Although vaccines have been developed,mutations of SARS-CoV-2,especially the dominant B.1.617.2(delta)and B.1.529(omicron)strains with more than 30 mutations on their spike protein,have caused a significant decline in...Although vaccines have been developed,mutations of SARS-CoV-2,especially the dominant B.1.617.2(delta)and B.1.529(omicron)strains with more than 30 mutations on their spike protein,have caused a significant decline in prophylaxis,calling for the need for drug improvement.Antibodies are drugs preferentially used in infectious diseases and are easy to get from immunized organisms.The current study combined molecular modeling and single memory B cell sequencing to assess candidate sequences before experiments,providing a strategy for the fabrication of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies.A total of 128 sequences were obtained after sequencing 196 memory B cells,and 42 sequences were left after merging extremely similar ones and discarding incomplete ones,followed by homology modeling of the antibody variable region.Thirteen candidate sequences were expressed,of which three were tested positive for receptor binding domain recognition but only one was confirmed as having broad neutralization against several SARS-CoV-2 variants.The current study successfully obtained a SARS-CoV-2 antibody with broad neutralizing abilities and provided a strategy for antibody development in emerging infectious diseases using single memory B cell BCR sequencing and computer assistance in antibody fabrication.展开更多
Objective To investigate whether Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infection after receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine could create a strong immunity barrier.Methods Blood samples were collected at two different time points from...Objective To investigate whether Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infection after receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine could create a strong immunity barrier.Methods Blood samples were collected at two different time points from 124 Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infected patients and 124 controls matched for age,gender,and vaccination profile.Live virus-neutralizing antibodies against five SARS-CoV-2 variants,including WT,Gamma,Beta,Delta,and Omicron BA.1,and T-lymphocyte lymphocyte counts in both groups were measured and statistically analyzed.Results The neutralizing antibody titers against five different variants of SARS-CoV-2 were significantly increased in the vaccinated population infected with the Omicron BA.1 variant at 3 months after infection,but mainly increased the antibody level against the WT strain,and the antibody against the Omicron strain was the lowest.The neutralizing antibody level decreased rapidly 6 months after infection.The T-lymphocyte cell counts of patients with mild and moderate disease recovered at 3 months and completely returned to the normal state at 6 months.Conclusion Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infection mainly evoked humoral immune memory in the original strain after vaccination and hardly produced neutralizing antibodies specific to Omicron BA.1.Neutralizing antibodies against the different strains declined rapidly and showed features similar to those of influenza.Thus,T-lymphocytes may play an important role in recovery.展开更多
Objective The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic continues to present a major challenge to public health. Vaccine development requires an understanding of the kinetics of neutralizing antibody(NAb) responses ...Objective The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic continues to present a major challenge to public health. Vaccine development requires an understanding of the kinetics of neutralizing antibody(NAb) responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Methods In total, 605 serum samples from 125 COVID-19 patients(from January 1 to March 14, 2020)varying in age, sex, severity of symptoms, and presence of underlying diseases were collected, and antibody titers were measured using a micro-neutralization assay with wild-type SARS-CoV-2.Results NAbs were detectable approximately 10 days post-onset(dpo) of symptoms and peaked at approximately 20 dpo. The NAb levels were slightly higher in young males and severe cases, while no significant difference was observed for the other classifications. In follow-up cases, the NAb titer had increased or stabilized in 18 cases, whereas it had decreased in 26 cases, and in one case NAbs were undetectable at the end of our observation. Although a decreasing trend in NAb titer was observed in many cases, the NAb level was generally still protective.Conclusion We demonstrated that NAb levels vary among all categories of COVID-19 patients. Longterm studies are needed to determine the longevity and protective efficiency of NAbs induced by SARS-CoV-2.展开更多
Objective In previous studies, we immunized mice with Ebola recombinant protein vaccine and gene vector vaccine. Both stimulated high levels of humoral immunity. In this work, we constructed a pseudovirus containing E...Objective In previous studies, we immunized mice with Ebola recombinant protein vaccine and gene vector vaccine. Both stimulated high levels of humoral immunity. In this work, we constructed a pseudovirus containing Ebola membrane proteins to verify whether the two immunization strategies can induce neutralizing antibodies in mice. Methods A pseudovirus containing an Ebola virus membrane protein based on the HIV-1 viral gene sequence was constructed and evaluated using a known neutralizing antibody. The titer of the neutralizing antibody in the sera of mice immunized with the recombinant protein and the gene vector vaccine was examined using a neutralization test. Results Ebola pseudovirus was successfully prepared and applied for neutralizing antibody detection. Immunological experiments showed that recombinant protein GP-Fc and gene vaccine pVR-modGP-Fc had good immunogenicity. The titer of the bound antibody in the serum after 8 weeks of immunization in mice was more than 1:105, and the recombinant protein induced greater humoral immunity. The results of the neutralization test based on the Ebola pseudovirus system demonstrated that both vaccines induced production of protective antibodies, while the gene vaccine induced a higher titer of neutralizing antibodies. Conclusion An Ebola pseudovirus detection system was successfully established and used to evaluate two Ebola vaccines. Both produced good immunogenicity. The findings lay the foundation for the development of new Ebola vaccines and screening for neutralizing monoclonal antibodies.展开更多
Smallpox eradication was successful via prophylactic administration of live attenuated vaccinia virus. As a result of the discontinuation of the smallpox immunization program, many individuals are now susceptible to s...Smallpox eradication was successful via prophylactic administration of live attenuated vaccinia virus. As a result of the discontinuation of the smallpox immunization program, many individuals are now susceptible to smallpox virus infection should it be used as a biological weapon. Presently, only individuals at high risk for exposure are required to receive smallpox vaccine, such as laboratory personnel that handle variola/vaccinia virus. This study endeavored to investigate a one-year period of vaccinia virus-specific T cell responses using polychromatic flow cytometry and neutralizing (Nt) antibody responses using plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) in individuals receiving primary immunization (n = 5) with ACAM2000<sup>TM</sup> smallpox vaccine. Functional and phenotypic profiles of vaccinia virus-specific T cell responses were characterized. Each single functional measurement {CD107a/b expression, production of interferon g (IFN-g), macrophage inflammatory protein 1b (MIP-1b), interleukin 2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a)} demonstrated that vaccinia virus-specific CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells were functional at least one time point after vaccination (p ≤ 0.05). However, vaccinia virus-specific CD4<sup>+</sup> T cells were functional only for MIP-1b production (p ≤ 0.05). Vaccinia virus-specific CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells induced in these individuals showed increased polyfunctionality in at least 2 phenotypes relative to pre-vaccination (p ≤ 0.05). Although only three of five individuals (60%) showed positive Nt antibody (titer ≥ 20) at first month after vaccination, all five individuals (100%) demonstrated Nt antibody at 2 months, post-immunization. Interestingly, all vaccinees could retain the Nt antibody for 6 months after primary vaccination. In conclusion, ACAM2000<sup>TM</sup> smallpox vaccine induced both polyfunctional T cell-and Nt antibody-responses in primary immunized individuals.展开更多
Objective To investigate neutralizing antibody levels in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)at 6 and 10 months after disease onset.Methods Blood samples were collected at thre...Objective To investigate neutralizing antibody levels in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)at 6 and 10 months after disease onset.Methods Blood samples were collected at three different time points from 27 asymptomatic individuals and 69 symptomatic patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-Co V-2).Virus-neutralizing antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 in both groups were measured and statistically analyzed.Results The symptomatic and asymptomatic groups had higher neutralizing antibodies at 3 months and 1–2 months post polymerase chain reaction confirmation,respectively.However,neutralizing antibodies in both groups dropped significantly to lower levels at 6 months post-PCR confirmation.Conclusion Continued monitoring of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with COVID-19 is key to controlling the infection.展开更多
The frequency and the consequences of binding and neutralizing antibodies (BAbs and NAbs) against Interferon beta (IFNbeta) in Turkish multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have not been determined yet, which could differ ...The frequency and the consequences of binding and neutralizing antibodies (BAbs and NAbs) against Interferon beta (IFNbeta) in Turkish multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have not been determined yet, which could differ in such a country which is between Europa and Asia. The aim of the study is to assess the frequency of these antibodies, and to evaluate the impact of NAbs, from the clinical and radiologic aspects in Turkish patients with MS. One hundred and two MS patients were included. BAbs were screened using capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA), and NAbs were detected via Myxovirus protein A (MxA) messenger RNA (mRNA) induction assay (real-time polymerase chain reaction-PCR) at the beginning and one year later. Relapse rate and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) were used to assess the clinical impact. Gadolinium enhanced lesions and T2 lesion volume were used as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters. Persistent NAb positivity defines to be positive both at first and then one year later. NAbs were detected in 12.2% (6/49) of IFNbeta-1b treated patients, and in 7.5% (3/40) of IFNbeta-1a SC treated patients, but none of the IFNbeta-1a IM treated patients had detectable NAbs. It was found that the mean relapse rate difference was significantly higher in persistent NAb negative patients (p = 0.024). Persistent NAb positivity had no effect on T2 lesion volume and contrast enhancing lesions. 60% of the persistent NAb positive patients had at least one relapse during one-year of follow-up. On the other hand, 32% of persistent NAb negative patients were detected to have at least one relapse. Data from this study suggest that patients may become unresponsive to IFNbeta therapy even when the frequency of NAbs does not prove to be as high as those in the literature. Nevertheless, one should keep in mind that disease activity is not always equal to NAb positivity.展开更多
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 ...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.展开更多
New threats posed by the emerging circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 highlight the need to find conserved neutralizing epitopes for therapeutic antibodies and efficient vaccine design.Here,we identified a receptorbind...New threats posed by the emerging circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 highlight the need to find conserved neutralizing epitopes for therapeutic antibodies and efficient vaccine design.Here,we identified a receptorbinding domain(RBD)-binding antibody,XG014,which potently neutralizesβ-coronavirus lineage B(β-CoV-B),including SARS-CoV-2,its circulating variants,SARSCoV and bat SARSr-CoV WIV1.Interestingly,antibody family members competing with XG014 binding show reduced levels of cross-reactivity and induce antibodydependent SARS-CoV-2 spike(S)protein-mediated cellcell fusion,suggesting a unique mode of recognition by XG014.Structural analyses reveal that XG014 recognizes a conserved epitope outside the ACE2 binding site and completely locks RBD in the non-functional“down”conformation,while its family member XG005 directly competes with ACE2 binding and position the RBD“up”.Single administration of XG014 is effective in protection against and therapy of SARS-CoV-2 infection in vivo.Our findings suggest the potential to develop XG014 as pan-β-CoV-B therapeutics and the importance of the XG014 conserved antigenic epitope for designing broadly protective vaccines againstβ-CoV-B and newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.展开更多
Arthropod-borne chikungunya virus(CHIKV)infection can cause a debilitating arthritic disease in human.However,there are no specific antiviral drugs and effective licensed vaccines against CHIKV available for clinical ...Arthropod-borne chikungunya virus(CHIKV)infection can cause a debilitating arthritic disease in human.However,there are no specific antiviral drugs and effective licensed vaccines against CHIKV available for clinical use.Here,we developed an m RNA-lipid nanoparticle(m RNA-LNP)vaccine expressing CHIKV E2-E1 antigen,and compared its immunogenicity with soluble recombinant protein s E2-E1 antigen expressed in S2 cells.For comparison,we first showed that recombinant protein antigens mixed with aluminum adjuvant elicit strong antigenspecific humoral immune response and a moderate cellular immune response in C57BL/6 mice.Moreover,s E2-E1vaccine stimulated 12-23 folds more neutralizing antibodies than s E1 vaccine and s E2 vaccine.Significantly,when E2-E1 gene was delivered by an m RNA-LNP vaccine,not only the better magnitude of neutralizing antibody responses was induced,but also greater cellular immune responses were generated,especially for CD8+T cell responses.Moreover,E2-E1-LNP induced CD8~+T cells can perform cytotoxic effect in vivo.Considering its better immunogenicity and convenience of preparation,we suggest that more attention should be placed to develop CHIKV E2-E1-LNP m RNA vaccine.展开更多
Induction of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies(bNAbs)that bind to the viral envelope glycoproteins is a major goal of hepatitis C virus(HCV)vaccine research.The study of bNAbs arising in natural infection is ...Induction of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies(bNAbs)that bind to the viral envelope glycoproteins is a major goal of hepatitis C virus(HCV)vaccine research.The study of bNAbs arising in natural infection is essential in this endeavor.We generated a human antibody,8D6,recognizing the E2 protein of HCV isolated from a chronic hepatitis C patient.This antibody shows broadly neutralizing activity,which covers a pan-genotypic panel of cell culture-derived HCV virions(HCVcc).Functional and epitope analyses demonstrated that 8D6 can block the interaction between E2 and CD81 by targeting a highly conserved epitope on E2.We describe how the 8D6 lineage evolved via somatic hypermutation to achieve broad neutralization.We found that the V(D)J recombination-generated junctional and somatic hypermutation-induced disulfide bridge(C-C)motif in the CDRH3 is critical for the broad neutralization and binding activity of 8D6.This motif is conserved among a series of broadly neutralizing HCV antibodies,indicating a common binding model.Next,the 8D6 inferred germline(iGL)was reconstructed and tested for its binding affinity and neutralization activity.Interestingly,8D6 iGL-mediated relatively strong inhibition of the 1b genotype PR79L9 strain,suggesting that PR79L9 may serve as a potential natural viral strain that provides E2 sequences that induce bNAbs.Overall,our detailed epitope mapping and genetic studies of the HCV E2-specific mAb 8D6 have allowed for further refinement of antigenic sites on E2 and reveal a new mechanism to generate a functional CDRH3,while its iGL can serve as a probe to identify potential HCV vaccine strains.展开更多
Raising a heterologous tier 2 neutralizing antibody(nAb)response remains a daunting task for HIV vaccine development.In this study,we explored the utility of diverse HIV-1 envelope(Env)immunogens in a sequential immun...Raising a heterologous tier 2 neutralizing antibody(nAb)response remains a daunting task for HIV vaccine development.In this study,we explored the utility of diverse HIV-1 envelope(Env)immunogens in a sequential immunization scheme as a solution to this task.This exploration stemmed from the rationale that gp145,a membrane-bound truncation form of HIV Env,may facilitate the focusing of induced antibody response on neutralizing epitopes when sequentially combined with the soluble gp140 form as immunogens in a prime-boost mode.We first showed that gp140 DNA prime-gp145 Tiantan vaccinia(TV)boost likely represents a general format for inducing potent nAb response in mice.However,when examined in rhesus macaque,this modality showed little effectiveness.To improve the efficacy,we extended the original modality by adding a strong protein boost,namely native-like SOSIP.664 trimer displayed on ferritin-based nanoparticle(NP),which was generated by a newly developed click approach.The resulting three-immunization regimen succeeded in eliciting tier-2 nAb response with substantial breadth when implemented in rhesus macaque over a short 8-week schedule.Importantly,the elicited nAb response was able to effectively contain viremia upon a heterologous SHIV challenge.Collectively,our studies highlighted that diversification of Env immunogens,in both types and formulations,under the framework of a sequential immunization scheme might open new opportunity toward HIV vaccine development.展开更多
Background:Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease(COVID-19),the high infection rate and mutation fre-quency of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),the causative agent,have contributed to the...Background:Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease(COVID-19),the high infection rate and mutation fre-quency of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),the causative agent,have contributed to the ongoing global pandemic.Vaccination has become the most effective means of controlling COVID-19.Tra-ditional neutralizing tests of sera are complex and labor-intensive,therefore,a rapid test for detecting neutralizing antibodies and antibody status post-immunization is needed.Methods:Based on the fact that antibodies exhibit neutralizing activity by blocking the binding of the S protein receptor-binding domain(S-RBD)to ACE2,we developed a rapid neutralizing antibody test,ACE2-Block-ELISA.To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity,we used 54 positive and 84 negative serum samples.We also tested the neutralizing activities of monoclonal antibodies(mAbs)and 214 sera samples from healthy individuals im-munized with the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.Results:The sensitivity and specificity of the ACE2-Block ELISA were 96.3%and 100%,respectively.For neu-tralizing mAb screening,ch-2C5 was selected for its ability to block the ACE2-S-RBD interaction.A plaque assay confirmed that ch-2C5 neutralized SARS-CoV-2,with NT 50 values of 4.19,10.63,and 1.074μg/mL against the SARS-CoV-2 original strain,and the Beta and Delta variants,respectively.For the immunized sera samples,the neutralizing positive rate dropped from 82.14%to 32.16%within 4 months post-vaccination.Conclusions:This study developed and validated an ACE2-Block-ELISA to test the neutralizing activities of an-tibodies.As a rapid,inexpensive and easy-to-perform method,this ACE2-Block-ELISA has potential applications in rapid neutralizing mAb screening and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine evaluation.展开更多
AIM:To determine the involvement of the transforming growth factor(TGF)-β with the development of experimental subretinal fibrosis in a mouse model.· METHODS:Subretinal fibrosis was induced by subretinal injecti...AIM:To determine the involvement of the transforming growth factor(TGF)-β with the development of experimental subretinal fibrosis in a mouse model.· METHODS:Subretinal fibrosis was induced by subretinal injection of macrophage-rich peritoneal exudate cells(PECs) and the local expression of TGF-β isoforms was assessed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) at various time points.In addition,we investigated the effect of TFG-β-neutralizing antibodies(TGF-β NAb) on subretinal fibrosis development.· RESULTS:TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 mRNA level was significantly elevated at day 2 after subretinal fibrosis induction and increased further to 5 and 6.5-fold respectively at day 5,reaching the peak.TGF-β3 mRNA was not detected in the present study.The result of ELSIA showed that active TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 levels were upregulated to 10-fold approximately,while total TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 levels were even upregulated more than 10-fold and more than 20-fold respectively in subretinal fibrosis mice in comparison with na?觙ve mice at day 5.TGF-β NAb resulted in a reduced subretinal fibrosis areas by 65% compared to animals from control group at day 7.· CONCLUSION:Our results indicate that TGF-β signaling may contribute to the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrogenesis and TGF-β inhibition may provide an effective,novel treatment of advanced and late-stage neovascular age-related macular degeneration.·展开更多
Coronavirus disease 2019 is threatening thousands of millions of people around the world.In the absence of specific and highly effective medicines,the treatment of infected persons is still very challenging.As therape...Coronavirus disease 2019 is threatening thousands of millions of people around the world.In the absence of specific and highly effective medicines,the treatment of infected persons is still very challenging.As therapeutics,neutralizing antibodies(NAbs)have great potential.Many NAbs have been reported,and most target various regions on the receptor-binding domain of the spike(S)protein,or the N-terminal domain.Several NAbs and NAb cocktails have been authorized for emergency use,and more arc in clinical trials or are under development.In this review,considering the angle of binding epitopes on the S protein,we summarize the functions and the underlying mechanisms of a set of well-recognized NAbs and provide guidance for vaccine design and the combinatorial use of these antibodies.In addition,we review the NAbs and NAb cocktails that have been approved for emergency use and discuss the effectiveness of these NAbs for combating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 mutants.展开更多
Current serum neutralization assays based on the inhibition of the cytopathic effect(Nt-CPE) need to ma nipulate live viruses, which are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and have the potential exposure to infectious...Current serum neutralization assays based on the inhibition of the cytopathic effect(Nt-CPE) need to ma nipulate live viruses, which are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and have the potential exposure to infectious agents, so a safe and objective assay via pseudovirus for the fast and efficient detection of enterovirus 71(EV71) neutralizing antibodies was developed. First, we generated EV71 pseudovirus containing firefly luciferase gene in place of the capsid gene P1 in EV71 genome. Vero cells infected with 200 CCID50(50% cell culture infective dose) of EV71 pseudovirus for 24 h were found to have the best performance. Seval sera were measured by EV71 pseudoparticle neutralization assay(Nt-PPN) and the conventional serological method Nt-CPE. Neutralizing antibody titers measured by Nt-PPN and those obtained by Nt-CPE demonstrate a high correlation between the two methods. Overall, the PPN assay represents a valid alternative to conventional serological methods for the evaluation of EV71 neutralizing anti bodies. This method can be used for detecting neutralizing antibodies of other picornaviruses, such as hepatitis A vi rus(HAV) and coxsackievirus 16(CVA16), and make it possible to determine whether there is cross-reactivity be tween EV71 and CVA16.展开更多
Porcine epidemic diarrhea(PED)caused by the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus(PEDV),is a severe infectious and devastating swine disease that leads to serious economic losses in the swine industry worldwide.An increased...Porcine epidemic diarrhea(PED)caused by the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus(PEDV),is a severe infectious and devastating swine disease that leads to serious economic losses in the swine industry worldwide.An increased number of PED cases caused by variant PEDV have been reported in many countries since 2010.S protein is the main immunogenic protein containing some B-cell epitopes that can induce neutralizing antibodies of PEDV.In this study,the construction,expression and purification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A(PE)without domain Ⅲ(PE△Ⅲ)as a vector was performed for the delivery of PEDV S-A or S-B.PE(△Ⅲ)PEDV S-A and PE(△Ⅲ)PEDV S-B recombinant proteins were confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis.The immunogenicity of PEDV S-A and PEDV S-B subunit vaccines were evaluated in mice.The results showed that PEDV-S-B vaccine could not only induce specific humoral and Th1 type-dominant cellular immune responses,but also stimulate PEDV-specific mucosal immune responses in mice.PEDV-S-B subunit vaccine is a novel candidate mucosal vaccine against PEDV infection.展开更多
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a member of the Coronavifidae family, is the causative pathogen for MERS that is characterized by high fever, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome ...Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a member of the Coronavifidae family, is the causative pathogen for MERS that is characterized by high fever, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), as well as extrapul- monary manifestations. Currently, there are no approved treatment regimens or vaccines for MERS. Here~ we generated recombinant nonvirulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) LaSota strain expressing MERS-CoV S protein (designated as rLa- MERS-S), and evaluated its immunogenicity in mice and Bactrian camels. The results revealed that rLa-MERS-S showed similar growth properties to those of LaSota in embryonated chicken eggs, while animal immunization studies showed that rLa-MERS-S induced MERS-CoV neutralizing antibodies in mice and camels. Our findings suggest that recombinant rLa- MERS-S may be a potential MERS-CoV veterinary vaccine candidate for camels and other animals affected by MERS.展开更多
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)in 2019 prompted scientific,medical,and biotech communities to investigate infection-and vaccine-induced immune responses in the context of t...The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)in 2019 prompted scientific,medical,and biotech communities to investigate infection-and vaccine-induced immune responses in the context of this pathogen.B-cell and antibody responses are at the center of these investigations,as neutralizing antibodies(nAbs)are an important correlate of protection(COP)from infection and the primary target of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine modalities.In addition to absolute levels,nAb longevity,neutralization breadth,immunoglobulin isotype and subtype composition,and presence at mucosal sites have become important topics for scientists and health policy makers.The recent pandemic was and still is a unique setting in which to study de novo and memory B-cell(MBC)and antibody responses in the dynamic interplay of infection-and vaccine-induced immunity.It also provided an opportunity to explore new vaccine platforms,such as mRNA or adenoviral vector vaccines,in unprecedented cohort sizes.Combined with the technological advances of recent years,this situation has provided detailed mechanistic insights into the development of B-cell and antibody responses but also revealed some unexpected findings.In this review,we summarize the key findings of the last 2.5 years regarding infection-and vaccine-induced B-cell immunity,which we believe are of significant value not only in the context of SARS-CoV-2 but also for future vaccination approaches in endemic and pandemic settings.展开更多
The new coronavirus disease(COVID-19)outbreak has challenged us to take unprecedented steps to bring this pandemic under control.In view of the urgency of this situation,convalescent plasma which was used in previous ...The new coronavirus disease(COVID-19)outbreak has challenged us to take unprecedented steps to bring this pandemic under control.In view of the urgency of this situation,convalescent plasma which was used in previous coronavirus outbreaks has emerged as one of the treatment options in this current pandemic.This is mainly due to the fact that convalescent plasma has been studied in a few case series with promising outcomes.In addition,on-going large clinical trials aimed to further evaluate the effectiveness,safety,and optimal dosage,duration and timing of administration of convalescent plasma are indeed revealing a certain level of promising results.Therefore,this article aims to provide an overview of possible mechanisms of actions of convalescent plasma,its benefits and its level of usage safeness by summarizing the existing evidence on the use of convalescent plasma in COVID-19 patients.展开更多
基金supported by the Jiangsu Provincial Key Research and Development Program (Grant No.BE2020616)the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No.2018YFC1200603)+1 种基金the National Science and Technology Major Project (Grant No.2019SWAQ05-5-4)Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers,Prevention and Treatment,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine,Nanjing Medical University.
文摘Although vaccines have been developed,mutations of SARS-CoV-2,especially the dominant B.1.617.2(delta)and B.1.529(omicron)strains with more than 30 mutations on their spike protein,have caused a significant decline in prophylaxis,calling for the need for drug improvement.Antibodies are drugs preferentially used in infectious diseases and are easy to get from immunized organisms.The current study combined molecular modeling and single memory B cell sequencing to assess candidate sequences before experiments,providing a strategy for the fabrication of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies.A total of 128 sequences were obtained after sequencing 196 memory B cells,and 42 sequences were left after merging extremely similar ones and discarding incomplete ones,followed by homology modeling of the antibody variable region.Thirteen candidate sequences were expressed,of which three were tested positive for receptor binding domain recognition but only one was confirmed as having broad neutralization against several SARS-CoV-2 variants.The current study successfully obtained a SARS-CoV-2 antibody with broad neutralizing abilities and provided a strategy for antibody development in emerging infectious diseases using single memory B cell BCR sequencing and computer assistance in antibody fabrication.
基金funded by the Emergency prevention and cure Program of COVID-19[22ZXGBSY00010]Tianjin Medical Key Discipline Project[TJYXZDXK-50A]sponsored by Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Bureau and Tianjin Municipal Health Commission,respectively.
文摘Objective To investigate whether Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infection after receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine could create a strong immunity barrier.Methods Blood samples were collected at two different time points from 124 Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infected patients and 124 controls matched for age,gender,and vaccination profile.Live virus-neutralizing antibodies against five SARS-CoV-2 variants,including WT,Gamma,Beta,Delta,and Omicron BA.1,and T-lymphocyte lymphocyte counts in both groups were measured and statistically analyzed.Results The neutralizing antibody titers against five different variants of SARS-CoV-2 were significantly increased in the vaccinated population infected with the Omicron BA.1 variant at 3 months after infection,but mainly increased the antibody level against the WT strain,and the antibody against the Omicron strain was the lowest.The neutralizing antibody level decreased rapidly 6 months after infection.The T-lymphocyte cell counts of patients with mild and moderate disease recovered at 3 months and completely returned to the normal state at 6 months.Conclusion Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infection mainly evoked humoral immune memory in the original strain after vaccination and hardly produced neutralizing antibodies specific to Omicron BA.1.Neutralizing antibodies against the different strains declined rapidly and showed features similar to those of influenza.Thus,T-lymphocytes may play an important role in recovery.
基金the Guangdong Provincial Novel Coronavirus Scientific and Technological Project[2020111107001 and202008040004]the National Key Research and Development Program of China[2020YFC0846900]+1 种基金the Guangzhou Basic Research Program on People’s Livelihood Science and Technology[202002020005]the National Natural Science Foundation of China[82003487 and 82072265]。
文摘Objective The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic continues to present a major challenge to public health. Vaccine development requires an understanding of the kinetics of neutralizing antibody(NAb) responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Methods In total, 605 serum samples from 125 COVID-19 patients(from January 1 to March 14, 2020)varying in age, sex, severity of symptoms, and presence of underlying diseases were collected, and antibody titers were measured using a micro-neutralization assay with wild-type SARS-CoV-2.Results NAbs were detectable approximately 10 days post-onset(dpo) of symptoms and peaked at approximately 20 dpo. The NAb levels were slightly higher in young males and severe cases, while no significant difference was observed for the other classifications. In follow-up cases, the NAb titer had increased or stabilized in 18 cases, whereas it had decreased in 26 cases, and in one case NAbs were undetectable at the end of our observation. Although a decreasing trend in NAb titer was observed in many cases, the NAb level was generally still protective.Conclusion We demonstrated that NAb levels vary among all categories of COVID-19 patients. Longterm studies are needed to determine the longevity and protective efficiency of NAbs induced by SARS-CoV-2.
基金supported by National Key R&D Program of China [2017YFC1200503]Emergency research Program on the prevention and control of Ebola hemorrhagic fever [1061400100275]
文摘Objective In previous studies, we immunized mice with Ebola recombinant protein vaccine and gene vector vaccine. Both stimulated high levels of humoral immunity. In this work, we constructed a pseudovirus containing Ebola membrane proteins to verify whether the two immunization strategies can induce neutralizing antibodies in mice. Methods A pseudovirus containing an Ebola virus membrane protein based on the HIV-1 viral gene sequence was constructed and evaluated using a known neutralizing antibody. The titer of the neutralizing antibody in the sera of mice immunized with the recombinant protein and the gene vector vaccine was examined using a neutralization test. Results Ebola pseudovirus was successfully prepared and applied for neutralizing antibody detection. Immunological experiments showed that recombinant protein GP-Fc and gene vaccine pVR-modGP-Fc had good immunogenicity. The titer of the bound antibody in the serum after 8 weeks of immunization in mice was more than 1:105, and the recombinant protein induced greater humoral immunity. The results of the neutralization test based on the Ebola pseudovirus system demonstrated that both vaccines induced production of protective antibodies, while the gene vaccine induced a higher titer of neutralizing antibodies. Conclusion An Ebola pseudovirus detection system was successfully established and used to evaluate two Ebola vaccines. Both produced good immunogenicity. The findings lay the foundation for the development of new Ebola vaccines and screening for neutralizing monoclonal antibodies.
文摘Smallpox eradication was successful via prophylactic administration of live attenuated vaccinia virus. As a result of the discontinuation of the smallpox immunization program, many individuals are now susceptible to smallpox virus infection should it be used as a biological weapon. Presently, only individuals at high risk for exposure are required to receive smallpox vaccine, such as laboratory personnel that handle variola/vaccinia virus. This study endeavored to investigate a one-year period of vaccinia virus-specific T cell responses using polychromatic flow cytometry and neutralizing (Nt) antibody responses using plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) in individuals receiving primary immunization (n = 5) with ACAM2000<sup>TM</sup> smallpox vaccine. Functional and phenotypic profiles of vaccinia virus-specific T cell responses were characterized. Each single functional measurement {CD107a/b expression, production of interferon g (IFN-g), macrophage inflammatory protein 1b (MIP-1b), interleukin 2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a)} demonstrated that vaccinia virus-specific CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells were functional at least one time point after vaccination (p ≤ 0.05). However, vaccinia virus-specific CD4<sup>+</sup> T cells were functional only for MIP-1b production (p ≤ 0.05). Vaccinia virus-specific CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells induced in these individuals showed increased polyfunctionality in at least 2 phenotypes relative to pre-vaccination (p ≤ 0.05). Although only three of five individuals (60%) showed positive Nt antibody (titer ≥ 20) at first month after vaccination, all five individuals (100%) demonstrated Nt antibody at 2 months, post-immunization. Interestingly, all vaccinees could retain the Nt antibody for 6 months after primary vaccination. In conclusion, ACAM2000<sup>TM</sup> smallpox vaccine induced both polyfunctional T cell-and Nt antibody-responses in primary immunized individuals.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China[82041027]National Key R&D Program of China[2021ZD0114100,2021ZD0114103]+2 种基金The Capital Health Development and Research of Special[2022-1G-3014]Beijing Science and Technology Planning Project of Beijing Science and Technology Commission[Z211100002521015,Z211100002521019]Cooperation project[2022-jk-cd-009]。
文摘Objective To investigate neutralizing antibody levels in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)at 6 and 10 months after disease onset.Methods Blood samples were collected at three different time points from 27 asymptomatic individuals and 69 symptomatic patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-Co V-2).Virus-neutralizing antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 in both groups were measured and statistically analyzed.Results The symptomatic and asymptomatic groups had higher neutralizing antibodies at 3 months and 1–2 months post polymerase chain reaction confirmation,respectively.However,neutralizing antibodies in both groups dropped significantly to lower levels at 6 months post-PCR confirmation.Conclusion Continued monitoring of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with COVID-19 is key to controlling the infection.
文摘The frequency and the consequences of binding and neutralizing antibodies (BAbs and NAbs) against Interferon beta (IFNbeta) in Turkish multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have not been determined yet, which could differ in such a country which is between Europa and Asia. The aim of the study is to assess the frequency of these antibodies, and to evaluate the impact of NAbs, from the clinical and radiologic aspects in Turkish patients with MS. One hundred and two MS patients were included. BAbs were screened using capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA), and NAbs were detected via Myxovirus protein A (MxA) messenger RNA (mRNA) induction assay (real-time polymerase chain reaction-PCR) at the beginning and one year later. Relapse rate and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) were used to assess the clinical impact. Gadolinium enhanced lesions and T2 lesion volume were used as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters. Persistent NAb positivity defines to be positive both at first and then one year later. NAbs were detected in 12.2% (6/49) of IFNbeta-1b treated patients, and in 7.5% (3/40) of IFNbeta-1a SC treated patients, but none of the IFNbeta-1a IM treated patients had detectable NAbs. It was found that the mean relapse rate difference was significantly higher in persistent NAb negative patients (p = 0.024). Persistent NAb positivity had no effect on T2 lesion volume and contrast enhancing lesions. 60% of the persistent NAb positive patients had at least one relapse during one-year of follow-up. On the other hand, 32% of persistent NAb negative patients were detected to have at least one relapse. Data from this study suggest that patients may become unresponsive to IFNbeta therapy even when the frequency of NAbs does not prove to be as high as those in the literature. Nevertheless, one should keep in mind that disease activity is not always equal to NAb positivity.
基金supported by grants from the Applied Basic Research Key Project of Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology(2020020601012218)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(HUST COVID-19 Rapid Response Call No.2020kfyXGYJ040).
文摘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.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81822045 and 82041036 to L.L.,81900729 to L.S.,31872730 and 32070947 to Q.W.)the Program of Shanghai Academic/Technology Research Leader(20XD1420300 to L.L.).
文摘New threats posed by the emerging circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 highlight the need to find conserved neutralizing epitopes for therapeutic antibodies and efficient vaccine design.Here,we identified a receptorbinding domain(RBD)-binding antibody,XG014,which potently neutralizesβ-coronavirus lineage B(β-CoV-B),including SARS-CoV-2,its circulating variants,SARSCoV and bat SARSr-CoV WIV1.Interestingly,antibody family members competing with XG014 binding show reduced levels of cross-reactivity and induce antibodydependent SARS-CoV-2 spike(S)protein-mediated cellcell fusion,suggesting a unique mode of recognition by XG014.Structural analyses reveal that XG014 recognizes a conserved epitope outside the ACE2 binding site and completely locks RBD in the non-functional“down”conformation,while its family member XG005 directly competes with ACE2 binding and position the RBD“up”.Single administration of XG014 is effective in protection against and therapy of SARS-CoV-2 infection in vivo.Our findings suggest the potential to develop XG014 as pan-β-CoV-B therapeutics and the importance of the XG014 conserved antigenic epitope for designing broadly protective vaccines againstβ-CoV-B and newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
基金supported by the following grants:the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant 2016YFC1201000 to X.J.)the Institute Fund of Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center(Grant KY-GW-2021-17 to ZH.L.)。
文摘Arthropod-borne chikungunya virus(CHIKV)infection can cause a debilitating arthritic disease in human.However,there are no specific antiviral drugs and effective licensed vaccines against CHIKV available for clinical use.Here,we developed an m RNA-lipid nanoparticle(m RNA-LNP)vaccine expressing CHIKV E2-E1 antigen,and compared its immunogenicity with soluble recombinant protein s E2-E1 antigen expressed in S2 cells.For comparison,we first showed that recombinant protein antigens mixed with aluminum adjuvant elicit strong antigenspecific humoral immune response and a moderate cellular immune response in C57BL/6 mice.Moreover,s E2-E1vaccine stimulated 12-23 folds more neutralizing antibodies than s E1 vaccine and s E2 vaccine.Significantly,when E2-E1 gene was delivered by an m RNA-LNP vaccine,not only the better magnitude of neutralizing antibody responses was induced,but also greater cellular immune responses were generated,especially for CD8+T cell responses.Moreover,E2-E1-LNP induced CD8~+T cells can perform cytotoxic effect in vivo.Considering its better immunogenicity and convenience of preparation,we suggest that more attention should be placed to develop CHIKV E2-E1-LNP m RNA vaccine.
基金supported by grants from the Chinese National 973 Program(2015CB554302)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB19000000)to B.S.+4 种基金the Chinese National 973 Program(2015CB554300)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB29010205)to M.the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31670172)Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Action(16DZ1910100)to B.S.Nanjing Galaxy Biopharma C.O.
文摘Induction of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies(bNAbs)that bind to the viral envelope glycoproteins is a major goal of hepatitis C virus(HCV)vaccine research.The study of bNAbs arising in natural infection is essential in this endeavor.We generated a human antibody,8D6,recognizing the E2 protein of HCV isolated from a chronic hepatitis C patient.This antibody shows broadly neutralizing activity,which covers a pan-genotypic panel of cell culture-derived HCV virions(HCVcc).Functional and epitope analyses demonstrated that 8D6 can block the interaction between E2 and CD81 by targeting a highly conserved epitope on E2.We describe how the 8D6 lineage evolved via somatic hypermutation to achieve broad neutralization.We found that the V(D)J recombination-generated junctional and somatic hypermutation-induced disulfide bridge(C-C)motif in the CDRH3 is critical for the broad neutralization and binding activity of 8D6.This motif is conserved among a series of broadly neutralizing HCV antibodies,indicating a common binding model.Next,the 8D6 inferred germline(iGL)was reconstructed and tested for its binding affinity and neutralization activity.Interestingly,8D6 iGL-mediated relatively strong inhibition of the 1b genotype PR79L9 strain,suggesting that PR79L9 may serve as a potential natural viral strain that provides E2 sequences that induce bNAbs.Overall,our detailed epitope mapping and genetic studies of the HCV E2-specific mAb 8D6 have allowed for further refinement of antigenic sites on E2 and reveal a new mechanism to generate a functional CDRH3,while its iGL can serve as a probe to identify potential HCV vaccine strains.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81672018,81561128008)the National Basic Research Program of China(973program#2014CB542502)+2 种基金the National 13th Five-Year Grand Program on Key Infectious Disease Control(2017ZX10202102)Shanghai Pujiang Program(19PJ1409100)Intramural Funding from Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center.
文摘Raising a heterologous tier 2 neutralizing antibody(nAb)response remains a daunting task for HIV vaccine development.In this study,we explored the utility of diverse HIV-1 envelope(Env)immunogens in a sequential immunization scheme as a solution to this task.This exploration stemmed from the rationale that gp145,a membrane-bound truncation form of HIV Env,may facilitate the focusing of induced antibody response on neutralizing epitopes when sequentially combined with the soluble gp140 form as immunogens in a prime-boost mode.We first showed that gp140 DNA prime-gp145 Tiantan vaccinia(TV)boost likely represents a general format for inducing potent nAb response in mice.However,when examined in rhesus macaque,this modality showed little effectiveness.To improve the efficacy,we extended the original modality by adding a strong protein boost,namely native-like SOSIP.664 trimer displayed on ferritin-based nanoparticle(NP),which was generated by a newly developed click approach.The resulting three-immunization regimen succeeded in eliciting tier-2 nAb response with substantial breadth when implemented in rhesus macaque over a short 8-week schedule.Importantly,the elicited nAb response was able to effectively contain viremia upon a heterologous SHIV challenge.Collectively,our studies highlighted that diversification of Env immunogens,in both types and formulations,under the framework of a sequential immunization scheme might open new opportunity toward HIV vaccine development.
基金supported by a Project plan of the Bei-jing Science and Technology Commission,under Grant No.Z211100002521023.
文摘Background:Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease(COVID-19),the high infection rate and mutation fre-quency of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),the causative agent,have contributed to the ongoing global pandemic.Vaccination has become the most effective means of controlling COVID-19.Tra-ditional neutralizing tests of sera are complex and labor-intensive,therefore,a rapid test for detecting neutralizing antibodies and antibody status post-immunization is needed.Methods:Based on the fact that antibodies exhibit neutralizing activity by blocking the binding of the S protein receptor-binding domain(S-RBD)to ACE2,we developed a rapid neutralizing antibody test,ACE2-Block-ELISA.To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity,we used 54 positive and 84 negative serum samples.We also tested the neutralizing activities of monoclonal antibodies(mAbs)and 214 sera samples from healthy individuals im-munized with the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.Results:The sensitivity and specificity of the ACE2-Block ELISA were 96.3%and 100%,respectively.For neu-tralizing mAb screening,ch-2C5 was selected for its ability to block the ACE2-S-RBD interaction.A plaque assay confirmed that ch-2C5 neutralized SARS-CoV-2,with NT 50 values of 4.19,10.63,and 1.074μg/mL against the SARS-CoV-2 original strain,and the Beta and Delta variants,respectively.For the immunized sera samples,the neutralizing positive rate dropped from 82.14%to 32.16%within 4 months post-vaccination.Conclusions:This study developed and validated an ACE2-Block-ELISA to test the neutralizing activities of an-tibodies.As a rapid,inexpensive and easy-to-perform method,this ACE2-Block-ELISA has potential applications in rapid neutralizing mAb screening and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine evaluation.
文摘AIM:To determine the involvement of the transforming growth factor(TGF)-β with the development of experimental subretinal fibrosis in a mouse model.· METHODS:Subretinal fibrosis was induced by subretinal injection of macrophage-rich peritoneal exudate cells(PECs) and the local expression of TGF-β isoforms was assessed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) at various time points.In addition,we investigated the effect of TFG-β-neutralizing antibodies(TGF-β NAb) on subretinal fibrosis development.· RESULTS:TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 mRNA level was significantly elevated at day 2 after subretinal fibrosis induction and increased further to 5 and 6.5-fold respectively at day 5,reaching the peak.TGF-β3 mRNA was not detected in the present study.The result of ELSIA showed that active TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 levels were upregulated to 10-fold approximately,while total TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 levels were even upregulated more than 10-fold and more than 20-fold respectively in subretinal fibrosis mice in comparison with na?觙ve mice at day 5.TGF-β NAb resulted in a reduced subretinal fibrosis areas by 65% compared to animals from control group at day 7.· CONCLUSION:Our results indicate that TGF-β signaling may contribute to the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrogenesis and TGF-β inhibition may provide an effective,novel treatment of advanced and late-stage neovascular age-related macular degeneration.·
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.31970130,31600672,31670831,and 31370813).
文摘Coronavirus disease 2019 is threatening thousands of millions of people around the world.In the absence of specific and highly effective medicines,the treatment of infected persons is still very challenging.As therapeutics,neutralizing antibodies(NAbs)have great potential.Many NAbs have been reported,and most target various regions on the receptor-binding domain of the spike(S)protein,or the N-terminal domain.Several NAbs and NAb cocktails have been authorized for emergency use,and more arc in clinical trials or are under development.In this review,considering the angle of binding epitopes on the S protein,we summarize the functions and the underlying mechanisms of a set of well-recognized NAbs and provide guidance for vaccine design and the combinatorial use of these antibodies.In addition,we review the NAbs and NAb cocktails that have been approved for emergency use and discuss the effectiveness of these NAbs for combating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 mutants.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.20872048)
文摘Current serum neutralization assays based on the inhibition of the cytopathic effect(Nt-CPE) need to ma nipulate live viruses, which are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and have the potential exposure to infectious agents, so a safe and objective assay via pseudovirus for the fast and efficient detection of enterovirus 71(EV71) neutralizing antibodies was developed. First, we generated EV71 pseudovirus containing firefly luciferase gene in place of the capsid gene P1 in EV71 genome. Vero cells infected with 200 CCID50(50% cell culture infective dose) of EV71 pseudovirus for 24 h were found to have the best performance. Seval sera were measured by EV71 pseudoparticle neutralization assay(Nt-PPN) and the conventional serological method Nt-CPE. Neutralizing antibody titers measured by Nt-PPN and those obtained by Nt-CPE demonstrate a high correlation between the two methods. Overall, the PPN assay represents a valid alternative to conventional serological methods for the evaluation of EV71 neutralizing anti bodies. This method can be used for detecting neutralizing antibodies of other picornaviruses, such as hepatitis A vi rus(HAV) and coxsackievirus 16(CVA16), and make it possible to determine whether there is cross-reactivity be tween EV71 and CVA16.
基金This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31900746 and 31802170)Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2019M660182).
文摘Porcine epidemic diarrhea(PED)caused by the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus(PEDV),is a severe infectious and devastating swine disease that leads to serious economic losses in the swine industry worldwide.An increased number of PED cases caused by variant PEDV have been reported in many countries since 2010.S protein is the main immunogenic protein containing some B-cell epitopes that can induce neutralizing antibodies of PEDV.In this study,the construction,expression and purification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A(PE)without domain Ⅲ(PE△Ⅲ)as a vector was performed for the delivery of PEDV S-A or S-B.PE(△Ⅲ)PEDV S-A and PE(△Ⅲ)PEDV S-B recombinant proteins were confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis.The immunogenicity of PEDV S-A and PEDV S-B subunit vaccines were evaluated in mice.The results showed that PEDV-S-B vaccine could not only induce specific humoral and Th1 type-dominant cellular immune responses,but also stimulate PEDV-specific mucosal immune responses in mice.PEDV-S-B subunit vaccine is a novel candidate mucosal vaccine against PEDV infection.
基金support by National Key Technology R&D Program of China (2013BAD12B05)
文摘Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a member of the Coronavifidae family, is the causative pathogen for MERS that is characterized by high fever, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), as well as extrapul- monary manifestations. Currently, there are no approved treatment regimens or vaccines for MERS. Here~ we generated recombinant nonvirulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) LaSota strain expressing MERS-CoV S protein (designated as rLa- MERS-S), and evaluated its immunogenicity in mice and Bactrian camels. The results revealed that rLa-MERS-S showed similar growth properties to those of LaSota in embryonated chicken eggs, while animal immunization studies showed that rLa-MERS-S induced MERS-CoV neutralizing antibodies in mice and camels. Our findings suggest that recombinant rLa- MERS-S may be a potential MERS-CoV veterinary vaccine candidate for camels and other animals affected by MERS.
基金Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(German Research Foundation)-Projektnummer 215346292[Winkler]Bavarian consortium for research on the pandemic disease COVID-19(FOR-COVID)[Tenbusch].
文摘The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)in 2019 prompted scientific,medical,and biotech communities to investigate infection-and vaccine-induced immune responses in the context of this pathogen.B-cell and antibody responses are at the center of these investigations,as neutralizing antibodies(nAbs)are an important correlate of protection(COP)from infection and the primary target of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine modalities.In addition to absolute levels,nAb longevity,neutralization breadth,immunoglobulin isotype and subtype composition,and presence at mucosal sites have become important topics for scientists and health policy makers.The recent pandemic was and still is a unique setting in which to study de novo and memory B-cell(MBC)and antibody responses in the dynamic interplay of infection-and vaccine-induced immunity.It also provided an opportunity to explore new vaccine platforms,such as mRNA or adenoviral vector vaccines,in unprecedented cohort sizes.Combined with the technological advances of recent years,this situation has provided detailed mechanistic insights into the development of B-cell and antibody responses but also revealed some unexpected findings.In this review,we summarize the key findings of the last 2.5 years regarding infection-and vaccine-induced B-cell immunity,which we believe are of significant value not only in the context of SARS-CoV-2 but also for future vaccination approaches in endemic and pandemic settings.
基金financially supported by Taylor’s University Emerging Grant(TRGS/ERFS/2/2018/SBS/016)Monash Global Asia in the 21st Century(GA21)research grants(GA-HW-19-L01&GA-HW-19-S02)Fundamental Research Grant Scheme(FRGS/1/2019/WAB09/MUSM/02/1&FRGS/1/2019/SKK08/TAYLOR/02/2)
文摘The new coronavirus disease(COVID-19)outbreak has challenged us to take unprecedented steps to bring this pandemic under control.In view of the urgency of this situation,convalescent plasma which was used in previous coronavirus outbreaks has emerged as one of the treatment options in this current pandemic.This is mainly due to the fact that convalescent plasma has been studied in a few case series with promising outcomes.In addition,on-going large clinical trials aimed to further evaluate the effectiveness,safety,and optimal dosage,duration and timing of administration of convalescent plasma are indeed revealing a certain level of promising results.Therefore,this article aims to provide an overview of possible mechanisms of actions of convalescent plasma,its benefits and its level of usage safeness by summarizing the existing evidence on the use of convalescent plasma in COVID-19 patients.