Effects of dietary supplementation with Clostridium butyricum on the growth performance and humoral immune response in Miichthys miiuy

The effects of dietary supplementation with Clostridium butyricum on growth performance and humoral immune response in Miichthys miiuy were evaluated. One hundred and fifty Miichthys miiuy weighing approximately 200-260 g were divided into five groups and reared in 15 tanks with closed circuiting culture system. The animals were fed 5 diets： basal diet only （control） or supplemented of the basal diet with C. butyricum at doses of 10^3 （CB1）, 10^5 （CB2）, 10^7 （CB3） or 10^9 （CB4） CFU/g. Compared with the control, the serum phenoloxidase activity was significantly increased by the supplementation （P〈0.05）, acid phosphatases activity was increased significantly （P〈0.05） at the doses of 10^9 CFU/g. Serum lysozyme activity peaked at dose of 10^7 CFU/g and in the skin mucus at dose of 10^9 CFU/g. Immunoglobulin M level in the serum and skin mucus was increased except at dose of 10^3 CFU/g （P〈0.05）. The growth at the dose of 10^9 CFU/g was higher than that of the control （P〈0.05）. It is concluded that supplementation of C. butyricum can mediate the humoral immune responses and improve the growth performance in Miichthys miiuy.

Efficient Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses Induced by a Chimeric Virus-like Particle Displaying the Epitope of EV71 without Adjuvant

Objective To eliminate the side effects of aluminum adjuvant and His-tag,we constructed chimeric VLPs displaying the epitope of EV71（SP70） without His-tagged.Then evaluating whether the VLPs could efficiently evoke not only humoral but also cellular immune responses against EV71 without adjuvant.Methods The fusion protein was constructed by inserting SP70 into the MIR of truncated HBc Ag sequence,expressed in E.Coli,and purified through ion exchange chromatography and density gradient centrifugation.Mice were immunized with the VLPs and sera were collected afterwards.The specific antibody titers,Ig G subtypes and neutralizing efficacy were detected by ELISA,neutralization assay,and EV71 lethal challenge.IFN-γ and IL-4 secreted by splenocytes were tested by ELISPOT assay.Results HBc-SP70 proteins can self-assemble into empty VLPs.After immunization with HBc-SP70 VLPs,the detectable anti-EV71 antibodies were effective in neutralizing EV71 and protected newborn mice from EV71 lethal challenge.There was no significant difference for the immune efficacy whether the aluminum adjuvant was added or not.The specific Ig G subtypes were mainly IgG1 and IgG2 b and splenocytes from the mice immunized produced high levels of IFN-γ and IL-4.Conclusion The fusion proteins without His-tagged was expressed and purified as soluble chimeric HBc-SP70 VLPs without renaturation.In the absence of adjuvant,they were efficient to elicit high levels of Th1/Th2 mixed immune response as well as assisted by aluminum adjuvant.Furthermore,the chimeric VLPs have potential to prevent HBV and EV71 infection simultaneously.

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

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

Pre-evaluation of humoral immune response of Bactrian camels by the quantification of Th2 cytokines using real-time PCR

With the increasing immunological studies on camels due to the advantage of their single-chain antibodies for humanizations,it is demanding to develop an easy-to-handle evaluation method of their humoral immune response before proceeding with immunization of foreign antigens that may be toxic to camels.In this study,we quantitatively determined the expression levels of T-helper 2(Th2) cytokines in peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from Bactrian camels by real-time PCR.The recorded kinetic profiles resulting from the immunization of ovalbumin(OVA) indicated that after immunization,Th2 cytokines including interleukin(IL) families such as IL-4,IL-10,and IL-13 in the camels were up-regulated by a factor of 1.78,3.15,and 1.22,respectively,which was validated by traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) methods.Unlike ELISA which requires specific enzyme-labeled antibodies,this established method based on the minimal amount of blood samples holds an advantage in the preliminary evaluation of camel humoral immune response with desirable precision,which is meaningful for biomedical explorations of camel-derived antibodies.

Enhancement of Humoral Immune Response of Newcastle Disease Vaccine by ATRA

[ Objective] The paper was to study the immune enhancement of ATRA on Newcastle Disease （ND） vaccine. [ Method ] The 1-day-old AA broilers were treated with ATRA at the doses of I and 5 p.mol/kg, respectively. At 7 and 28 days of age, broilers in drug control group, low dose group and high dose group were immunized with ND vaccine by intranasal and eye immunization approach. At 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 clays of age, seven chickens were randomly se- lected from each group and weighed. The thymus, spleen, bursa of fabrieius and serum were collected for calculating immune organ index of thymus, spleen and bursa of fabricius. The ND specific antibody titers in serum were determined with HI test. [Result] ATRA promoted the growth of thymus, spleen and bursa of fabricius, and improved the immune organ index and ND specific antibody titers of chicks. [ Conclusion] ATRA enhanced the humoral immune response of chicks, and ATRT at the dose of 5 μmol/kg presented more prominent immune enhancement effect on ND vaccine.

Effects of Combined Application of NRTUAs and ABP on Growth and Humoral Immunity of Chicks

[Objectives]The paper was to study the effects of combined application of nonreplicating Toxoplasma uracil auxotrophs(NRTUAs)and Agaricus blazei Murill polysaccharide(ABP)on growth and humoral immunity of chicks.[Methods]A total of 120 one-day old female Hyline brown laying hens were randomly divided into 4 groups,30 hens for each group.The chicks in group 1 were subcutaneously injected with NRTUAs and fed on the diet containing with ABP;the chicks in group 2 were subcutaneously injected with NRTUAs;the chicks in group 3 were subcutaneously injected with equal volume of PBS,and fed on the diet containing with ABP;the chicks in group 4 were subcutaneously injected with equal volume of PBS.The body weight of chicks in each group was counted at the 21^(st),42^(nd),84^(th)and 112^(th)week.During this period,blood samples were collected from chicks in each group at 0,7,14,21,28 and 35 d post immunization against Newcastle disease(ND),and serum was separated to detect the antibody titer of ND.[Results]The combined application of NRTUAs and ABP had no effect on growth of chicks,but promoted the humoral immune response of chicks,significantly improved the ND antibody level of chicks,and could maintain high levels of antibodies in the body for a long time.[Conclusions]The study lays a theoretical foundation for further developing the clinical application of NRTUAs and ABP.

Impact of exercise on markers of B cell-related immunity:A systematic review

Background:B cells represent a crucial component of adaptive immunity that ensures long-term protection from infection by generating pathogen-specific immunoglobulins.Exercise alters B cell counts and immunoglobulin levels,but evidence-based conclusions on potential benefits for adaptive immunity are lacking.This systematic review assessed current literatures on the impact of acute exercise and exercise training on B cells,immunoglobulins,and markers of secretory immunity in human biofluids.Methods:According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines,MEDLINE,Web of Science,and Embase were searched on March 8,2023.Non-randomized controlled trials and crossover trials investigating the impact of acute exercise or exercise training on B cell counts and proportions,immunoglobulin levels,salivary flow rate,or secretory immunoglobulin A secretion rate were included.Quality and reporting of exercise training studies were assessed using the Tool for the Assessment of Study Quality and reporting in Exercise.Study characteristics,outcome measures,and statistically significant changes were summarized tabularly.Results:Of the 67 eligible studies,22 applied acute exercise and 45 applied exercise training.All included outcomes revealed significant alterations over time in acute exercise and exercise training context,but only a few investigations showed significant differences compared to control conditions.Secretory and plasma immunoglobulin A levels were most consistently increased in response to exercise training.Conclusion:B cell-related outcomes are altered by acute exercise and exercise training,but evidence-based conclusions cannot be drawn with high confidence due to the large heterogeneity in populations and exercise modalities.Well-designed trials with large sample sizes are needed to clarify how exercise shapes B cell-related immunity.

Characterization of humoral immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 accessory proteins in infected patients and mouse model

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),the causative agent of COVID-19,encodes several accessory proteins that have been shown to play crucial roles in regulating the innate immune response.However,their expressions in infected cells and immunogenicity in infected humans and mice are still not fully understood.This study utilized various techniques such as luciferase immunoprecipitation system(LIPS),immunofluorescence assay(IFA),and western blot(WB)to detect accessory protein-specific antibodies in sera of COVID-19 patients.Specific antibodies to proteins 3a,3b,7b,8 and 9c can be detected by LIPS,but only protein 3a antibody was detected by IFA or WB.Antibodies against proteins 3a and 7b were only detected in ICU patients,which may serve as a marker for predicting disease progression.Further,we investigated the expression of accessory proteins in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells and identified the expressions of proteins 3a,6,7a,8,and 9b.We also analyzed their ability to induce antibodies in immunized mice and found that only proteins 3a,6,7a,8,9b and 9c were able to induce measurable antibody productions,but these antibodies lacked neutralizing activities and did not protect mice from SARS-CoV-2 infection.Our findings validate the expression of SARS-CoV-2 accessory proteins and elucidate their humoral immune response,providing a basis for protein detection assays and their role in pathogenesis.

DNA vaccine prime and replicating vaccinia vaccine boost induce robust humoral and cellular immune responses against MERS-CoV in mice

As of December 2022,2603 laboratory-identified Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus(MERS-CoV)infections and 935 associated deaths,with a mortality rate of 36%,had been reported to the World Health Organization(WHO).However,there are still no vaccines for MERS-CoV,which makes the prevention and control of MERS-CoV difficult.In this study,we generated two DNA vaccine candidates by integrating MERS-CoV Spike(S)gene into a replicating Vaccinia Tian Tan(VTT)vector.Compared to homologous immunization with either vaccine,mice immunized with DNA vaccine prime and VTT vaccine boost exhibited much stronger and durable humoral and cellular immune responses.The immunized mice produced robust binding antibodies and broad neutralizing antibodies against the EMC2012,England1 and KNIH strains of MERS-CoV.Prime-Boost immunization also induced strong MERS-S specific T cells responses,with high memory and poly-functional(CD107a-IFN-γ-TNF-α)effector CD8t T cells.In conclusion,the research demonstrated that DNA-Prime/VTT-Boost strategy could elicit robust and balanced humoral and cellular immune responses against MERS-CoV-S.This study not only provides a promising set of MERS-CoV vaccine candidates,but also proposes a heterologous sequential immunization strategy worthy of further development.

Immunoregulatory Effects of Ethyl-acetate Fraction of Extracts from Tetrastigma Hemsleyanum Diels et. Gilg on Immune Functions of ICR Mice

Objective To evaluate the effects of ethyl-acetate fraction （EAF） of extracts from Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et. Gilg （TDG） on immune functions of ICR mice. Methods ICR mice were exposed to different doses of EAF for 15 or 30 days and then their immune functions were analyzed, including ConA-induced splenic lymphocyte transformation, SRBC- induced delayed type hypersensitivity response, serum hemolysin analysis, antibody-producing cells, peritoneal macrophage phagocytized chicken red blood cells, natural killer cell activity, and serum level of cytoldnes. Results EAF of extracts from TDG at different doses had various effects on immune functions of ICR mice. As compared with the controls, it increased the mouse spleen lymphocyte transformation induced by ConA, the left-hind voix pedis thickness and the number of plague forming cells （PFCs） at the dose of 1.82 mg/mL, 5.48 mg/mL, and 9.12 mg/mL, respectively; increased the ink clearance ability at the dose of 0.91 mg/mL, 1.82 mg/mL, 5.48 mg/mL, and 9.12 mg/mL, respectively; increased the phagocytosis index of mononuclear-macrophages and production of serum interferon-gamma （IFN-？） at the dose of 5.48 mg/mL; and could promote the production of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α） at the dose of 9.12 mg/mL. Conclusion EAF of extracts from TDG can regulate mouse immune functions in vivo.

THE HUMORAL ANTITUMOR RESPONSES INDUCED BY IL-4 GENE-MODIFIED TUMOR VACCINE

It is well known that IL4 plays important roles in the induction of humoral immunity. In the present study, the humoral antitumor responses induced by IL4 genemodified tumor vaccine were investigated. The mice were vaccinated with the IL4 genemodified B16 melanoma cells. Then the proliferative capacity of the splenic lymphocytes, the levels of the antibodies in the murine serum against wildtype B16 cells and the cytotoxicity of the serum to wildtype melanoma cells were detected. Our data showed that the LPSinduced proliferation of the splenic lymphocytes from the mice vaccinated with the IL4 genemodified tumor vaccine increased more significantly than that from mice vaccinated with wildtype tumor vaccine. The cytotoxicity of the serum to wildtype melanoma cells also increased markedly when detected. It was also observed that the number of pulmonary metastases decreased more obviously when the mice were intravenously injected with the mixture of wildtype B16 cells and the serum from the mice vaccinated with the IL4 genemodified B16 cells. Our data demonstrated that humoral immunity might contribute to the antitumor effect of IL4 gene therapy.

STUDIES ON LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS, HUMORAL IMMUNITY AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH SELENIUM IN PATIENTS WITH KASHIN-BECK DISEASE

Objective To study the humoral immunity status and distribution pattern of lymphocyte subgroups of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) in patients with Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD), and their relationship with erythrocyte selenium. Methods 23 X-ray diagnosed patients, 22 age- and sex- matched healthy children in KBD affected area (KAA), and 25 in KBD non-affected area (KNAA) were randomly selected. Immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies anti-CD4, anti-CD8, anti-CD20 was conducted to analyze the lymphocyte subsets. Serum IgM, IgA, IgG, Complement C3 and C4 were assayed using rate nephelometry (Array 360 System, USA). The contents of erythrocyte selenium was determined by 2,3-diaminonaphthalene fluorescence assay. Results CD4+ and CD8+ cells percentage in PBMCs and serum IgA were significantly lower in KAA than those in KNAA(P< 0.05). CD20+ percentage in KAA displayed a decreasing trend compared to KNAA, although not statistically significantly. No statistical differences were found in CD4/CD8 ratio, serum IgG, IgM, C3 and C4 levels. Erythrocyte selenium level in KAA still showed a pronounced decrease compared to that in KNAA. Correlation analysis showed that erythrocyte selenium contents had a strong association with the CD4 cell percentage (r= 0.625, P< 0.05), as well as serum IgA (r= 0.462, P< 0.05). In addition, a moderate correlation between the serum IgA and CD4+ percentage (r= 0.130, P> 0.05) was found. Conclusion These results suggested that children in KAA had a comparably low cellular immunity level and their humoral immunity status was also in a state of moderate immune suppression. Of this immune disorder in Kashin-Beck disease patients, selenium deficiency probably played a critical role via affecting the distribution pattern of peripheral blood lymphocyte. Selenium-deficiency and immune impairment maybe both have something to do with the cause-effect chain of KBD.

Impacts of Active Ingredients of Three Traditional Chinese Medicine on Immune Effect of PCV2 Vaccine

[ Objective ] The paper was to screen the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine （ TCM）, which significantly enhanced the immune effect of porcine circovirus type 2 （PCV2） vaccine. [Method]Sixty-six 14-day-old piglets were randomly divided into 11 groups, including immune control group, blank control group and nine drug groups. Piglets that were reared for 21 d were intramuscularly injected with 2 mL of inactivated vaccine in cervical region expect for blank control group. Piglets in nine drug groups were administrated with 5 mL of matrine, scutellarin and astragalus polysaecharide （ASP） at three doses （ high dose 12 mg, medium dose 8 nag, low dose 4 mg） three days before and after immunization; piglets in blank control group and irmnune control group were administrated with equal volume of normal saline. Five piglets were randomly selected from each group to collect venous blood at 7, 14, 21 and 28 d post immunization, and the PCV2 antibody level, the concentration of specific immunoglobulin [gG, the changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets, and the content of serum IL-2 and IFN-γ were determined. [ Result] The immunological effects of active ingredients of three TCM on PCV2 vaccine all enhanced at different degree. The effects of scutellarin middle dose group was the best. [ Conclusion ] Scutellarin could be used as a candidate drug for PCV2 vaccine immunoenhancer.

Live and Inactivated Salmonella Enteritidis Vaccines:Immune Mechanisms in Broiler Breeders

Salmonella is a ubiquitous pathogen which, in addition to causing poultry diseases, has a growing zoonotic impact. It has demanded the implementation of diverse control strategies, in which vaccines play a major role. The understanding of the immune pathways elicited by the different vaccines is important, contributing for the establishment of strong immune correlates of protection, for instance. With the purpose of determining the dynamics of the humoral and cellular immune responses to vaccination, broiler breeders (Cobb Slow) were immunized with live or inactivated vaccines against Salmonella Enteritidis. Lymphocyte and macrophage subsets were analyzed in the peripheral blood by flow cytometry and antigen-specific circulating IgY and mucosal IgA were quantified. The markers analyzed by flow cytometry were CD8/CD28, CD4/TCRVβ1, Kul/ MHC II and Bu-1. Both live and inactivated vaccines induced an increase in the proportion of circulating monocytes (Kul+MHCII+) in some time points compared to non-vaccinated controls. However, whereas the live vaccine leads to an increase in CD8-CD28+ and Bu-1+ lymphocytescompared to the control group, the inactivated vaccine prompteda reduction in the percentage of severalleucocyte subsets (Kul-MHCII+, Bu-1+, CD8+CD28+, CD8-CD28+, CD4+TCRVβ1-, CD4+TCRVβ1+, CD4-TCRVβ1+) after the boost dose. Both vaccines induced specific serum IgY and mucosal IgA production;however, the inactivated vaccine stimulated higher titers in a shorter period. These results contribute to the understanding of mechanisms of action of live and inactivated Salmonella vaccines in chickens.

Simultaneous enhancement of cellular and humoral immunity by the lymph node-targeted cholesterolized TLR7 agonist liposomes

Toll-like receptor(TLR)agonists,as promising adjuvants and immunotherapeutic agents,have the potential to enhance immune responses and modulate antigen-dependent T-cell immune memory through activation of distinct signaling pathways.However,their clinical application is hindered by uncontrolled systemic inflammatory reactions.Therefore,it is imperative to create a vaccine adjuvant for TLR receptors that ensures both safety and efficacy.In this study,we designed lymph node-targeted cholesterolized TLR7 agonist cationic liposomes(1V209-Cho-Lip^(+))to mitigate undesired side effects.Co-delivery of the model antigen OVA and cholesterolized TLR7 agonist facilitated DC maturation through TLR activation while ensuring optimal presentation of the antigen to CD8^(+)T cells.The main aim of the present study is to evaluate the adjuvant effectiveness of 1V209-Cho-Lip^(+)in tumor vaccines.Following immunization with 1V209-Cho-Lip^(+)+OVA,we observed a pronounced"depot effect"and enhanced trafficking to secondary lymphoid organs.Prophylactic vaccination with 1V209-Cho-Lip^(+)^(+)OVA significantly delays tumor development,prolongs mouse survival,and establishes durable immunity against tumor recurrence.Additionally,1V209-Cho-Lip^(+)+OVA,while used therapeutic tumor vaccine,has demonstrated its efficacy in inhibiting tumor progression,and when combined with anti-PD-1,it further enhances antitumor effects.Therefore,the co-delivery of antigen and lymph node-targeted cholesterolized TLR7 agonist shows great promise as a cancer vaccine.

Macleaya cordata extract exhibits some potential as a surrogate antibiotic by improving gastrointestinal epithelial status and humoral response in goats

Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)is a potential replacement for antibiotics.In the current study,effects of MCE on the gastrointestinal health and humoral responses of host animals were explored.A total of 30 weanling goats with similar body weight of 9.15±1.36 kg were randomly allocated into three groups(n=10 per group):control group(CON group,fed with a basal diet),antibiotic group(Abx group,fed with the basal diet supplemented with 0.18 g/d vancomycin and 0.36 g/d neomycin),and MCE group(fed with the basal diet supplemented with 5 g/d MCE),for three weeks.Results showed that antibiotic addition decreased the height and area of rumen papillae,ruminal mucosa Toll-like receptor 8(TLR8),interleukin-8(IL-8)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)gene relative expression levels and microbial diversity,altered the volatile fatty acid(VFA)profile in the rumen,and increased monocytes amount and CD4^(+)T cells percentage in the peripheral blood(P<0.05)compared to CON group.MCE addition increased the average daily gain,ileal villus height,villus height/crypt depth,and immunoglobulin M(IgM)content in the peripheral blood(P<0.05)compared to the CON.Additionally,MCE addition decreased the proportion of isobutyric acid in the chyme of the ileum(P=0.005)compared to the CON group.These results suggest that antibiotic supplementation may suppress the epithelial state and microbial diversity and fermentation in goats,but stimulate cellular response to maintain the growth performance of goats.MCE administration improved the epithelial state and humoral response to promote the growth performance in goats.

B cell development and antibody responses in human immune system mice:current status and future perspective

Humanized immune system(HIS)mice have been developed and used as a small surrogate model to study human immune function under normal or disease conditions.Although variations are found between models,most HIS mice show robust human T cell responses.However,there has been unsuccessful in constructing HIS mice that produce high-affinity human antibodies,primarily due to defects in terminal B cell differentiation,antibody affinity maturation,and development of primary follicles and germinal centers.In this review,we elaborate on the current knowledge about and previous attempts to improve human B cell development in HIS mice,and propose a potential strategy for constructing HIS mice with improved humoral immunity by transplantation of human follicular dendritic cells(FDCs)to facilitate the development of secondary follicles.

The woodchuck as an animal model for pathogenesis and therapy of chronic hepatitis B virus infection

This review describes the woodchuck and the woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) as an animal model for pathogenesis and therapy of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and disease in humans. The establishment of woodchuck breeding colonies, and use of laboratory-reared woodchucks infected with defined WHV inocula, have enhanced our understanding of the virology and immunology of HBV infection and disease pathogenesis, including major sequelae like chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The role of persistent WHV infection and of viral load on the natural history of infection and disease progression has been firmly established along the way. More recently, the model has shed new light on the role of host immune responses in these natural processes, and on how the immune system of the chronic carrier can be manipulated therapeutically to reduce or delay serious disease sequelae through induction of the recovery phenotype. The woodchuck is an outbred species and is not well defined immunologically due to a limitation of available host markers. However, the recent development of several key host response assays for woodchucks provides experimental opportunities for further mechanistic studies of outcome predictors in neonatal- and adult-acquired infections. Understanding the virological and immunological mechanisms responsible for resolution of self-limited infection, andfor the onset and maintenance of chronic infection, will greatly facilitate the development of successful strategies for the therapeutic eradication of established chronic HBV infection. Likewise, the results of drug efficacy and toxicity studies in the chronic carrier woodchucks are predictive for responses of patients chronically infected with HBV. Therefore, chronic WHV carrier woodchucks provide a well-characterized mammalian model for preclinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of drug candidates, experimental therapeutic vaccines, and immunomodulators for the treatment and prevention of HBV disease sequelae.

Humoral immune responses induced by anti-idiotypic antibody fusion protein of 6B11scFv/hGM-CSF in BALB/c mice

Background We have previously developed and characterized a monoclonal anti-idiotype antibody, designated 6B 11, which mimics an ovarian carcinoma associated antigen OC166-9 and whose corresponding monoclonal antibody is COC166-9 （Abl）. In this study, we evaluate the humoral immune responses induced by the fusion protein 6B11 single-chain variable fragment （scFv）/human granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor （hGM-CSF） and 6B 1 lscFv in BALB/c mice. Methods The fusion protein 6B 11 scFv/hGM-CSF was constructed by fusing a recombinant single-chain variable fragment of 6B11scFv to GM-CSE BALB/c mice were administrated by 6B11scFv/hGM-CSF and 6B11scFv, respectively. Results The fusion protein 6B11scFv/hGM-CSF retained binding to the anti-mouse F（ab）2＇ and was also biologically active as measured by proliferation of human GM-CSF dependent cell TF1 in vitro. After immunization with the 6B11scFv/hGM-CSF and 6BllScFv, BALB/c mice showed significantly enhanced Ab3 antibody responses to 6B11 scFv/hGM-CSF compared with the 6B11 scFv alone. The level of Ab3 was the highest after the first week and maintained for five weeks after the last immunization. Another booster was given when the Ab3 titer descended, and it would reach to the high level in a week. Conclusion The fusion protein 6B11scFv/hGM-CSF can induce humoral immunity against ovarian carcinoma in vivo. We also provide the theoretical foundation for the application of the fusion protein 6B11 scFv/hGM-CSF for active immunotherapy of ovarian cancer.

Role of autoimmunity in primary biliary cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis(PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by the presence of serum autoantibodies and chronic nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis.The pathogenesis of PBC involves environmental factors,genetic predisposition and loss of immune tolerance.In recent years,it has become univocally accepted that an inappropriately activated immune response is one of the most important factors in PBC.In this study,the role of autoimmunity in PBC is summarized and a feasible research orientation is recommended.