MicroRNA-185-5p mediates regulation of SREBP2 expression by hepatitis C virus core protein

AIM: To investigate the molecular mechanism for regulation of cholesterol metabolism by hepatitis C virus(HCV) core protein in Hep G2 cells.METHODS: HCV genotype 1b core protein was cloned and expressed in Hep G2 cells. The cholesterol content was determined after transfection. The expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 2(SREBP2) and the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis(HMGCR) was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting after transfection. The effects of core protein on the SREBP2 promoter and 3'-untranslated region were analyzed by luciferase assay. We used different target predictive algorithms, micro RNA(mi RNA) mimics/inhibitors, and site-directed mutation to identify a putative target of a particular mi RNA.RESULTS: HCV core protein expression in Hep G2 cells increased the total intracellular cholesterol level(4.05 ± 0.17 vs 6.47 ± 0.68, P = 0.001), and this increase corresponded to an increase in SREBP2 and HMGCR m RNA levels(P = 0.009 and 0.037, respectively) and protein expression. The molecular mechanism studyrevealed that the HCV core protein increased the expression of SREBP2 by enhancing its promoter activity(P = 0.004). In addition, mi R-185-5p expression was tightly regulated by the HCV core protein(P = 0.041). Moreover, overexpression of mi R-185-5p repressed the SREBP2 m RNA level(P = 0.022) and protein expression. In contrast, inhibition of mi R-185-5p caused upregulation of SREBP2 protein expression. mi R-185-5p was involved in the regulation of SREBP2 expression by HCV core protein. CONCLUSION: HCV core protein disturbs the cholesterol homeostasis in Hep G2 cells via the SREBP2 pathway; mi R-185-5p is involved in the regulation of SREBP2 by the core protein.

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.

Hepatitis C virus core protein-induced miR-93-5p upregulation inhibits interferon signaling pathway by targeting IFNAR1

AIM To investigate the mechanism by which hepatitis C virus(HCV) core protein-induced mi R-93-5 p up-regulation regulates the interferon(IFN) signaling pathway.METHODS HCV-1 b core protein was exogenously expressed in Huh7 cells using pc DNA3.1(+) vector. The expression of mi R-93-5 p and interferon receptor 1(IFNAR1) was measured using quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The protein expression and phosphorylation level of STAT1 were evaluated by Western blot. The overexpression and silencing of mi R-93-5 p and IFNAR1 were performed using mi R-93-5 p agomir and antagomir, and pc DNA3.1-IFNAR1 and IFNAR1 si RNA, respectively. Luciferase assay was used to identify whether IFNAR1 is a target of mi R-93-5 p. Cellular experiments were also conducted.RESULTS Serum mi R-93-5 p level was increased in patients with HCV-1 b infection and decreased to normal level after HCV-1 b clearance, but persistently increased in those with pegylated interferon-α resistance, compared with healthy subjects. Serum mi R-93-5 p expression had an AUC value of 0.8359 in distinguishing patients with pegylated interferon-α resistance from those with pegylated interferon-α sensitivity. HCV-1 b core protein increased mi R-93-5 p expression and induced inactivation of the IFN signaling pathway in Huh7 cells. Furthermore, IFNAR1 was identified as a direct target of mi R-93-5 p, and IFNAR1 restore could rescue mi R-93-5 p-reduced STAT1 phosphorylation, suggesting that the mi R-93-5 p-IFNAR1 axis regulates the IFN signaling pathway.CONCLUSION HCV-1 b core protein-induced mi R-93-5 p up-regulation inhibits the IFN signaling pathway by directly targeting IFNAR1, and the mi R-93-5 p-IFNAR1 axis regulates STAT1 phosphorylation. This axis may be a potential therapeutic target for HCV-1 b infection.

Virus-phytoplankton adhesion:a new WSSV transmission route to zooplankton

The pathogenicity of white spot syndrome virus （WSSV） to zooplankton species, rotifer Brachionus urceus （Linnaeus）, copepod Acartia clausi （Giesbrecht） and mysid shrimp Neomysis awatschensis （ Brandt ）, was estimated by immersion challenge and virus - phytoplankton adhesion mute to investigate a potential new transmission mute of WSSV to zooplankton. WSSV succeeded in infecting these zooplankton species and nested-PCR revealed positive results for the virus - phytoplankton adhesion mute, whereas WSSV cannot infect zooplankton by immersion challenge. These results indicated that virus - phytoplankton adhesion route is a successful new transmission mute of WSSV to zooplankton and also implied that phytoplankton could be a carrier in WSSV transmission.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate enhances poly I:C-induced interferon-λ1 production and inhibits hepatitis C virus replication in hepatocytes

AIM To investigate the effect of(-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG) on polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid(poly I:C)-triggered intracellular innate immunity against hepatitis C virus(HCV) in hepatocytes. METHODS A cell culture model of HCV infection was generated by infecting a hepatoma cell line, Huh7, with HCV JFH-1 strain(JFH-1-Huh7). Poly I:C with a high molecular weight and EGCG were used to stimulate the JFH-1-Huh7 cells. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression levels of intracellular m RNAs and of intracellular and extracellular HCV RNA. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate the interferon(IFN)-λ1 protein level in the cell culture supernatant. Immunostaining was used to examine HCV core protein expression in Huh7 cells.RESULTS Our recent study showed that HCV replication could impair poly I:C-triggered intracellular innate immune responses in hepatocytes. In the current study, we showed that EGCG treatment significantly increased the poly I:C-induced expression of Toll-like receptor 3(TLR3), retinoic acid-inducible gene I, and IFN-λ1 in JFH-1-Huh7 cells. In addition, supplementation with EGCG increased the poly I:C-mediated antiviral activity in JFH-1-Huh7 cells at the intracellular and extracellular HCV RNA and protein levels. Further investigation of the mechanisms showed that EGCG treatment significantly enhanced the poly I:C-induced expression of IFN-regulatory factor 9 and several antiviral IFNstimulated genes, including ISG15, ISG56, myxovirus resistance A, and 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1, which encode the key antiviral elements in the IFN signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our observations provide experimental evidence that EGCG has the ability to enhance poly I:C-induced intracellular antiviral innate immunity against HCV replication in hepatocytes.

Pathogenesis and clinical features of severe hepatitis E virus infection

The hepatitis E virus(HEV),a member of the Hepeviridae family,is a small,non-enveloped icosahedral virus divided into eight distinct genotypes(HEV-1 to HEV-8).Only genotypes 1 to 4 are known to cause diseases in humans.Genotypes 1 and 2 commonly spread via fecal-oral transmission,often through the consum-ption of contaminated water.Genotypes 3 and 4 are known to infect pigs,deer,and wild boars,often transferring to humans through inadequately cooked meat.Acute hepatitis caused by HEV in healthy individuals is mostly asymptomatic or associated with minor symptoms,such as jaundice.However,in immunosup-pressed individuals,the disease can progress to chronic hepatitis and even escalate to cirrhosis.For pregnant women,an HEV infection can cause fulminant liver failure,with a potential mortality rate of 25%.Mortality rates also rise amongst cirrhotic patients when they contract an acute HEV infection,which can even trigger acute-on-chronic liver failure if layered onto pre-existing chronic liver disease.As the prevalence of HEV infection continues to rise worldwide,highlighting the particular risks associated with severe HEV infection is of major medical interest.This text offers a brief summary of the characteristics of hepatitis developed by patient groups at an elevated risk of severe HEV infection.

African swine fever virus MGF505-3R inhibits cGAS-STING-mediated IFN-βpathway activation by degrading TBK1

African swine fever virus(ASFV)is an important pathogen causing acute infectious disease in domestic pigs and wild boars that seriously endangers the global swine industry.As ASFV is structurally complex and encodes a large number of functional proteins,no effective vaccine has been developed to date.Thus,dissecting the mechanisms of immune escape induced by ASFV proteins is crucial.A previous study showed that the ASFV-encoded protein is an important factor in host immunity.In this study,we identified a negative regulator,MGF505-3R,that significantly downregulated cGAS/STING-and poly(dG:dC)-mediated IFN-βand interferon stimulation response element(ISRE)reporter activity and suppressed IFNB1 and IFIT2 mRNA levels.In addition,TBK1,IRF3 and IκBαphosphorylation levels were also inhibited.Mechanistically,MGF505-3R interacted with cGAS/TBK1/IRF3 and targeted TBK1 for degradation,thereby disrupting the cGAS-STING-mediated IFN-βsignaling pathway,which appears to be highly correlated with autophagy.Knockdown MGF505-3R expression enhanced IFN-βand IL-1βproduction.Taken together,our study revealed a negative regulatory mechanism involving the MGF505-3R-cGAS-STING axis and provided insights into an evasion strategy employed by ASFV that involves autophagy and innate signaling pathways.

Elevated soluble 4-1BB is associated with serum markers of hepatitis B virus in patients with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that the costimulatory molecule 4-1BB plays pivotal roles in regulating immunity during chronic viral infection.However,up to now,there are few studies about 4-1BB in chronic hepatitis B(CHB).AIM To clarify this issue,we report our comprehensive study results on the expression levels of 4-1BB in patients with CHB.METHODS From September 2018 to June 2019,a total of 64 patients with CHB were recruited from the Department of Hepatology,The First Hospital of Jilin University.Peripheral blood samples were collected from 52 treatment-naïve and 12 entecavir-treated patients with CHB as well as 37 healthy donors(including 24 healthy adults and 13 healthy children).The levels of soluble 4-1BB(s4-1BB)in plasma were measured by ELISA.4-1BB mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was detected by real-time quantitative PCR.RESULTS The s4-1BB levels in the plasma of patients with CHB were significantly higher than those in healthy adults(94.390±7.393 ng/mL vs 8.875±0.914 ng/mL,P<0.001).In addition,the s4-1BB level in plasma was significantly increased in patients with a higher viral load and a disease flare up.However,there were no significant differences between treatment-naïve and entecavir-treated patients.Interestingly,among treatment-naïve patients with CHB,the levels of s4-1BB in plasma had a significant positive correlation with hepatitis B surface antigen,hepatitis B virus DNA,hepatitis B e antigen,and triglyceride levels(r=0.748,P<0.001;r=0.406,P=0.004;r=0.356,P=0.019 and r=-0.469,P=0.007,respectively).The 4-1BB mRNA expression was higher in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with CHB than in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy adults,but the difference was not statistically significant.CONCLUSION These results suggest that the levels of s4-1BB may be associated with pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus and therefore may be a promising biomarker for disease progression.

Specific activation of 2'-5'oligoadenylate synthetase gene promoter by hepatitis C virus-core protein:A potential for developing hepatitis C virus targeting gene therapy

AIM： TO examine whether 2＇-5＇oligoadenylate synthetase （OAS） gene promoter can be specifically activated by hepatitis C virus （HCV）-core protein. METHODS： Human embryo hepatic cell line L02 was transfected with pcDNA3.1-core plasmid and selected by G418. Expression of HCV-core was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The OAS promoter sequence was amplified from the genomic DNA and inserted into pGL3-basic vector. The resultant pGL3-OAS-Luci plasmid was transiently transfected into L02/core cells and luciferase activity was assayed. I^ESULTS： L02/core cell line stably expressing HCV- core protein was established. The pGL3-OAS-Luci construct exhibited significant transcriptional activity in the L02/core cells but not in the L02 cells. CONCLUSION： HCV-core protein activates the OAS gene promoter specifically and effectively. Utilization of OAS gene promoter would be an ideal strategy for developing HCV-specific gene therapy.

Expression of co-stimulatory molecules B7-2 and PD-L1 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Objective： To explore the roles of the expression of the co-stimulatory molecule, B7-2, and the co-inhibitory molecule, PD-L1, on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the mechanism of immunotolerance in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Methods： Thirty HBV infected patients in the immunoreactive phase and 20 patients in the immunotolerant phase were enrolled in the study, while 20 healthy volunteers were used as controls. RT- PCR and real-time PCR methods were used to detect the expression levels of B7-2 and PD-L1 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in chronic HBV infected patients. Results： The B7-2 expression in irnrnunoreactive and immunotolerant patients was significantly lower than that in the controls （P all 〈 0.01 ）; B7-2 expression in immunoreactive patients was significantly lower than in immunotolerant patients （P 〈 0.01）. PD-L1 expression in irnmunoreactive patients and immunotolerant patients was significantly higher than that in normal controls （P all 〈 0.01）. The PD-L1/BT-2 ratios in immunoreactive and immunotolerant patients were significantly higher than that of the healthy controls （P all 〈 0.01）; the PD-L1/ B7-2 ratio was significantly higher in the immunoreactive patients than in the immunotolerant patients （P 〈 0.01）. Conclusion： In chronic HBV infection, changes in the expression of co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules imply a protective adjustment against the patient＇ s immune response that may result in increased immunotolerance and persistent HBV infection.

A retrospective investigation on the phenotype and stability of the E-protein gene in Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus strain SA14-14-2 used live-attenuated JE vaccine

To detect retrospectively the phenotype and stability of the E-protein gene in Japanese Encephalitis （JE） virus strain SA14-14-2 used in the live-attenuated JE vaccine prepears, the viral titer was titrated by plaque formation in BHK-21 cell cultures, and the neuro-virulence of viruses was assayed in mice with body weight of 12-14 g by intracerebral inoculation. Meanwhile, the total RNA of virus gene was extracted and amplified by RT-PCR with the designed primers, and then it was purified and cloned to the expression vector pGEM-T. The recombinant plasmid was purified and sequenced. It was found that the loss of viral titer of vaccines stored in -20℃ for longer than 10 years was less than 0.5 Lg PFU/ml. No mice inoculated intracerebrally showed signs of illness or even death. The size of plagues of the vaccine virus remained to be small, and the E genes of primary virus seed SA14-14-2 and the vaccines prepared at different years （1987-2001） were unchanged, in- cluding the 8 critical amino acid sites which were different from the parent wild virus strain SA14 and the related neuro-virulence. These results indicate that the genotypic and biological characteristics of the attenuated JE virus strain SA14-14-2 and its vaccines sion noted. prepared are quite stable without any reversion noted.

Cytokine responses in infants infected with respiratory syncytial virus

Introduction: Variability in severity of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection is reportedly due to differences in inflammatory response. Objective: To characterize the cytokine response in RSV+ infants aged 0 - 36 months and to relate their responses to disease severity. Methods: Nasopharyngeal aspirations (NPAs) were analyzed for RSV and IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-1RA, IL-4R, IFN-γ, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, and TNF-α. Clinical data were collected from the medical records. Results: We included 331 infants of whom 214 were RSV+. In comparison to RSV- infants, they had significantly higher levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ (p α, IL-6, and IL-1β. sTNFR1/2 were significantly increased in RSV+ infants. Hospitalized patients had significantly higher levels of TNF-α, sTNFR2, and IL-10 (p < 0.05) than non-hospitalized patients. The cytokine response could not be related to disease severity. We found no evidence of a skewed Th1/Th2 immune profile. Conclusion: In acute RSV disease, infected infants’ NPAs contain a significant amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Whether this response is beneficial or deleterious remains unanswered. Interpersonal variations in cytokine responses might be linked to an inherited tendency to variations in disease severity.

免疫磁性捕获反转录-聚合酶链反应法检测Norwalk病毒

Norwalk病毒(NV)是人杯状病毒的原型,每年可引起2000多万急性胃肠炎病例,是美国暴发性胃肠炎的主要病因。本文建立了一种快速检测NV的免疫磁性捕获反转录-聚合酶链反应(IMC/RT-PCR)方法。

RT-PCR方法检测贝类中诺沃克样病毒的研究

目的:本研究从病毒富集和核酸提取两方面进行探索,旨在建立一个反转录(RT)PCR技术检测贝类中诺沃克样病毒(NLVs)的方法。方法:利用脊髓灰质炎病毒作为参照毒株,优化了甘氨酸缓冲液-聚乙二醇(PEG)病毒浓缩方法;同时比较了异硫氰酸胍法、SDS-蛋白酶K法、Trizol-异丙醇法、试剂盒法四种RNA提取方法;对市售贝类样品进行了检测,并利用基因测序对阳性样品进行验证。结果:本研究采用的pH9.5甘氨酸缓冲液-16%聚乙二醇病毒浓缩法,病毒的回收率为16.8%,利用Trizol-异丙醇法提取RNA,检出限为8.1×102RT-PCR50/5g贝肉,实际检测贝类样品25件,其中3件样品为阳性,基因测序结果亦证实为阳性。结论:本研究建立了一个灵敏度较高、较为有效的RT-PCR技术检测贝类中诺沃克样病毒的方法。

用RT-PCR法检测食品中诺沃克样病毒

使用RTPCR法对贝类样品中的诺沃克样病毒进行了检测。对食品中不同的病毒富集方法进行了研究,评价了CHCl3和Frezon去除RTPCR抑制剂的效果,筛选出最佳的病毒富集方法即2次PEG6000(终浓度12%PEG6000,03mol/LNaCl)沉降病毒,并使用CHCl3除去RTPCR抑制剂。此富集方法的回收率为135%。另外,对不同的RNA提取方法的灵敏度进行了比较,最终确认硅胶膜法为简便、快速、有效的RNA提取方法。并且,使用了Superscript反转录酶进行反转录,提高了检测的灵敏度。选用了289和290混合引物进行食品中NLVs的检测,这一引物组合可同时检测Ⅰ型和Ⅱ型NLVs,扩增出1个319bp的特异性片段。通过以上条件的优化,建立了通过RTPCR检测贝类中NLVs的有效方法。该方法的NLVs最低检出限为10×103RT-PCR50/15g。对32件贝类样品进行了NLVs的检测,其中2份毛蚶中被检出NLVs。

多重RT-PCR用于临床检测三种胃肠炎病毒的研究

轮状病毒、诺瓦克病毒和星状病毒是引起病毒性胃肠炎的主要病原因子。研究采用JV12/JV13、P1/P2和Mon340/Mon348三对引物,建立了同时检测这3种病毒的多重RT-PCR技术,并应用于128份临床粪便样本的检测,检出轮状病毒62份(48.44%),诺瓦克病毒8份(6.25%),星状病毒11份(8.59%)。在灵敏度试验中,轮状病毒的检测灵敏度为5pg/mL、诺瓦克病毒和星状病毒的检测灵敏度均为50pg/mL。该研究所建立3种常见胃肠炎病毒的多重RT-PCR方法具有特异性强、灵敏度高的特点,可用于临床病原诊断和溯源。

太平洋牡蛎中诺瓦克样病毒的RT-PCR法检测和病毒聚合酶区部分序列的分析

利用pH9.5的甘氨酸缓冲液性处理太平洋牡蛎(Crassostrea gigas)匀浆液,PEG沉淀病毒粒子的方法对未知的是否污染有诺瓦克样病毒(Norwalk-like Virus,NLVs)的牡蛎样品进行处理,并提取病毒RNA,进行RT-PCR,凝胶电泳检测扩增结果。初步建立了牡蛎中NVLs的检测方法。纯化所得的特异PCR产物,克隆到T-载体中,筛选转化子,提取质粒,并进行PCR电泳鉴定。重组质粒序列测定结果在NCBI上进行BLASTn显示所得产物与已发表的诺瓦克样病毒的相应序列具有极高的同源性(>95％);根据Genebee在线分析系统AliBee-Multiple Alignment进行对中国的诺瓦克样病毒粪便分离株和牡蛎分离株的扩增序列进行相似性分析,结果从我国养殖的牡蛎样品中和胃肠炎病人粪便中分离出2个的诺瓦克样病毒之间无显著的差异。

用RT-PCR和ELISA对暴发性急性胃肠炎事件中诺沃克样病毒检测的比较

目的 诺沃克样病毒是世界范围内急性非细菌性流行性胃肠炎的重要病原。采用RT-PCR和ELISA两种方法对广州市多起暴发性急性胃肠炎事件中病人标本进行诺沃克样病毒检测 ,了解广州市诺沃克样病毒流行情况 ,并对RT-PCR和ELISA两种检测方法进行比较。方法 用RT-PCR和ELISA对 76份腹泻病人粪便 ,2 3份肛拭子 ,12份食物进行诺沃克样病毒检测。结果 粪便通过RT-PCR检出阳性 37份 ,ELISA检出阳性 17份 ,肛拭子仅通过RT-PCR检出 1份阳性 ,食物无阳性检出。结论 这是首次我国实验室证实的由诺沃克样病毒引起的急性胃肠炎暴发。RT-PCR的阳性率大于ELISA ,且检品以粪便为好。并且我们的分离株与诺沃克原型株相应序列比较的同源性大于 90 %

实时定量RT-PCR方法检测太平洋牡蛎中的诺沃克样病毒

建立了Taqman实时定量RT-PCR方法检测诺沃克样病毒(Norwalk-like Virus,NLV)的方法,并对中国的牡蛎样品进行了分析。选取GⅡ型NLV的RNA聚合酶区域,利用Primer Express 2.0软件设计引物和探针,建立了定量RT-PCR反应体系。将含有NLV扩增片段的质粒10倍梯度稀释,作为标准品进行反应以确定检测灵敏度并制备标准曲线。结果表明,质粒密度在6×106,6×105,6×104,6×103,6×102,6×101,6个拷贝之间,共7个数量级的范围内,定量RT-PCR反应都有"S"型扩增曲线,检测灵敏度为6个拷贝。制备的标准曲线中,病毒拷贝数(X)与Ct值的关系为Ct=-3.36lgX+37.11,相关系数R2=0.998。对中国37批太平洋牡蛎(Crassostrea gigas Thunberg)样品进行了定量检测,有6批样品为阳性,并根据标准曲线测定了NLV的含量。