein which could be purified to >80 0 0 in a single step. The yield of soluble GST IL 6 was about 10 mg per liter culture. The GST was site specifically cloven by 6 hours of treatment with thrombin and from the thrombin digest mixture IL 6 was purified by Q high performance ion exchange chromatography. From 1 liter of E.coli culture 2 mg refined IL 6 was obtained. The purified IL 6 had a purity of more than 95 0 0 and a biological activity of 1.02×10 8 IU/mg.

Induced Expression and Optimal Expression Conditions of Recombinant Alpha-bungarotoxin Gene Fusion Protein

[Objective] This study aimed to obtain recombinant alpha-bungarotoxin （a-BG-0 gene fusion protein with biological activity and investiagte its fusion expression. [Method] The plasmid pGEX-a-BGT was transformed into E coil BL21 （DE3） and BL21 （DE3） plysS host bacteria to identify the optimal engineering strain. Fusion expression of the optimal engineering strain was induced, in order to optimize the induced expression conditions of the soluble fusion protein. [Result] JP-a-BGT was identified as the optimal engineering strain, which could express fusion protein after induced by IPTG. The optimal induced expression conditions of the soluble fusion protein were investigatect JP-a-BGT was incubated at 37 ℃ for 2.5 h and induced with 0.50 mmol4. IPTG for 4 h at 22 ℃, and the expression level of the soluble fusion protein reached 18.42%. [Conclusion] This study laid a solid foundation for the subsequent purification of fusion proteins and the separation and purification of a-BGT.

Preparation of Recombinant Islet Cell Autoantigen 69 kD Fusion Protein

To get recombinant antigen (Is/et Cell Autoantigen 69)ICA69 which was expressed in Escherichia coli strains (E.coli) by means of the gene engineering technique so that it can be used for early diagnosis of and screening in type Ⅰ diabetes mellitus, the cDNA fragment of human ICA69 was amplified by PCR, and then cloned into pSPORT 1 vector. After DNA sequencing, it was inserted into pGEX-2T between the sites of EcoR Ⅰ and Sma Ⅰ, then recombinant plasmid p2T-ICA69 was constructed and introduced into E.coli. The GST-ICA69 fusion protein was expressed by the induction of IPTG. The recombinant ICA69 proteins were used to detect the antibodies against hICA69 in 100 healthy subjects and type Ⅰ diabetic serum by the use of indirect ELISA. The sequence analysis showed that the amplified fragments contained 1449 bp, encoded 483 amino acids, and had been correctly inserted into pGEX-2T vector. The recombinant proteins expressed in the prokaryotic cells had immunogenicity and could be used to detect antibodies against ICA69 in type Ⅰ diabetic serum. Finally it can be concluded in this paper that the expression products obtained by the method of gene engineering are recombinant ICA69 antigen and may be used to improve the forecast rate and the diagnostic rate of type Ⅰ diabetes in combination with other tests.

Prokaryotic expression and purification of fibronectin leucine rich transmembrane protein 3 C-terminal domain proteins in rats

BACKGROUND： Studies have suggested that fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane protein 3 （FLRT3） is related to injury and regeneration of the nervous system. However, the expression and biological characteristics of these proteins remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE： To obtain FLRT3 C-terminal gene fragments, to effectively express and purify the target proteins. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： An observational study of cellular and molecular biology was performed at the laboratory of Histology and Embryology in Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University between October 2007 and June 2008. MATERIALS： Three Sprague Dawley adult rats were used to extract total RNA from rat brains. The pGEX4T3 and Escherichia coil （E. coil） JM109 were purchased from Promega. E. coil BL21 was provided by Novagen. METHODS： FLRT3 protein coding C-terminal DNA fragments, at a length of 786 bp, were amplified using RT-PCR technique from rat total RNA. The amplified products were cloned into the expression vector pGEX4T3. A recombinant expression vector was then constructed and introduced into E. coil BL21. IsopropyI-D-thiogalactopyranoside was applied to induce expression of recombinant GST fusion proteins, followed by isolation, purification, and renaturation of inclusion bodies that comprised recombinant proteins. Finally, the purified recombinant protein was obtained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Determination of FLRT3 C-terminal DNA sequence; expression of target proteins was assayed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis; purified recombinant protein was identified with Western blot methods. RESULTS： FLRT3 protein coding C-terminal DNA fragments, at a length of 786 bp, were successfully harvested through RT-PCR amplification, and were then clones into the prokaryotic expression vector pGEX4T3. The results of the sequence were consistent with the known gene sequence. SDS-PAGE analysis demonstrated that there was a specific protein band in the recombinant GST fusion proteins at a relative molecular mass of 56,600. The recombinant protein was observed in the inclusion body, and highly purified recombinant proteins were obtained through a series of methods, such as rinsing, purifying, dissolving, and renaturing. CONCLUSION： From adult Sprague Dawley rats, FLRT3 C-terminal gene fragments were successfully cloned and shown to be effectively expressed in E. coil BL21. Moreover, highly purified GST fusion proteins were obtained.

Purification and application of C-terminally truncated hepatitis C virus El proteins expressed in Escherichia coli

AIM: To explore the possibility of expressing hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope protein 1 (E1) in Escherichia coli(E, coli) and to test the purified recombinant E1 proteins for clinical and research applications. METHODS: C-terminally truncated E1 fragments were expressed in E, coli as hexa-histidine-tagged fusion proteins. The expression products were purified under denaturing conditions using immobilized-metal affinity chrbmatography. Purified E1 proteins were used to immunize rabbits. Rabbit anti-sera thus obtained were reacted with both E. coli- and mammalian cell-expressed E1 glycoproteins as detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Full-length E1 protein proved difficult to express in E. coli, C-terminally truncated E1 was successfully expressed in E. coli as hexa-histidine-tagged recombinant fusion protein and was purified under denaturing conditions on Ni2+-NTA agarose. Rabbit anti-sera raised against purified recombinant E1 specifically reacted with mammalian cell-expressed E1 giycoproteins in Western blot. Furthermore, E. coli-derived E1 protein was able to detect animal antibodies elicited by E1-based DNA immunization. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that the prokaryotically expressed E1 proteins share identical epitopes with eukaryotically expressed E1 glycoprotein. The E coli-derived E1 proteins and corresponding antisera can become useful tools in anti-HCV vaccine research.

A Sensitive and Specific IgM-ELISA for the Serological Diagnosis of Human Leptospirosis Using a rLipL32/1-LipL21-OmpL1/2 Fusion Protein

Objective To construct a lipL32//1-1ipL21-OmpL1//2 fusion gene and its prokaryotic expression system, and to establish an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） using the rLipL32/1-LipL21-OmpL1/2 fusion antigen of Leptospira interrogans for sensitive and specific detection of IgM in the serum of patients with leptospirosis. Methods lipL32/1-1ipL21-OmpL1/2 fusion genes were constructed using a primer-linking PCFI. The target recombinant protein antigens, rLipL32/1, rLipL21, rOmpL1/2 and rLipL32/1-LipL21-OmpL1/2, were expressed and the purified antigens were then immobilized to the surface of microplate wells for ELISA-based detection of IgM in the sera of leptospirosis patients; Results Of 493 acute leptospirosis patients, 95.7% and 97.8% were positive by rLipL32/1-LipL21- OmpL1/2-1gM-ELISA using different serum dilutions, which was higher than the rLipL32/1-1gM-ELISA （93.1% and 90.3%）, rLipL21-1gM-ELISA （90.3% and 87.0%）, and rOmpLI-lgM-ELISA （85.6% and 81.1%） （P〈0.01）. All IgM-ELISAs tested negative against 56 non-leptospirosis patients with typhoid fever, hemorrhagic fever or dengue fever. Conclusion Trigeminal fusion antigen increases ELISA sensitivity and the rLipL32/1-LipL21-OmpL1/2- IgM-ELISA is a sensitive and specific serological diagnostic method for clinical leptospirosis.

Expression, Purification, and Refolding of Recombinant Fusion Protein hIL-2/mGM-CSF

Objective To study the activities of interleukin （IL）-2 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor （GM-CSF） （hlL-2/mGM-CSF）. Methods SOE PCR was used to change the linker of the fusion protein for higher activities. The fusion protein was expressed in Escherichia coli （E. coil） BL21 （DE3） in inclusion body （IB） form. After IB was extracted and clarified, it was denatured and purified by affinity chromatography. The protein was refolded by dilution in a L-arginine refolding buffer and refined by anion chromatography. The protein activity was detected by cytokine-dependent cell proliferation assay. Results The expression of hIL-2/mGM-CSF in E. coli yielded approximately 20 mg protein/L culture and the purity was about 90%. The specific activities of IL-2 and GM-CSF were 5.4×10^6 IU/mg and 7.1×10^6 IU/mg, respectively. Conclusion This research provides important information about the anti-tumor activity of hIL-2/mGM-CSF in vivo, thus facilitating future clinical research on hlL-2/mGM-CSF used in immune therapy.

Soluble Expression and Rapid Quantification of GFP-hepA Fusion Protein in Recombinant Escherichia coli

To establish a rapid quantification method for heparinase I during its production in recombinant Escherichia coli, a translational fusion vector was constructed by fusing the N terminus of heparinase I to the C terminus of a green fluorescent protein mutant （GFPmutl）. As a result, not only was the functional recombinant expression of heparinase I in E. coli accomplished, but also a linear correlation was obtained between the GFP fluorescence intensity and heparinase I activity, allowing enzyme activity to be quantified rapidly during the fermentation.

Construction of single chain Fv antibody against transferrin receptor and its protein fusion with alkaline phosphatase

AIM: To construct fusion protein of a single-chain antibody (scFv) against transferrin receptor (TfR) with alkaline phosphatase(AP). METHODS: The VH-linker-VL,namely scFv gene,was prepared by amplifying the VH and VL genes from plasmid pGEM-T-VH and pGEM-T-VL with splicing overlap extension polymerase chain reaction (SOE PCR). After the ScFv gene was modified by 5/71 and Not I,it was subcloned into the secretory expression vector pUC19/119, and then was transformed into E.coli TG1.The positive colonies were screened by colony PCR and their expressions were induced by IPTG.ScFv gene was gained by digesting ScFv expression vector pUC19/119 with 5/71 and NotI restriction enzymes, then subcloned into expression vector pDAP2, followed by transformation in E.coli TG1.The positive colonies were selected by bacterial colony PCR.The expression of fusion protein (scFv-AP) was induced by IPTG.Its activity was detected by enzyme immunoassay. The molecular weights of scFv and scFv-AP were measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). RESULTS: The product of SOE PCR formed a band of 700 bp in agarose gel electrophoresis. SDS-PAGE demonstrated the molecular weight of scFv was 27 ku.Immunofluorescent assay (IFA) demonstrated its reactivity with TfR.The molecular weight of scFv-AP was 75 ku.Enzyme immunoassay showed that scFv-AP could specifically bind to human TfR and play AP activity. CONCLUSION: We have successfully prepared the anti-human TfR scFv and constructed the fusion protein of scFv and AP.It is promising for immunological experiments.

A fusion protein containing murine vascular endothelial growth factor and tissue factor induces thrombogenesis and suppression of tumor growth in a colon carcinoma model

Induction of tumor vasculature occlusion by targeting a thrombogen to newly formed blood vessels in tumor tissues represents an intriguing approach to the eradication of primary solid tumors. In the current study, we construct and express a fusion protein containing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tissue factor (TF) to explore whether this fusion protein has the capability of inhibiting tumor growth in a colon carcinoma model. The murine cDNA of VEGF A and TF were amplified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and then cloned into prokaryotic expression plasmid pQE30 with a linker. The expression product recombinant VEGF-TF (rVEGF-TF) was purified and proved to have comparable enzyme activity to a commercial TF and the capability of specific binding to tumor vessels. Significant decrease of tumor growth was found in the mice administered with rVEGF-TF on Day 6 after initiated rVEGF-TF treatment (P<0.05), and the tumor masses in 2 of 10 mice were almost disappeared on Day 14 after the first treatment. In addition, valid thrombogenesis and tumor necrosis were observed in the tumor tissues injected with rVEGF-TF. Our results demonstrate that occlusion of tumor vasculature with rVEGF-TF is potentially an effective approach for cancer therapy.

Combination immunotherapy with Survivin and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone fusion protein in murine breast cancer model

AIM To investigate the therapeutic potential of two recombinant proteins, Survivin and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) fusion protein [LHRH(6 leu)-LTB] for immunotherapy of breast cancer.METHODS Murine 4 T-1 breast cancer model was used to evaluate the efficacy of recombinant proteins in vivo. Twenty four Balb/c mice were divided into 4 groups of 6 mice each. Recombinant Survivin and LHRH fusion protein, alone or in combination, were administered along with immunomodulator Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP) in Balb/c mice. Unimmunized or control group mice were administered with phosphate buffer saline. Each group was then challenged with syngeneic 4 T-1 cells to induce the growth of breast tumor. Tumor growth was monitored to evaluate the efficacy of immune-response in preventing the growth of cancer cells.RESULTS Preventive immunization with 20 μg recombinant Survivin and MIP was effective in suppressing growth of 4 T-1 mouse model of breast cancer (P = 0.04) but 50 μg dose was ineffective in suppressing tumor growth. However, combination of Survivin and LHRH fusion protein was more effective in suppressing tumor growth (P = 0.02) as well as metastasis in vivo in comparison to LHRH fusion protein as vaccine antigen alone.CONCLUSION Recombinant Survivin and MIP suppress tumor growth significantly. Combining LHRH fusion protein with Survivin and MIP enhances tumor suppressive effects marginally which provides evidence for recombinant Survivin and LHRH fusion protein as candidates for translating the combination cancer immunotherapy approaches.

Recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis expressing Hsp65-hIL-2 fusion protein and its influence on lymphocyte function in mice

Objective:To coastruct a strain of recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis expressing the heat shock protein 65(Hsp65) and human interleukin 2(IL-2) fusion protein(rMS-Hsp65/IL-2) and to explore the effect of this construct on lymphocyte function in mice.Methods:The fusion gene encoding Hsp65-hIL-2 was cloned into shuttle vector pSMT3.The recombinant plasmid pSMT3- Hsp65-hIL-2 was transferred to Mycobacterium smegmatis by electroporation.Positive clones were selected by hygromycin and identified by PCR.The expression of fusion protein Hsp65- hIL-2 was verified using indirect immunofluorescence staining.Mice were immunized for two times by subcutaneously injection with 1×10~6 CFU rMS-Hsp65/IL-2 at a three-week interval.Two weeks after the second immunization,mice were sacrificed and the serum samples were collected for determination of anli-Hsp65 specific IgG.Splenic lymphocytes were isolated and treated with the rMS-Hsp65/IL-2 to determine lymphocytic proliferation activity by MTT assay.IFN-γand IL-2 in the medium of the treated cells were also determined by ELISA.Results:Successful construction of rMS-Hsp65/IL-2 was verified by PCR and immunofluorescence staining.Compared to the splenic lymphocytes isolated from mice immunized with Bacille Calmette-Guerin or mice immunized with Mycobacterium smegmatis alone,the splenic lymphocytes isolated from mice immunized with rMS-Hsp65/IL-2 showed a marked increase in the proliferation of lymphocytes, together with an increased production of important cytokines such as IFN- 7 and IL-2. Conclusions:rMS-Hsp65/IL-2 markedly enhances lymphocyte function.Therefore,the fusion protein generated by rMS-Hsp65/lL-2 may be of potential value in generating an effective vaccine against tuberculosis.