Development of Non-ABO Red Blood Cell Alloantibodies in Patient Undergoing Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

Alloantibodies that are non ABO Alloimmunization to protein antigens happens only after exposure, in contrast to ABO isohaemagglutinins, which are present naturally, even in the absence of prior exposure. It is recognized that while non-ABO RBC antibodies are less common than ABO antibodies, they generate essentially the same issues that lead to unfavorable clinical results. If non-ABO alloantibodies are identified early on, these issues related complications may be avoided This call for an in-depth understanding of the recipient and donor’s ABO-Rh grouping, antibody screening, and the phenotype of certain antigens. Equally important, the temporal association time between transplantation and hemolysis can help identify the underlying mechanism of hemolysis and direct appropriate management. Therefore, for that, it is crucial to identify the etiology of post-HSCT anemia for prevention and therapy, in addition to a thorough grasp of the mechanism of anemia in non-ABO-incompatible HSCT and the temporal link between HSCT and anemia. Finding the cause of post-HSCT anemia is essential for prevention and therapy, in addition to a thorough grasp of the mechanism of anemia in non-ABO-incompatible HSCT and the temporal link between HSCT and anemia. Therefore, for that, it is crucial to identify the etiology of post-HSCT anemia. In this case report review, we would like to highlight the vital role of transfusion medicine services and stem cell clinical teams in paying particular attention to the clinical significance of non-ABO alloantibodies involved to avoid causing overt hemolysis of incompatible donor RBCs or delayed erythropoiesis. Considering the fact that some of the Haematopoietic stem cell transplant centers do not give an attention to the other non-ABO RBC antigens.

An unusual COVID-19 case with over four months of viral shedding in the presence of low neutralizing antibodies: a case report

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic is a global public health crisis,causing social and economic disasters in many countries.In China,two-consecutive negative results of nucleic acid tests for SARS-CoV-2 from the respiratory samples are required to end the quarantine of COVID-19 patients.However,clinicians face a dilemma in case of patients with long-term viral shedding.This report described an unusual COVID-19 case who had persistent viral RNA positivity for more than 4 months after initial illness in the presence of low neutralizing antibodies,but without prolonged clinical symptoms.Multiple anti-viral drug treatments had no impact and there was no evidence of re-infection.When the patient was self-quarantined at home,no infection occurred to the three family members living with her for 15 to 19 days.Sputum viral culture in BSL-3 laboratory on the 102nd day after symptom onset was negative.From the 129th day on,8 continuous nucleic acid tests of sputum samples showed negative results.The patient was discharged on 137th days since symptom onset.In conclusion,viral RNA shedding in the sputum of the COVID-19 patient may last over 4 months.As no evidence shows the existence of infectious virus,two-consecutive negative nucleic acid tests may not be the prerequisite for ending quarantine of COVID-19 patients with prolonged viral shedding.

Characteristics of Viral Shedding in Respiratory Samples and Specific Antibodies Production in 564 COVID-19 Patients

Positive nucleic acid(NA)results have been found in recovered and discharged COVID-19 patients,but the proportion is unclear.This study was designed to analyze the recurrent positive rate of NA results after consecutively negative results,and the relationship between the specific antibody production and positive NA rate.According to Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines,data of inpatients in Sino-French New City Branch of Tongji Hospital between Jan.28 and Mar.6,2020 were collected.A total of 564 COVID-19 patients over 14 years old who received the examinations of NA and antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were included.Days of viral shedding and specific antibodies were recorded and assessed.Among NA tests in respiratory samples(throat swabs,nasopharyngeal swabs,sputum and flushing fluid in alveoli),the patients with all-negative NA results accounted for 17.20%,those with single-positive results for 46.63%,and those with multiple-positive results for 36.17%respectively.Besides,the recurrent positive NA results after consecutively negative results appeared in 66 patients(11.70%).For multiple-positive patients,median viral shedding duration was 20 days(range:1 to 57 days).Of the 205 patients who received 2 or more antibody tests,141(68.78%)had decreased IgG and IgM concentrations.IgM decreased to normal range in 24 patients,with a median of 44 days from symptom onset.Viral shedding duration was not significantly correlated with gender,age,disease severity,changes in pulmonary imaging,and antibody concentration.It is concluded that antibody level and antibody change had no significant correlation with the positive rate of NA tests and the conversion rate after continuous negative NA tests.In order to reduce the recurrent positive proportion after discharge,3 or more consecutive negative NA test results with test interval more than 24 h every time are suggested for the discharge or release from quarantine.

Clinical significance of the detection of Rh blood group antigens and irregular antibodies in pregnant women with a second pregnancy

Objective:To investigate the phenotype distribution of five antigens of Rh blood group system and the specificity of Rh blood group irregular antibodies in pregnant women with second child.To analyze the relationship between Rh blood group antibody and hemolytic disease of the newborn(HDN)in second-child pregnant women,and to provide laboratory basis for the diagnosis and treatment of hemolytic disease of the newborn(Rh-HDN).Methods:500 pregnant women with second child were collected as the study group and 500 pregnant women with first pregnancy as the control group(all pregnant women underwent obstetric examination in the integrated obsteric clinic of our hospital from January 2020 to January 2021).To detectethe Rh blood group antigens(D,C,c,E,e)of the two groups of samples,screene the irregular antibodies,identify the specificity of irregular antibodies,determine the titer and record the hemolytic disease of the newborn of pregnant women with positive Rh blood group antibodies.Results:There were 11 Rh phenotypes in the pregnant women with second child in the study group:CCDee(152cases,30.4%),CcDEe(136cases,27.2%)CcDee(84cases,16.8%),ccDEE(30cases,6%),ccDee(31cases,6.2%),CCDEe(14cases,2.8%),ccDEe(9cases,1.8%),cc dee(18cases,3.6%),CCDEE(2cases,0.4%),CcdEe(12cases,2.4%),Ccdee(6cases,1.2%),CCd ee(6cases,1.2%).A total of 42 cases(8.4%)in the pregnant women with second child were negative for RhD.There were 10 Rh phenotypes in the pregnant women with first pregnancy in the control group:CCDee(144cases,28.8%),CcDEe(138cases,27.6%),CcDee(90cases,18%),ccDEE(42cases,8.4%),ccDee(28cases,5.6%),CCDEe(10cases,2%),ccDEe(8cases,1.6%),cc dee(19cases,3.8%),CCDEE(1cases,0.2%),CcdEe(11cases,2.2%),Ccdee(9cases,1.8%).A total of 39 cases(7.8%)in the pregnant women with first pregnancy were negative for RhD.In the pregnant women with second child in the study group,the positive rate of irregular antibody screening was 4.0%(20/500),and the specificity of Rh blood group antibodies was found as follows:anti-E 1.8%(9/500),anti-D 1.4%(7/500),anti-C 0.4%(2/500)and anti-Ec 0.4%(2/500).The positive rate of irregular antibody screening in the pregnant women with first pregnancy in the control group was 0,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).Rh-HDN was found in 10 newborns(2%)of the 20 women with positive irregular antibodies in the pregnant women with second child,and the antibody titer during pregnancy was more than 32.No Rh-HDN occurred in newborns in the pregnant women with first pregnancy,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Pregnancy stimulation can increase the probability of irregular antibodies in pregnant women,and irregular antibodies in Rh blood group can easily cause Rh-HDN,so attention should be paid to routine detection of five antigens of Rh blood group and irregular antibody screening during prenatal examination.It is helpful for the early detection of Rh-blood irregular antibodies and the assessment of fetal or neonatal risk of Rh-HDN.

Preparation and application of monoclonal antibodies against hepatitis C virus nonstructural proteins

AIM To prepare hybridoma cell lines which secrete anti HCV recombinant NS3 and NS5 proteins′ monoclonal antibodies, and to evaluate their usage in the study of the distribution of HCV NS3 and NS5 antigen in liver tissues. METHODS The hybridoma cell lines were raised using the spleen cells of BALB/C mouse immunized with recombinant NS3 and NS5 proteins according to the conventional protocols. The antibody secreting cells were screened using solid phase ELISA and cloned by limited dilution method. In order to determine the specificity of these hybridoma cell lines, the culture supernatant of these cells was western blot assayed with expression and nonexpresion E. coli and ELISA with other antigens, including HCV core and NS3 and HBsAg. Immunohistochemistry of 51 cases paraffin embedded liver tissues was performed to determine the distribution of HCV NS5 antigen as well as NS3 antigen in liver tissues. RESULTS Eight hybridoma cell lines secreting monoclonal antibodies against HCV NS3 and NS5 proteins were raised. They are named 2B6, 2F3, 3D8, 3D9, 8B2, 6F11, 4C6 and 7D9. Among them only 2B6 against NS3 protein can react with the polypipetides of C7 that is another recombinant polypipetides of NS3 gene. Others have no reaction with HCV core and HBsAg of HBV, and there is no cross reaction between NS3Ag and anti NS5Ag McAb and between NS5Ag and anti NS3 McAb. The immunohistochemistry results indicate that no HCV antigen was detected in the specimens of HBV infection in 20 cases. In 31 HCV infected specimens the positive rate of NS3Ag and NS5Ag are 51 6% (16/31) and 54 9% (17/31), respectively. There were six pure HCV infected specimens in these 31 specimens and half of them were HCV NS3Ag and NS5Ag positive. In the co infection of HBV and HCV group the positive rate of NS3Ag and NS5Ag were 52% (13/25) and 56% (14/25), respectively, almost the same with that of pure HCV infected group. The positive rates of HCV antigens were 70 6% (12/17) and 76 5% (13/17) in CAC patients. CONCLUSION The monoclonal antibodies we prepared are specific to the recombinant HCV NS3 and NS5 proteins and can be used in the clinical immunohistochemistry diagnosis.

Neutralizing antibodies in hepatitis C virus infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of hepatitis world-wide. The majority of infected individuals develop chronic hepatitis which can then progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Spontaneous viral clearance occurs in about 20%-30% of acutely infected individuals and results in resolution of infection without sequaelae. Both viral and host factors appear to play an important role for resolution of acute infection. A large body of evidence suggests that a strong, multispecific and long-lasting cellular immune response appears to be important for control of viral infection in acute hepatitis C. Due too the lack of convenient neutralization assays, the impact of neutralizing responses for control of viral infection had been less defined. In recent years, the development of robust tissue culture model systems for HCV entry and infection has finally allowed study of antibody-mediated neutralization and to gain further insights into viral targets of host neutralizing responses. In addition, detailed analysis of antibody-mediated neutralization in individual patients as well as cohorts with well defined viral isolates has enabled the study of neutralizing responses in the course of HCV infection and characterization of the impact of neutralizing antibodiesfor control of viral infection. This review will summarize recent progress in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of antibody-mediated neutralization and its impact for HCV pathogenesis.

Detection of anti-preS1 antibodies for recovery of hepatitis B patients by immunoassay

AIM: To establish a convenient immunoassay method based on recombinant antigen preS1(21-119aa) to detect anti-preS1 antibodies and evaluate the clinical significance of antibodies in hepatitis B. METHODS: The expression plasmid pET-28a-preS1 was constructed, and a large quantity of preS1(21-119aa) fragment of the large HBsAg protein was obtained. The preS1 fragment purified by Ni(2+)-IDA affinity chromatography was used as coated antigen to establish the indirect ELISA based on streptavidin-biotin system for detection of the anti-preS1 antibodies in sera from HBV-infected patients. For follow-up study, serial sera were collected during the clinical course of 21 HBV-infected patients and anti-preS1 antibodies, preS1 antigen, HBV-DNA and other serological HBV markers were analyzed. RESULTS: preS1(21-119aa) fragment was highly expressed from the plasmid pET-28a-preS1 in a soluble form in E.Coli (30mg.L(-1)), and easily purified to high purity over 90% by one step of Ni(2+)-IDA-sepharose 6B affinity chromatography. The purity and antigenicity of the purified preS1(21-119aa) protein was determined by 150g.L(-1) SDS-PAGE, Western blot and a direct ELISA. Recombinant preS1(21-119aa) protein was successfully applied in the immunoassay which could sensitively detect the anti-preS1 antibodies in serum specimens of acute or chronic hepatitis B patients. Results showed that more than half of 19 acute hepatitis B patients produced anti-preS1 antibodies during recovery of the disease, however, the response was only found in a few of chronic patients. In the clinical follow-up study of 11 patients with anti-preS1 positive serological profile, HBsAg and HBV-DNA clearance occurred in 6 of 10 acute hepatitis B patients in 5-6 months, and seroconversion of HBeAg and disappearance of HBV-DNA occurred in 1 chronic patients treated with lavumidine, a antiviral agent. CONCLUSION: The high-purity preS1(21-119aa) coated antigen was successfully prepared by gene expression and affinity chromatography. Using this antigen, a conveniently detective system of anti-preS1 antibodies in sera was established. Preliminarily clinical trial the occurrence of anti-preS1 antibodies in acute hepatitis B patients suggests the clearance of HBV from serum in a short-term time, and anti-preS1 positive in chronic patients means health improvement or recovery from the disease.

Research review Study and application of monoclonal antibodies against herpes simplex virus

The results of research work completed in recent years in the authors’ laboratory withmonoclonal antibodies (McAbs) against herpes simplex virus (HSV) are reported in this paper as fol-lows.(1) Eighteen hybridoma cell lines steadily producing McAbs against HSV were established byhybridoma technic.(2) The mechanisms of neutralization in vitro and animal protection in vivo medi-ated by different McAbs were investigated.(3) A method of detecting virus antigua was developedwith the McAbs.(4) Tne isolates of virus were typed and antigenically analysed by type-specificand type-common McAbs.(5) HSV antigen in clinical spectimens was detected and directly typed byan ELISA method coating with type-specific and type-common McAb.(6) The target antigens ofMcAbs were identified,purified,and their genes were localized.(7) Experimental rabbitHSV keratitis was treated with McAbs.

Prokaryotic Expression and Purification of HIV-1 Vif and hAPOBEC3G, Preparation of Polyclonal Antibodies

To prepare HIV-1 Vif and hAPOBEC3G and to produce their antibodies, the full length gene fragment of HIV-1 vif was amplified by PCR from a plasmid of HIV-1 NL4.3 cDNA, and the APOBEC3G gene was obtained by RT-PCR from the total RNA of H9 cells. The resulting DNA construct was cloned into a prokaryotic expression vector (pET-32a). Recombinant pET-vif and pET-APOBEC3G were expressed respectively in Eserichia coli BL21 (DE3) as an insoluble protein. The vector also contained a six-histidine tag at the C-terminus for convenient purification and detection. To express and purify the HIV-1 Vif and hAPOBEC3G in E.coli cells, the accuracy of inserted gene and specificity of proteins were detected by the two enzyme digestion method, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting. Rabbits were then immunized by Vif or APOBEC3G protein and serum samples were tested by indirect ELISA to determine the level of antibodies. Immunoenzyme and immunofluorescence assays were performed to identify the specificity of polyclonal antibodies. The titer of the anti-Vif antibodies was 1:204800, and that of the anti-APOBEC3G antibodies was 1:102400. Thus the antibodies could detect the antigen expression in the cells, demonstrating that fusion proteins with high purity and their corresponding polyclonal antibodies with high titer and specificity were achieved.

TT viral infection through blood transfusion:retrospective investigation on patients in a prospective study of post-transfusion hepatitis

AIM To investigate the role of bloodtransfusion in TT viral infection(TTV).METHODS We retrospectively studied serumsamples from 192 transfusion recipients whounderwent cardiovascular surgery and bloodtransfusion between July 1991 and June 1992.Allpatients had a follow-up every other week for atleast 6 months after transfusion.Eightyrecipients received blood before screeningdonors for hepatitis C antibody(anti-HCV),and112 recipients received screened blood.Recipients with alanine aminotransferase level】2.5 times the upper normal limit were testedfor serological markers for viral hepatitis A,B,C,G,Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus.TTV infection was defined by the positivity forserum TTV DNA using the polymerase chainreaction method.RESULTS Eleven and three patients,whoreceived anti-HCV unscreened and screened'blood,respectively,had serum ALT levels】90 IU/L.Five patients(HCV and TTV:1;HCV,HGV,and TTV:1;TTV:2;and CMV and TTV:1)were positive for TTV DNA,and four of them hadsero-conversion of TTV DNA.CONCLUSION TTV can be transmitted viablood transfusion.Two recipients infected byTTV alone may be associated with the hepatitis.However,whether TTV was the causal agentremains unsettled,and further studies arenecessary to define the role of TTV infection inchronic hepatitis.

HCV-RNA positivity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with chronic HCV-infection: does it really mean viral replication?

AIM: To analyze the association of HCV-RNA with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and to answer the question whether HCV-RNA positivity in PBMC is due to viral replication. METHODS: HCV-RNA was monitored in serum and PBMC preparations from 15 patients with chronic HCV infection before, during and after an IFN-alpha therapy using a nested RT/PCR technique. In a second approach, PBMC from healthy donors were incubated in HCV positive plasma. RESULTS: In the IFN-alpha responding patients,HCV-RNA disappeared first from total RNA preparations of PBMC and then from serum. In contrast, in relapsing patients, HCV-RNA reappeared first in serum and then in PBMC. A quantitative analysis of the HCV-RNA concentration in serum was performed before and after transition from detectable to non detectable HCV-RNA in PBMC-RNA and vice versa. When HCV-RNA was detectable in PBMC preparations, the HCV concentration in serum was significantly higher than the serum HCV-RNA concentration when HCV-RNA in PBMC was not detectable. Furthermore, at no time during the observation period was HCV specific RNA observed in PBMC, if HCV-RNA in serum was under the detection limit. Incubation of PBMC from healthy donors with several dilutions of HCV positive plasma for two hours showed a concentration dependent PCR positivity for HCV-RNA in reisolated PBMC. CONCLUSION: The detectability of HCV-RNA in total RNA from PBMC seems to depend on the HCV concentration in serum. Contamination or passive adsorption by circulating virus could be the reason for detection of HCV-RNA in PBMC preparations of chronically infected patients.

Human cord blood-derived viral pathogens as the potential threats to the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation safety:A mini review

Umbilical cord blood(UCB) is a valuable source of hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs) and potential alternative for bone marrow transplantation for patients who lack human leukocyte antigen(HLA)-matched donors. The main practical advantages of UCB over other HSC sources are the immediate availability, lower incidence of graft-versus-host disease, minimal risk to the donor, and lower requirement for HLA compatibility. However, the use of UCB is limited by delayed engraftment and poor immune reconstitution, leading to a high rate of infection-related mortality. Therefore, severe infectious complications, especially due to viral pathogens remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality during the post-UCB transplantation(UCBT) period. In this context, careful screening and excluding the viral-contaminated UCB units might be an effective policy to reduce the rate of UCBT-related infection and mortality. Taken together,complete prevention of the transmission of donor-derived viral pathogens in stem cell transplantation is not possible. However, having the knowledge of the transmission route and prevalence of viruses will improve the safety of transplantation. To the best of our knowledge, there are few studies that focused on the risk of virus transmission through the UCB transplant compared to other HSC sources. This review summarizes the general aspects concerning the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of viral infections with a focus on the impact of viral pathogens on cord blood transplantation safety.

Disparities in the Levels of Whole-Blood Epstein-Barr Virus between the Cancer and Non-Cancer Populations in Zhejiang,China

Objective This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)infection in patients with and without cancer.Methods A total of 26,648 participants who underwent whole-blood EBV DNA(WBEBV)assays between January 1,2020,and August 31,2023,were included.The chi-square test was used for categorical data analysis,and R software was used to analyze the differences in EBV DNA load levels and the diagnostic capabilities of WBEBV.Results Positive rates were 10.2%and 25.4%for healthy controls(HC)and patients,respectively.The positivity rate for EBV-associated neoplasms(EN)was the highest at 7.53%,followed by leukemia(Le)at 5.49%.The subgroup analysis showed that the positivity rate for abnormal proliferation or hyperplasia(APH)was 31.9%,followed by 30.5%for Le.The WBEBV of patients with transplants(TP),especially living-related transplants(LT),was the highest among all subgroups.WBEBV at diagnosis was used to differentiate between infectious mononucleosis(IM)and chronic active Epstein-Barr virus(CAEBV),with a sensitivity of 67.4%(95%confidence interval[CI]:57.6-75.8)and specificity of 72%(95%CI:63.3-79.3).We conclude that the prevalence of EBV infection is low in the healthy population in this region and that a high EBV load at baseline is more common in LT,IM,and Lymphocyte Leukemia(LL).Conclusion This study used a large-sample survey to characterize the prevalence of whole-blood EBV levels in various diseases,including the stages and subtypes.The EBV detection rate was higher in patients with malignant disease than in those with benign disease.Our study provides clinicians with baseline information regarding EBV-associated diseases.

Quantitative hepatitis B core antibody and quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen:Novel viral biomarkers for chronic hepatitis B management

The management of hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection now involves regular and appropriate monitoring of viral activity,disease progression,and treatment response.Traditional HBV infection biomarkers are limited in their ability to predict clinical outcomes or therapeutic effectiveness.Quantitation of HBV core antibodies(qAnti-HBc)is a novel non-invasive biomarker that may help with a variety of diagnostic issues.It was shown to correlate strongly with infection stages,hepatic inflammation and fibrosis,chronic infection exacerbations,and the presence of occult infection.Furthermore,qAnti-HBc levels were shown to be predictive of spontaneous or treatment-induced HBeAg and HBsAg seroclearance,relapse after medication termination,re-infection following liver transplantation,and viral reactivation in the presence of immunosuppression.qAnti-HBc,on the other hand,cannot be relied on as a single diagnostic test to address all problems,and its diagnostic and prognostic potential may be greatly increased when paired with qHBsAg.Commercial qAnti-HBc diagnostic kits are currently not widely available.Because many methodologies are only semi-quantitative,comparing data from various studies and defining universal cut-off values remains difficult.This review focuses on the clinical utility of qAnti-HBc and qHBsAg in chronic hepatitis B management.

Early hepatitis B viral DNA clearance predicts treatment response at week 96

AIM To investigate whether hepatitis viral DNA load at 24 wk of treatment predicts response at 96 wk in patients with chronic hepatitis B.METHODS A total of 172 hepatitis B envelope antigen(HBe Ag)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients who received initial treatment at 16 tertiary hospitals in Hunan Province, China were enrolled in this study. All patients received conventional doses of lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil, telbivudine, entecavir dispersible tablets, or entecavir tablets for 96 wk. Patients who used other antiviral drugs or antitumor and immune regulation therapy were excluded. Patients were stratified into three groups according to their viral DNA load at 24 wk: < 10 IU/m L(group 1), 10-103 IU/m L(group 2), and > 103 IU/m L(group 3). Correlations of 24-wk DNA load with HBe Ag negative status and HBe Ag seroconversion at 96 wk were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to test the predictive value of the HBV DNA load at 24 wk for long-term response.RESULTS The rates of conversion to HBe Ag negative status and HBe Ag seroconversion rates were 53.7% and 51.9%, respectively, in group 1; 35.21% and 32.39% in group 2; and 6.38% and 6.38% in group 3. The receiver operating characteristic curves for the three subgroups revealed that the lowest DNA load(< 10 IU/m L) was better correlated with response at 96 wk than a higher DNA load(10-103 IU/m L). Nested PCR was used for amplifying and sequencing viral DNA in patients with a viral DNA load > 200 IU/m L at 96 wk; resistance mutations involving different loci were present in 26 patients, and three of these patients had a viral DNA load 10-103 IU/m L at 96 wk. CONCLUSION Hepatitis B viral DNA load at 24 wk of antiviral treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B is a predictor of the viral load and response rate at 96 wk.

Flow cytometric detection of hepatitis C virus antigens in infected peripheral blood leukocytes: Binding and entry

AIM： We designed two synthetic-core-specific peptides core 1 （C1） and core 2 （C2）, and an E1-specific peptide （El）. We produced specific polyclonal antibodies against these peptides and used the antibodies for detection of HCV antigens on surface and within infected peripheral blood leukocytes. METHODS： Peripheral blood from a healthy individual who tested negative for HCV RNA was incubated with HCV type 4 infected serum for i h and 24 h at 37 ℃. Cells were stained by direct and indirect immunofluorescence and measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS： After 1 h of incubation, antibodies against C1, C2, and El detected HCV antigens on the surface of 27%, 26% and 73% of monocytes respectively, while 10%, 5% and 9% of lymphocytes were positive with anti-C1, anti-C2 and anti-E1 respectively. Only 1-3% of granulocytes showed positive staining with anti-C1, anti-C2 and anti E1 antibodies. After 24 h of incubation, we found no surface staining with anti-C1, anti-C2 or anti-E1. Direct immunostaining using anti-C2 could not detect intracellular HCV antigens, after 1 h of incubation with the virus, while after 24 h of incubation, 28% of infected cells showed positive staining. Only plus strand RNA was detectable intracellularly as early as 1 h after incubation, and remained detectable throughout 48 h post-infection. Interestingly, minus RNA strand could not be detected after 1 h, but became strongly detectable intracellularly after 24 h post-infection. CONCLUSION： Monocytes and lymphocytes are the preferred target cells for HCV infection in peripheral blood leukocytes. Our specific anti-core and anti-E1 antibodies are valuable reagents for demonstration of HCV cell cycle. Also, HCV is capable of infecting and replicating in peripheral blood mononuclear cells as confirmed by detection of minus strand HCV RNA as well as intracellular staining of core HCV antigen.

Alterations of red blood cell immunoadherence function in hepatitis B patients

AIMS To investigate the alterations of RBC immunoadherence function in patients with various hepatitis B. METHODS RBCC3bRR,RBCICRR and serum CIC levels were measured in 42 patients with acute and chronic hepatitis B at ac- tive and convalescence stages. RESULTS RBCC3bRRs at the active/acute stage of various hepatitis were decreased.They were 13,54%±5,23% in AH, 7.61%±4.12% in AFH,and 16.18%±6.10% in CH, respectively,all of which were lower than those in normal persons (18.12%±3.91% ).At the quiescent/recovery stage of various hepatitis,the RBCC3bRRs were increased significantly.The changes of RBCICRR and serum CIC level were contrary to those of RBCC3bRR. CONCLUSIONS RBC immunoadherence function is decreased in acute and chronic hepatitis.The decrease is in direct proportion to the severity of the diseases.

Streptococcal Antibody Probe Crosses the Blood Brain Barrier and Interacts within the Basal Ganglia

Within the brain, the basal ganglia (basal nuclei) regulates wanted movement and inhibits unwanted movement. This area of the brain is intertwined with capillary beds that bring nutrients to the brain and form the blood brain barrier. During disease state, antibodies are increased in circulation and movement of these antibodies into the basal ganglia can occur. Streptococcal infection can lead to the generation of antibodies that have autoimmune activity within the brain. These antibodies have been implicated in neurological disorders. In our laboratory, an in vitro study of a monoclonal mouse antibody generated against the class 1 epitope of the M6 protein has demonstrated binding within the basal ganglia of Lewis rat brains. Here we present an in vivo study using Lewis rats injected with either the streptococcal antibody or an anti-myosin positive control. The interaction and movement of the antibody from blood vessels into the tissues of the basal ganglia was determined through the use of immunofluorescence and fluorescent microscopy and is contrasted with IgG injected and uninjected controls. Our data demonstrates that the streptococcal antibody penetrates the blood brain barrier within 24 hours (as determined by the presence of immunofluorescence outside of blood vessels) and remains significantly elevated above control values even 72 hours after injection (p < 0.05). In contrast, the anti-myosin positive control was not visualized in the interstitial fluid until 48 hours post injection and was no longer significantly above control levels by 72 hours. IgG injected controls did not display movement of antibody into the brain. Therefore, the streptococcal antibody is capable of crossing the blood brain barrier and interacting with tissues of the basal ganglia.

High frequencies of HGV and TTV infections in blood donors in Hangzhou

AIM: To determine the frequencies of HGV and TTV infections in blood donors in Hangzhou. METHODS: RT-nested PCR for HGV RNA detection and semi-nested PCR for TTV DNA detection in the sera from 203 blood donors, and nucleotide sequence analysis were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-two (15.8%) and 30 (14.8%) of the 203 serum samples were positive for HGV RNA and TTV DNA, respectively. And 5 (2.5%) of the 203 serum samples were detectable for both HGV RNA and TTV DNA. Homology of the nucleotide sequences of HGV RT-nested PCR products and TTV semi-nested PCR products from 3 serum samples compared with the reported HGV and TTV sequences was 89.36%, 87.94%, 88.65% and 63.51%, 65.77% and 67.12%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The infection rates of HGV and/or TTV in blood donors are relatively high, and to establish HGV and TTV examinations to screen blood donors is needed for transfusion security. The genomic heterogeneity of TTV or HGV is present in the isolates from different areas.