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.

Automatic Computer Analysis of Digital Images of Triple-Antibody-Stained Prostate Biopsies

Background: Worldwide, prostatic adenocarcinoma is the most common tumour type among men. Aim: The aim of the present investigation was to develop a computer program to identify normal prostate biopsies and distinguish them from biopsies showing premalignant alterations (LGPIN, HGPIN) and adenocarcinoma. Method: Prostate biopsies (n = 2094) taken from 191 consecutive men during 2016 were stained with triple immunehistochemisty (antibodies to AMACRA, p63 and CK 5). Digital images of the biopsies were obtained with a scanning microscope and used to develop an automatic computer program (CelldaTM), intended to identify the morphological alterations. Visual microscopic finding was used as a reference. Result: Of the 191 men, 121 (63.4%) were diagnosed as having prostate adenocarcinoma and 70 (36.6%) as having no malignancy on the basis of the visual microscopy. In comparison, computer analysis identified 134 (70.2%) men with malignant disease and 57 (29.8%) with non-malignant disease after exclusion of artifacts, which constituted 10.4% of areas (indicated as malignant disease). Discrepant results were recorded in 15 (7.9%) men, and in 14 of these cases, HGPIN and areas suggestive of early invasion were common. Thus, it was uncertain whether these cases should be regarded as malignant or not. The agreement between the visual examination and the computer analysis was 92.1% (kappa value 0.823, sensitivity 99.2 and specificity was 0.80). Conclusion: It seems that computer analysis could serve as an adjunct to simplify and shorten the diagnostic procedure, first of all by ensuring that normal prostate biopsies are sorted out from those sent for visual microscopic evaluation.

Analysis of Antisperm Antibody in Cervix Mucus for Azoospermic Men’s Wives

ELISA method was used to detect antisperm antibodies in cervix mucus. Out of 400 women whose husbands had sperms, 92 were antisperm antibody positive (23% ). 42 of 200 women with azoospermic partners were antisperm antibody positive (21% ). No difference was found between the two groups. Hence, antisperm antibodies in azoospermic men's wives may be caused by sperm'sadhering antigens in semina.

Methodological aspects of anti-human leukocyte antigen antibody analysis in solid organ transplantation

Donor human leukocyte antigen(HLA)-specific antibodies(DSA) play an important role in solid organ transplantation. Preexisting IgG isotype DSA are considered a risk factor for antibody mediated rejection, graft failure or graft loss. The post-transplant development of DSA depends on multiple factors including immunogenicity of mismatched antigens, HLA class Ⅱ typing of the recipient, cytokine gene polymorphisms, and cellular immunoregulatory mechanisms. De novo developed antibodies require special attention because not all DSA have equal clinical significance. Therefore, it is important for transplant clinicians and transplant immunologists to accurately characterize DSA. In this review, the contemporary immunological techniques for detection and characterization of anti-HLA antibodies and their pitfalls are described.

Cloning and Sequence Analysis of Light Variable Region Gene of Anti-human Retinoblastoma Monoclonal Antibody

Purpose: To clone the variable region gene of light chain of monoclonal antibody against human retinoblastoma and to analyze the characterization of its nucleotide sequence as well as amino acid sequence.Methods: Total RNA was extracted from 3C6 hybridoma cells secreting specific monoclonal antibody(McAb)against human retinoblastoma(RB), then transcripted reversely into cDNA with olig-dT primers.The variable region of the light chain (VL) gene fragments was amplified using polymeerase chain reaction(PCR) and further cloned into pGEM(R) -T Easy vector. Then, 3C6 VL cDNA was sequenced by Sanger's method.Homologous analysis was done by NCBI BLAST.Results: The complete nucleotide sequence of 3C6 VL cDNA consisted of 321 bp encoding 107 amino acid residues, containing four workframe regions(FRs)and three complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) as well as the typical structure of two cys residues. The sequence is most homological to a member of the Vk9 gene family, and its chain utilizes the Jkl gene segment.Conclusion: The light chain variable region gene of the McAb against human RB was amplified successfully , which belongs to the Vk9 gene family and utilizes Vk-Jk1 gene rearrangement. This study lays a good basis for constructing a recombinant antibody and for making a new targeted therapeutic agents against retinoblastoma.

Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Antiharpin_(xoo) Antibody

Polyclonal antiharpinxoo rabbit antibody has been prepared successfully using purified harpinxoo protein as an immunogen. The ELISA titer of the antiserum against harpinxoo was about 1：2 000. Western blot analysis showed that the antiserum could bind to the expression harpinxoo protein in particular, hrfl, encoding harpinxoo, is an expression in transgenic rice, detected by antiharpinxoo rabbit antibody. The rabbit antibody against harpinxoo can be used to study further about the biological function, harpinxoo localization, and hrfl gene expression in other plants.

Generation of Monoclonal Antibody to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus GP4 Protein and Identification of Its Minic Epitopes

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus(PRRSV)GP4 protein was prokaryotically expressed,and used as an antigen to immunize six-week-old BALB/c female mice.With conventional cell fusion method,an anti-PRRSV GP4 protein monoclonal antibody(Mab)5F12 was successfully prepared.It was identified as IgG2b subclass and had better stability and specificity,which not only responded with recombinant PRRSV GP4 protein,but also with PRRSV.Phage display technique had varieties of applications,in particular,the identification of key antigen epitopes for the development of therapeutic and diagnostic reagents and vaccines.In this study,Mab-5F12 was used as the target for biopanning a 12-mer phage random peptide library.After four rounds of biopanning,two phage-displayed peptides,named P-A and P-G(AKFEVCSPVVLG and GVNQENMLHFSF)were identified that recognized Mab-5F12 specifically.Sequence analysis showed that one or more of the peptides exhibited partial sequence similarity to the native GP4 protein sequence,which corresponded to 69-80 and 84-95 aa segments of the HP-PRRSV GP4 protein.Furthermore,real-time quantitative RT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescence assay indicated consistently the abilities of P-A and P-G to block viral infection in Marc-145 cells and they could function as antiviral agents for PRRSV.

Temporal Profiles of Antibody Responses, Cytokines, and Survival of COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort

The longitudinal immunologic status of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)-infected patients and its association with the clinical outcome are barely known.Thus,we sought to analyze the temporal profiles of specific antibodies,as well as the associations between the antibodies,proinflammatory cytokines,and survival of patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).A total of 1830 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases were recruited.The temporal profiles of the virus,antibodies,and cytokines of the patients until 12 weeks since illness onset were fitted by the locally weighted scatter plot smoothing method.The mediation effect of cytokines on the associations between antibody responses and survival were explored by mediation analysis.Of the 1830 patients,1435 were detectable for SARS-CoV-2,while 395 were positive in specific antibodies only.Of the 1435 patients,2.4%presented seroconversion for neither immunoglobulin G(IgG)nor immunoglobulin M(IgM)during hospitalization.The seropositive rates of IgG and IgM were 29.6%and 48.1%,respectively,in the first week,and plateaued within five weeks.For the patients discharged from the hospital,the IgM decreased slowly,while high levels of IgG were maintained at around 188 AUmL^(-1) for the 12 weeks since illness onset.In contrast,in the patients who subsequently died,IgM declined rapidly and IgG dropped to 87 AUmL^(-1) at the twelfth week.Elevated interleukin-6,interleukin-8,interleukin-10,interleukin-1b,interleukin-2R,and tumor necrosis factor-a levels were observed in the deceased patients in comparison with the discharged patients,and 12.5%of the association between IgG level and mortality risk was mediated by these cytokines.Our study deciphers the temporal profiles of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies within the 12 weeks since illness onset and indicates the protective effect of antibody response on survival,which may help to guide prognosis estimation.

Analysis of clinical features and prognosis of anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody positive patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies

Objective To investigate the characteristics and outcome of glomerulonephritis in patients with both antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody.Methods The sera of 23 antiGBM glomerulonephritis patients were collected and were tested for ANCA respectively.Characteristics and outcome of patients with coexisting anti-GBM antibody

Recent Developments in SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody Detection Methods

The ongoing Coronavirus disease 19 pandemic has likely changed the world in ways not seen in the past.Neutralizing antibody(NAb)assays play an important role in the management of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)outbreak.Using these tools,we can assess the presence and duration of antibody-mediated protection in naturally infected individuals,screen convalescent plasma preparations for donation,test the efficacy of immunotherapy,and analyze NAb titers and persistence after vaccination to predict vaccine-induced protective effects.This review briefly summarizes the various methods used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 NAbs and compares their advantages and disadvantages to facilitate their development and clinical application.

Treatment‐related adverse events of antibody‐drug conjugates in clinical trials:A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Background:The wide use of antibody‐drug conjugates(ADCs)is transforming the cancer‐treatment landscape.Understanding the treatment‐related adverse events(AEs)of ADCs is crucial for their clinical application.We conducted a meta‐analysis to analyze the profile and incidence of AEs related to ADC use in the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies.Methods:We searched the PubMed,Embase,and Cochrane Library databases for articles published from January 2001 to October 2022.The overall profile and incidence of all‐grade and grade≥3 treatment‐related AEs were the primary outcomes of the analysis.Results:A total of 138 trials involving 15,473 patients were included in this study.The overall incidence of any‐grade treatment‐related AEs was 100.0%(95%confidence interval[CI]:99.9%–100.0%;I2=89%)and the incidence of grade≥3 treatment‐related AEs was 6.2%(95%CI:3.0%–12.4%;I2=99%).Conclusions:This study provides a comprehensive overview of AEs related to ADCs used for cancer treatment.ADC use resulted in a high incidence of any‐grade AEs but a low incidence of grade≥3 AEs.The AE profiles and incidence differed according to cancer type,ADC type,and ADC components.

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.

Comparing different domains of analysis for the characterisation of N-glycans on monoclonal antibodies

With the size of the biopharmaceutical market exponentially increasing,there is an aligned growth in the importance of data-rich analyses,not only to assess drug product safety but also to assist drug development driven by the deeper understanding of structure/function relationships.In monoclonal antibodies,many functions are regulated by N-glycans present in the constant region of the heavy chains and their mechanisms of action are not completely known.The importance of their function focuses analytical research efforts on the development of robust,accurate and fast methods to support drug development and quality control.Released N-glycan analysis is considered as the gold standard for glycosylation characterisation;however,it is not the only method for quantitative analysis of glycoform heterogeneity.In this study,ten different analytical workflows for N-glycan analysis were compared using four monoclonal antibodies.While observing good comparability between the quantitative results generated,it was possible to appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of each technique and to summarise all the observations to guide the choice of the most appropriate analytical workflow according to application and the desired depth of data generated.

Viral respiratory infection,a risk in post-pediatric cardiac surgery:a propensity-matched analysis

Objective To define risk stratification and guide optimal surgical timing of perioperative viral respiratory infection(VRI)in children with cardiac surgery.Methods Retrospective study with propensity score-matched analysis.A total of 2,831 patients had performed RespPCR testing,and finally there were 2,740 negative RespPCR patients and 91 positive RespPCR patients.

Epidemiology of viral hepatitis in Somalia:Systematic review and meta-analysis study

AIM To provide a clear understanding of viral hepatitis epidemiology and their clinical burdens in Somalia.METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted as Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A comprehensive literature search of published studies on viral hepatitis was performed from 1977-2016 in Pub Med, Google Scholar, Science Direct, World Health Organization African Index Medicus and the Africa Journals Online databases, as well as on the Ministry of Health website. We also captured unpublished articles that were not available on online systems.RESULTS Twenty-nine studies from Somalia and Somali immigrants(United Kingdom,United States,Italy,Libya)with a combined sample size for each type of viral hepatitis[hepatitis A virus(HAV):1564,hepatitis B virus(HBV):8756,hepatitis C virus(HCV):6257,hepatitis D virus(HDV):375 and hepatitis E virus(HEV):278]were analyzed.The overall pooled prevalence rate of HAV was 90.2%(95%CI:77.8%to 96%).The HAV prevalence among different age groups was as follows:<1 year old,61.54%(95%CI:40.14%to79.24%);1-10 years old,91.91%(95%CI:87.76%to94.73%);11-19 years old,96.31%(95%CI:92.84%to 98.14%);20-39 years old,91.3%(95%CI:83.07%to 95.73%);and>40 years old,86.96%(95%CI:75.68%to 93.47%).The overall pooled prevalence of HBV was 18.9%(95%CI:14%to 29%).The overall pooled prevalence among subgroups of HBV was20.5%(95%CI:5.1%to 55.4%)in pregnant women;5.7%(95%CI:2.7%to 11.5%)in children;39.2%(95%CI:33.4%to 45.4%)in patients with chronic liver disease,including hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC);7.7%(95%CI:4.2%to 13.6%),12.4%(95%CI:6.3%to 23.0%)and 11.8%(95%CI:5.3%to 24.5%)in age groups<20 years old,20-39 years old and>40years old,respectively.The HBV prevalence among risk groups was 20%(95%CI:7.19%to 44.64%)in female prostitutes,21.28%(95%CI:7.15%to48.69%)in hospitalized adults,5.56%(95%CI:0.99%to 25.62%)in hospitalized children,60%(95%CI:31.66%to 82.92%)in patients with acute hepatitis,33.55%(95%CI:14.44%to 60.16%)in patients with ancylostomiasis,12.34%(95%CI:7.24%to 20.26%)in patients with leprosy and 20.19%(95%CI:11.28%to33.49%)in schistosomiasis patients.The overall pooled prevalence of HCV was estimated as 4.84%(95%CI:3.02%to 7.67%).The prevalence rates among blood donors,risk groups,children and patients chronic liver disease(including HCC)was 0.87%(95%CI:0.33%to 2.30%),2.43%(95%CI:1.21%to 4.8%),1.37%(95%CI:0.76%to 2.46%)and 29.82%(95%CI:15.84%to 48.98%),respectively.The prevalence among genotypes of HCV was 21.9%(95%CI:15.36%to 30.23%)in genotype 1,0.87%(95%CI:0.12%to 5.9%)in genotype 2,25.21%(95%CI:18.23%to 33.77%)in genotype 3,46.24%(95%CI:37.48%to 55.25%)in genotype 4,2.52%(95%CI:0.82%to7.53%)in genotype 5,and 1.19%(95%CI:0.07%to16.38%)in genotype 6.The overall pooled prevalence of HDV was 28.99%(95%CI:16.38%to 45.96%).The HDV prevalence rate among patients with chronic liver disease,including HCC,was 43.77%(95%CI:35.09%to 52.84%).The overall pooled prevalence of HEV was46.86%(95%CI:5.31%to 93.28%).CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates a high prevalence of all forms of viral hepatitis in Somalia and it also indicates that chronic HBV was the commonest cause of chronic liver disease.This highlights needs for urgent public health interventions and strategic policy directions to controlling the burden of the disease.

Meta-analysis of anti-ribosomal P antibodies in lupus psychosis

AIM： To perform a meta-analysis of the prevalence of anti-ribosomal P （aRP） antibodies in lupus psychosis, and the odds of psychosis in aRP-positive subjects.METHODS： We identifed articles by searching PubMed, PsychInfo, and ISI, and the reference lists of identifed studies.RESULTS： Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Positive aRP antibodies were found in 51% （91 of 179 total cases） of cases of lupus psychosis. There was an almost 3.5-fold increased odds of psychosis in aRP-positive patients （OR = 3.46, 95%CI： 1.97-6.09, P 〈 0.001）. The population attributable risk percentage was 36% for aRP antibodies.CONCLUSION： aRP antibodies are common in lupus psychosis, although the potential mechanism（s） underlying this association remain unclear. Given the overlap between the clinical presentation and risk factors for lupus psychosis and schizophrenia, further investigation of aRP antibodies in schizophrenia is warranted.

Viral and Antibody Kinetics of COVID-19 Patients with Different Disease Severities in Acute and Convalescent Phases:A 6-Month Follow-Up Study

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),has spread rapidly around the world,posing a major threat to human health and the economy.Currently,long-term data on viral shedding and the serum antibody responses in COVID-19 patients are still limited.Herein,we report the clinical features,viral RNA loads,and serum antibody levels in a cohort of 112 COVID-19 patients admitted to the Honghu People’s Hospital,Hubei Province,China.Overall,5.36%(6/112)of patients showed persistent viral RNA shedding(>45 days).The peak viral load was higher in the severe disease group than in the mild group(median cycle threshold value,36.4 versus 31.5;P=0.002).For most patients the disappearance of IgM antibodies occurred approximately 4–6 weeks after symptoms onset,while IgG persisted for over 194 days after the onset of symptoms,although patients showed a 46%reduction in antibodies titres against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein compared with the acute phase.We also studied18 asymptomatic individuals with RT-qPCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection together with 17 symptomatic patients,and the asymptomatic individuals were the close contacts of these symptomatic cases.Delayed IgG seroconversion and lower IgM seropositive rates were observed in asymptomatic individuals.These data indicate that higher viral loads and stronger antibody responses are related to more severe disease status in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection,and the antibodies persisted in the recovered patient for more than 6 months so that the vaccine may provide protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

“Small is beautiful”-Examining reliable determination of low-abundant therapeutic antibody glycovariants

Glycans associated with biopharmaceutical drugs play crucial roles in drug safety and efficacy,and therefore,their reliable detection and quantification is essential.Our study introduces a multi-level quantification approach for glycosylation analysis in monoclonal antibodies(mAbs),focusing on minor abundant glycovariants.Mass spectrometric data is evaluated mainly employing open-source software tools.Released N-glycan and glycopeptide data form the basis for integrating information across different structural levels up to intact glycoproteins.Comprehensive comparison showed that indeed,variations across structural levels were observed especially for minor abundant species.Utilizing modification finder(MoFi),a tool for annotating mass spectra of intact proteins,we quantify isobaric glycosylation variants at the intact protein level.Our workflow's utility is demonstrated on NISTmAb,rituximab and adalimumab,profiling their minor abundant variants for the first time across diverse structural levels.This study enhances understanding and accessibility in glycosylation analysis,spotlighting minor abundant glycovariants in therapeutic antibodies.

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.