Identification of the epitopes on HCV core protein recognized by HLA-A2 restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes

AIM To identify hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein epitopes recognized by HLA-A2 restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL).METHODS Utilizing the method of computer prediction followed by a 4 h 51 Cr-release assay confirmation.RESULTS The results showed that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from two HLA-A2 positive donors who were infected with HCV could lyse autologous target cells labeled with peptide 'ALAHGVFAL (core TS0-158)'.The rates of specific lysis of the cells from the two donors were 37.5% and 15.8%,respectively. Blocking of the CTL response with anti-CD4 mAb caused no significant decrease of the specific lysis.But blocking of CTL response with anti-CD8 mAb could abolish the Iysis.CONCLUSION The peptide (core 150 - 158 ) is the candidate epitope recognized by HLA-A2 restricted CTL.

Prediction of T cell and B cell epitopes of the 22-, 47-, 56-, and 58-kDa proteins of Orientia tsutsugamushi

Objective:To predict B cell and T cell epitopes of 22-kDa,47-kDa,56-kDa and 58-kDa proteins.Methods:The sequences of 22-kDa,47-kDa,56-kDa and 58-kDa proteins which were derived from Orientia tsutsugamushi were analyzed by SOPMA,DNAstar,Bcepred,ABCpred,NetMHC,NetMHCⅡand IEDB.The 58-kDa tertiary structure model was built by MODELLER9.17.Results:The 22-kDa B-cell epitopes were located at positions 194-200,20-26 and 143-154,whereas the T-cell epitopes were located at positions 154-174,95-107,17-25 and 57-65.The 47-kD a protein B-cell epitopes were at positions 413-434,150-161 and 283-322,whereas the T-cell epitopes were located at positions 129-147,259-267,412-420 and 80-88.The 56-kDa protein B-cell epitopes were at positions 167-173,410-419 and 101-108,whereas the T-cell epitopes were located at positions 88-104,429-439,232-240 and 194-202.The 58-kDa protein B-cell epitopes were at positions 312-317,540-548 and 35-55,whereas the T-cell epitopes were located at positions 415-434,66-84 and 214-230.Conclusions:We identified candidate epitopes of 22-kDa,47-kDa,56-kDa and 58-kDa proteins from Orientia tsutsugamushi.In the case of 58-kDa,the dominant antigen is displayed on tertiary structure by homology modeling.Our findings will help target additional recombinant antigens with strong specificity,high sensitivity,and stable expression and will aid in their isolation and purification.

Bioinformatics analysis of the structure and linear B-cell epitopes of aquaporin-3 from Schistosoma japonicum

Objective:To analyze the structure of aquaporins-3(AQP-3) from Schistosoma japonicum(SJAQP-3) using bioinformalical methods,and to provid of references for vaccine targets research.Methods:Protparam,BepiPred,TMHMM Server,MLRC,Geno3d,DNA star software packages were used to predict the physical and chemical properties,hydrophilicity plot, flexibility regions,antigenic index,surface probability plot,secondary structure,and tertiary structure of amino acid sequence of SJAQP-3.Results:SJAQP-3 had six transmembrane regions and two half-spanning helices that form a central channel.The half-spanning helices fold into the centre of the channel.Either of the half-spanning helix had a conserved motif of NPA common to all aquaporins.Predicted linear B-Cell epitopes were most likely at the N-terminal amino acid residues of Saa-7aa,59aa- 62aa,225aa-230aa,282aa -288aa,294aa -29Saa and 305aa -307aa area.59aa- 62aa,22Saa-230aa located outside the membrane,the others located inside the cell.Conclusions:SJAQP-3 is a integral membrane protein in Schistosoma japonicum tegument.There are six potential epitopes in SJ AQP-3.It might be a potential molecular target for the development of vaccines.

Theoretical Study of Continuous B-Cell Epitopes with Developed BP Neural Network

In order to identify continuous B-cell epitopes effectively and to increase the success rate of experimental identification, the modified Back Propagation artificial neural network (BP neural network) was used to predict the continuous B-cell epitopes, and finally the predictive model for the B-cells epitopes was established. Comparing with the other predictive models, the prediction performance of this model is more excellent (AUC = 0.723). For the purpose of verifying the performance of the model, the prediction to the SWISS PROT NUMBER: P08677 was carried on, and the satisfying results were obtained.

Quasispecies dynamics in main core epitopes of hepatitis B virus by ultra-deep-pyrosequencing

AIM:To investigate the variability of the main immunodominant motifs of hepatitis B virus(HBV) core gene by ultra-deep-pyrosequencing(UDPS).METHODS:Four samples(2 genotype A and 2 genotype D) from 4 treatment-na ve patients were assessed for baseline variability.Two additional samples from one patient(patient 4,genotype D) were selected for analysis:one sample corresponded to a 36-mo treatment-free period from baseline and the other to the time of viral breakthrough after 18 mo of lamivudine treatment.The HBV region analyzed covered amino acids 40 to 95 of the core gene,and included the two main epitopic regions,Th50-69 and B74-84.UDPS was carried out in the Genome Sequencer FLX system(454 Life Sciences,Roche).After computer filtering of UDPS data based on a Poisson statistical model,122 813 sequences were analyzed.The most conserved position detected by UDPS was analyzed by site-directed mutagenesis and evaluated in cell culture.RESULTS:Positions with highest variability rates were mainly located in the main core epitopes,confirming their role as immune-stimulating regions.In addition,the distribution of variability showed a relationship with HBV genotype.Patient 1(genotype A) presented the lowest variability rates and patient 2(genotype A) had 3 codons with variability higher than 1%.Patient 3 and 4(both genotype D) presented 5 and 8 codons with variability higher than 1%,respectively.The median baseline frequencies showed that genotype A samples had higher variability in epitopic positions than in the other positions analyzed,approaching significance(P = 0.07,sample 1 and P = 0.05,sample 2).In contrast,there were no significant differences in variability between the epitopic and other positions in genotype D cases.Interestingly,patient 1 presented a completely mutated motif from amino acid 64 to 67(E 64 LMT 67),which is commonly recognized by T helper cells.Additionally,the variability observed in all 4 patients was particularly associated with the E 64 LMT 67 motif.Codons 78 and 79 were highly conserved in all samples,in keeping with their involvement in the interaction between the HBV virion capsid and the surface antigens(HBsAg).Of note,codon 76 was even more conserved than codons 78 and 79,suggesting a possible role in HBsAg interactions or even in hepatitis B e antigen conformation.Sequential analysis of samples from patient 4(genotype D) illustrated the dynamism of the HBV quasispecies,with strong selection of one minor baseline variant coinciding with a decrease in core variability during the treatment-free and lamivudinetreated period.The drop in variability seemed to result from a "steady state" situation of the HBV quasispecies after selection of the variant with greatest fitness.CONCLUSION:Host immune pressure seems to be the main cause of HBV core evolution.UDPS analysis is a useful technique for studying viral quasispecies.

Prediction of HLA-A 2.1-restricted CTL epitopes from IGFBP7 antigen of lung carcinoma

Objective:With the development of peptide-based cancer specific immunotherapy,the prediction of CTL epitopes from insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7(IGFBP7) is very important for some research about tumor metastasis.Because HLA-A2.1-expressing individuals cover >50% in the population of China,we aimed at identifying IGFBP7-encoded peptide presented by HLA-A2.1.Methods:In our study,a HLA-A2.1 restricted CTL epitope was identified by using the following two-step procedure:(a) computer-based epitope prediction from the amino acid sequence of IGFBP7 antigen;(b) Validation with epitope molecular modeling.Results:We obtained four epitopes with high immunogenicity scores by all of the three algorithms,i.e.,BIMAS,SYFPEITHI and IMTECH.Each of the four candidates satisfied the criteria of the HLA-A2.1-restricted CTL epitopes in molecular modeling analysis.Conclusion:The combination of BIMAS,SYFPEITHI and IMTECH method can improve the prediction efficiency and accuracy.Due to this research herein,this four epitopes have potential value for further studied,also have potential application in peptide-mediated immunotherapy.These epitopes may be useful in the design of therapeutic peptide vaccine for lung carcinoma and as immunotherapeutic strategies against lung carcinoma after identified by immunology experiment.

ANALYSIS ON EPITOPES OF IGM WITH MONOCLONAL ANTI-ISOTYPIC AND ANTI-IDIOTYPIC ANTIBODIES AGAINST IgM FROM B-CLL

A double antibodies additivity ELISA test was employed to identify the epltopes which can be recognized by monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) against IgM from B chronic lymphocyte leukemia (B-CLL). The computer grouping programme analysis showed that 4 and- isotypic MaAbs could be divided into two groups and 10 anti- idiotype McAbs could be divided into four groups. The result was consistent with that of the indirect sandwich ELISA and inhibition ELISA test. It suggested that there were at least 6 distinct IgM epitopes which can react specifically with 14 McAbs. Our study indicated that the combination of the additivity ELISA test and the computer grouping programme analysis is of help in studying the relationship of the structure and function of antigen.

Exact Location of Linear B-cell Epitopes of VP3 Protein of Goose Parvovirus

Four monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against Goose Parvovirus (GPV) VP3 protein already available were used to precisely locate linear B-cell epitopes in VP3 of GPV. The epitopes, recognized by four MAbs, had already been identified at low levels of resolution. Complementary oligonucleotides encoding ten amino acid fragments, with five amino acid overlaps were designed with suitable sticky ends for recombination with pET-32a and subsequent expression as small-fragment fusion proteins. Antigenicity of specific oligopeptides was determined by Western blotting with the MAbs. Using the same methods, amino acids were deleted one by one from the peptides of interest, enabling the two epitopes to be precisely located at amino acids 430-435 (-DRIMNP-) and 643-647 (-VFIKN-).

Mesenteric adipose tissue B lymphocytes promote intestinal injury in severe acute pancreatitis by mediating enteric pyroptosis

Background:Visceral adipose tissue(VAT)has been linked to the severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)prognosis,although the underlying mechanism remains unclear.It has been reported that pyroptosis worsens SAP.The present study aimed to verify whether mesenteric adipose tissue(MAT,a component of VAT)can cause secondary intestinal injury through the pyroptotic pathway.Methods:Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were divided into six different groups.Twelve rats were randomly divided into the SAP and control groups.We monitored the changes of MAT and B lymphocytes infiltration in MAT of SAP rats.Twelve SAP rats were injected with MAT B lymphocytes or phosphate buffer solution(PBS).The remaining twelve SAP rats were first injected with MAT B lymphocytes,and then with MCC950(NLRP3 inhibitor)or PBS.We collected blood and tissue samples from pancreas,gut and MAT for analysis.Results:Compared to the control rats,the SAP group showed inflammation in MAT,including higher expression of tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6),lower expression of IL-10,and histological changes.Flow cytometry analysis revealed B lymphocytes infiltration in MAT but not T lymphocytes and macrophages.The SAP rats also exhibited intestinal injury,characterized by lower expression of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin,higher levels of lipopolysaccharide and diamine oxidase,and pathological changes.The expression of NLRP3 and n-GSDMD,which are responsible for pyroptosis,was increased in the intestine of SAP rats.The injection of MAT B lymphocytes into SAP rats exacerbated the inflammation in MAT.The upregulation of pyroptosis reduced tight junction in the intestine,which contributed to the SAP progression,including higher inflammatory indicators and worse histological changes.The administration of MCC950 to SAP+MAT B rats downregulated pyroptosis,which subsequently improved the intestinal barrier and ameliorated inflammatory response of SAP.Conclusions:In SAP,MAT B lymphocytes aggravated local inflammation,and promoted the injury to the intestine through the enteric pyroptotic pathway.

Prediction of promiscuous T-cell epitopes in the Zika virus polyprotein:An in silico approach

Objective:To predict immunogenic promiscuous T-cell epitopes from the polyprotein of the Zika virus using a range of bioinformatics tools.To date,no epitope data are available for the Zika virus in the IEDB database.Methods:We retrieved nearly 54 full length polyprotein sequences of the Zika virus from the NCBI database belonging to different outbreaks.A consensus sequence was then used to predict the promiscuous T cell epitopes that bind MHC 1 and MHC II alleles using Propred1 and Propred immunoinformatic algorithms respectively.The antigencity predicted score was also calculated for each predicted epitope using the Vaxi Jen 2.0 tool.Results:By using Pro Pred1,23 antigenic epitopes for HLA class I and 48 antigenic epitopes for HLA class II were predicted from the consensus polyprotein sequence of Zika virus.The greatest number of MHC class I binding epitopes were projected within the NS5(21%),followed by Envelope(17%).For MHC class II,greatest number of predicted epitopes were in NS5(19%) followed by the Envelope,NS1 and NS2(17% each).A variety of epitopes with good binding affinity,promiscuity and antigenicity were predicted for both the HLA classes.Conclusion:The predicted conserved promiscuous T-cell epitopes examined in this study were reported for the first time and will contribute to the imminent design of Zika virus vaccine candidates,which will be able to induce a broad range of immune responses in a heterogeneous HLA population.However,our results can be verified and employed in future efficacious vaccine formulations only after successful experimental studies.

GZMB在乳腺癌和乳腺良性肿物患者中的表达及与T淋巴细胞水平的关系研究

目的:探讨颗粒酶B(granzyme B,GZMB)在乳腺癌和乳腺良性肿物患者中的表达及与T淋巴细胞水平的关系。方法:选取2022年1月至2023年8月南阳市第一人民医院收治的乳腺癌患者63例为观察组,根据肿瘤分期分为T_(1)N_(0)M_(0)组、T_(2)N_(0)M_(0)组、T_(2)N_(1)M_(0)组、T_(3)N_(0)M_(0)组及T_(3)N_(1)M_(0)组;选择同期治疗的乳腺良性肿物患者9例为对照组;采用流式细胞仪测定各组GZMB及T淋巴细胞水平;对乳腺癌患者GZMB与T淋巴细胞参数完成相关性分析。结果:观察组乳腺癌患者GZMB水平高于对照组(P<0.05);CD_(3)^(+)、CD_(4)^(+)及CD_(4)^(+)/CD_(8)^(+)水平低于对照组(P<0.05);乳腺癌不同分期下CD_(8)^(+)水平无统计差异(P>0.05);乳腺癌患者中T_(3)N_(1)M_(0)组GZMB水平高于其余4组(P<0.05),CD_(3)^(+)、CD_(4)^(+)及CD_(4)^(+)/CD_(8)^(+)水平低于其余4组(P<0.05);乳腺癌患者分期越高,GZMB水平越高,CD_(3)^(+)、CD_(4)^(+)及CD_(4)^(+)/CD_(8)^(+)水平越低;Pearson相关性结果表明,乳腺癌患者GZMB水平与CD_(3)^(+)、CD_(4)^(+)及CD_(4)^(+)/CD_(8)^(+)水平呈负相关(P<0.05)。结论:GZMB在乳腺癌患者中呈高表达,其表达水平在不同分期中存在差异,且与T淋巴细胞水平存在相关性,可指导临床诊疗。

慢性乙型肝炎者外周血SAA/CRP、NLR水平与HBV-DNA载量、病情程度的相关性分析

目的探究慢性乙型肝炎(chronic hepatitis B,CHB)患者外周血淀粉样蛋白A(serum amyloid A,SAA)与C反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)比值(SAA/CRP)、中性粒细胞与淋巴细胞比值(neutrophils lymphocytes ratio,NLR)水平与乙型肝炎病毒-脱氧核糖核酸(HBV-DNA)载量及病情程度的相关性。方法选取2020年6月至2022年6月达州市中西医结合医院100例CHB患者作为研究组,根据病情程度分为轻度(单纯CHB,n=36)、中度(乙肝代偿期肝硬化,n=33)和重度(乙肝失代偿期肝硬化,n=31)。另选同期、同年龄段50例健康志愿者作为对照组,比较研究组不同病情程度、对照组一般资料、血清SAA/CRP、NLR水平,并比较研究组不同HBV-DNA载量患者血清SAA/CRP、NLR水平,分析CHB患者血清SAA/CRP、NLR水平与HBV-DNA载量、病情程度的相关性;所有患者均行抗病毒治疗,治疗24周,比较不同抗病毒疗效患者治疗前、治疗后12周、24周血清SAA/CRP、NLR水平及变化值,分析治疗前后血清SAA/CRP、NLR水平变化值预测疗效的价值。结果重度CHB患者血清SAA/CRP、NLR水平>中度CHB患者>轻度CHB患者>健康人群(P<0.05);高载量患者血清SAA/CRP、NLR水平>中载量患者>轻载量患者(P<0.05);CHB患者血清SAA/CRP、NLR水平与HBV-DNA载量(r=0.756、0.709)、病情程度(r=0.776、0.745)呈正相关(P<0.05);无应答患者治疗后12周、24周外周血SAA/CRP、NLR水平均高于应答患者,变化值均低于应答患者(P<0.05);SAA/CRP△1、NLR△1单独预测的AUC分别为0.752、0.773,联合预测△1的AUC为0.861;SAA/CRP△2、NLR△2单独预测的AUC分别为0.796、0.819,联合预测△2的AUC为0.967,大于联合预测△1的AUC(P<0.05)。结论CHB患者的SAA/CRP、NLR与CHB HBV-DNA载量及病情程度具有相关性,临床可通过其水平变化评估病情及预测预后。

伴单克隆B淋巴细胞和单克隆浆细胞增殖的AITL 1例

血管免疫母细胞性T细胞淋巴瘤(angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma,AITL)是一种预后较差的侵袭性淋巴瘤。本文报道1例伴单克隆B淋巴细胞和单克隆浆细胞增殖AITL患者的诊疗经过,以提高对AITL的认识及诊疗水平,从而减少漏诊和误诊。

超声心动图参数及外周血T淋巴细胞亚群、NF-κB、CD64水平预测新生儿败血症预后的价值

【目的】探讨超声心动图参数及外周血T淋巴细胞亚群、核因子-κB(NF-κB)、簇分化抗原64(CD64)水平预测新生儿败血症预后的价值。【方法】选取2020年1月至2023年2月本院收治的95例新生儿败血症,根据预后情况将其分为存活组(n=80)和死亡组(n=15)。比较两组患儿超声心动图参数[左室短轴缩短率(FS)、升主动脉内径(AAO)、左室射血分数(LVEF)]、心肌损伤标志物[肌酸激酶(CK)、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)]、T淋巴细胞亚群(CD3^(+)、CD4^(+)、CD8^(+))、NF-κB、CD64水平;采用Logistic多因素回归分析新生儿败血症预后不良的相关影响因素;采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析心电图指标及实验室指标预测新生儿败血症预后的临床价值。【结果】两组患儿肌酸激酶CK、CK-MB水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);存活组FS、AAO及LVEF高于死亡组患儿,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组患儿CD8^(+)水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);存活组患儿CD3^(+)、CD4^(+)水平高于死亡组,NF-κB、CD64水平低于死亡组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组患儿中性粒细胞与淋巴细胞比值(NLR)、C反应蛋白(CRP)水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);存活组患儿白细胞计数(WBC)低于死亡组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Logistic多因素回归分析显示:FS、LVEF、CD64是影响新生儿败血症预后的相关因素(P<0.05)。FS、LVEF、CD64联合预测新生儿败血症预后的ROC曲线下面积为0.948,明显高于各指标单独预测的0.827、0.895和0.877(P<0.05)。【结论】FS、LVEF联合CD64检测对新生儿败血症预后有良好的预测价值,临床可通过密切监测上述指标及时判断新生儿败血症预后,采取相关干预措施。

Bystanders or not?Microglia and lymphocytes in aging and stroke

As the average age of the world population increases,more people will face debilitating aging-associated conditions,including dementia and stroke.Not only does the incidence of these conditions increase with age,but the recovery afterward is often worse in older patients.Researchers and health professionals must unveil and understand the factors behind age-associated diseases to develop a therapy for older patients.Aging causes profound changes in the immune system including the activation of microglia in the brain.Activated microglia promote T lymphocyte transmigration leading to an increase in neuroinflammation,white matter damage,and cognitive impairment in both older humans and rodents.The presence of T and B lymphocytes is observed in the aged brain and correlates with worse stroke outcomes.Preclinical strategies in stroke target either microglia or the lymphocytes or the communications between them to promote functional recovery in aged subjects.In this review,we examine the role of the microglia and T and B lymphocytes in aging and how they contribute to cognitive impairment.Additionally,we provide an important update on the contribution of these cells and their interactions in preclinical aged stroke.

N端B细胞表位缺失的兔出血症病毒VP60蛋白的表达及其免疫原性

本研究将A3C单抗识别的VP60蛋白NTA区域作为识别标记,设计一系列编码VP60 NTA区域重叠多肽的基因序列并连接于pGEX-4T-1载体,确定A3C单抗识别的精确表位。然后构建重组质粒Bacmid-VP60△A3C,将Bacmid-VP60△A3C转染Sf9昆虫细胞,得到重组杆状病毒rBac-VP60△A3C。RT-PCR、HA、IFA和Western Blot鉴定结果表明,重组蛋白VP60△A3C在Sf9细胞中高效表达,电镜观察显示其形态和结构与兔出血症病毒VP60蛋白类似。将重组蛋白VP60△A3C以每只200μg免疫2月龄RHDV血清阴性的新西兰兔,免疫后14 d,以兔出血症病毒WF株攻毒新西兰兔。结果表明,免疫组无死亡,而对照组全部死亡。本研究结果为制备表位缺失的兔出血症亚单位疫苗奠定了基础。

慢性乙型肝炎患者外周血B淋巴细胞亚群的变化特征及临床意义

目的观察慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者外周血B淋巴细胞(B细胞)亚群的变化特征,并探讨其临床意义。方法收集2022年7-10月在解放军总医院第五医学中心就诊的37例CHB未治疗患者的外周血标本,同时收集18名接种过乙肝疫苗的健康人外周血标本作为健康对照(HC),并收集研究对象的年龄、HBV DNA病毒载量、HBsAg定量、HBeAg半定量、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)及AST/ALT比值等临床指标。采用多色流式细胞术检测并比较两组外周血B细胞及各亚群的频率、表型及功能标志物的变化特征,并探究其与临床指标之间的相关性。结果B细胞各亚群频率分析显示,与HC组比较,CHB组整体B细胞、过渡B细胞及幼稚B细胞频率均降低(P<0.05),而成熟B细胞、记忆B细胞、非典型记忆B细胞及激活记忆B细胞频率均升高(P<0.01);两组静息记忆B细胞频率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。B细胞各亚群功能分析显示,与HC组比较,CHB组整体B细胞、成熟B细胞、记忆B细胞、幼稚B细胞、激活记忆B细胞、非典型记忆B细胞及静息记忆B细胞的CD79b表达水平均升高(P<0.05);此外,CHB组非典型记忆B细胞的程序性死亡受体1(PD-1)表达水平也高于HC组(P<0.05)。相关性分析显示,CHB组整体B细胞频率与年龄呈负相关(r=-0.39,P<0.05),且整体B细胞、成熟B细胞、过渡B细胞、记忆B细胞、幼稚B细胞的PD-1表达水平与年龄均呈正相关(r>0.36,P<0.05)。结论慢性HBV感染导致CHB患者外周血部分B细胞的频率及功能发生耗竭,而年龄是导致CHB患者体液免疫功能下降的潜在危险因素。

Zeste同源物2增强子在桥本甲状腺炎B淋巴细胞亚群中的表达及其抑制剂的治疗机制及效果研究

背景甲状腺自身抗体是诊断桥本甲状腺炎(HT)的标志,B淋巴细胞在HT的发病机制中发挥重要作用。Zeste同源物2增强子(EZH2)是一种表观遗传学蛋白,在淋巴细胞的发育与功能调控中扮演重要角色。目的本研究探讨EZH2在HT甲状腺组浆母细胞及浆细胞中的表达,进一步探讨EZH2抑制剂在实验性自身免疫甲状腺炎(EAT)模型中的治疗作用。方法收集北京大学第一医院2010—2020年6例行甲状腺手术的患者,取肿瘤对侧的甲状腺组织(HT及正常甲状腺组织各3例),通过RNA-seq筛选B淋巴细胞相关基因的表达情况;收集16例HT患者的甲状腺组织和8例健康对照(HD)甲状腺组织,分别利用免疫组化及免疫荧光验证EZH2在HT甲状腺组织中B淋巴细胞中的表达;收集25例HT甲状腺细针穿刺液(FNA)、19例HT外周血以及12例健康人外周血样本应用流式细胞分析检测EZH2在浆母细胞及浆细胞中的表达改变。将15只7周龄NOD.H-2^(h4)小鼠EAT模型分为对照组(n=5)、EAT无注射(n=5)或注射EZH2抑制剂GSK126处理组(10 mg/kg,腹腔注射3次/周,n=5),8周后观察甲状腺炎症程度及甲状腺球蛋白抗体(TgAb)水平的改变。结果RNA-seq结果显示,相较于正常甲状腺组织,HT甲状腺组织中EZH2水平上调,一些与B淋巴细胞表型相关的基因例如CD19、CD27、CD38、CD52相应增加。免疫组化结果显示,16例HT甲状腺组织标本中EZH2免疫组化染色均可在生发中心(GC)见到阳性细胞,呈强阳性,8例正常甲状腺组织染色中未观察到阳性细胞。HT甲状腺组织中EZH2染色高表达在GC区,EZH2特异性地表达在CD_(19)^(+)B淋巴细胞中。流式细胞术检测结果显示HT FNA样本中CD_(19)^(+)B淋巴细胞、浆母细胞及浆细胞比例均高于HD外周血、HT外周血样本(P<0.01),HT FNA样本中EZH2在CD_(19)^(+)B淋巴细胞、浆母细胞中的阳性比例高于HT外周血(P<0.005)。小鼠实验中,EAT组甲状腺的淋巴细胞浸润较对照组增加。GSK126处理组炎症程度评分和TgAb水平高于对照组,低于EAT组(P<0.001)。结论EZH2在HT甲状腺组织CD_(19)^(+)B淋巴细胞中表达异常升高,可能促进了B淋巴细胞分化成浆细胞进而促进自身抗体生成破坏甲状腺,EZH2抑制剂可以减缓EAT模型甲状腺炎症程度。浆母细胞中EZH2表达增加可能参与了HT的发病机制,EZH2可能成为治疗HT的新靶点,相关机制需要进一步深入研究。

CD93^(+)B淋巴细胞亚群在炎症及炎症相关疾病中的研究进展

CD93表达于原B(pro-B)细胞、前B(pre-B)细胞以及各种不成熟B细胞,CD93可以和膜突蛋白(moesin)、多聚素2(MMRN2)等分子相互作用参与细胞迁移、黏附和吞噬过程,进而在炎症以及血管生成过程中发挥着重要的作用。检测CD93+B细胞亚群对炎症及炎症相关疾病,如幽门螺杆菌相关性的胃炎、脓毒症、非肥胖型糖尿病以及牙周炎等疾病的诊断、治疗及预后监测具有重要的作用。

非洲猪瘟病毒T、B细胞表位的免疫信息学预测与分析

旨在通过免疫信息学方法预测非洲猪瘟病毒(ASFV)结构蛋白的T、B细胞表位,为非洲猪瘟(ASF)表位疫苗的设计研制提供参考。从NCBI和RCSB数据库获取ASFV蛋白质序列和三维结构,利用IEDB、DTU Health Tech等数据库的生物信息学工具对ASFV的5种结构蛋白p72、p17、p49、M1249L和H240R的细胞毒性T细胞表位、线性B细胞和构象B细胞表位进行鉴定。结果显示:5种蛋白质均为亲水性,二级结构以无规则卷曲为主,仅M1249L例外;预测到抗原性良好、无毒、无致敏的细胞毒性T细胞优势表位27个,线性B细胞优势表位35个;预测到仅针对p72的构象B细胞优势表位2个。结论:ASFV的5种蛋白质可能具有多个潜在T、B细胞表位,其中B细胞表位相对占优,5种蛋白质中p72和M1249L最具疫苗研发前景,可结合蛋白质相关参数信息为构建ASF表位疫苗提供参考。