Identification of HBsAg-specific antibodies from a mammalian cell displayed full-length human antibody library of healthy immunized donor

Hepatitis B immunoglobulin （HBIG） is important in the management of hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection. Aiming to develop recombinant monoclona# antibodies as an alternative to HBIG, we report the successful identification of HBV surface antigen （HBsAg）-specific antibodies from a full-length human antibody library displayed on mammalian cell surface. Using total RNA of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a natively immunized donor as template, the antibody repertoire was amplified. Combining four-way ligation and the FIp recombinase-mediated integration （FIp-ln） system, we constructed a mammalian cell-based, fully human, full-length antibody display library in which each cell displayed only one kind of antibody molecule. By screening the cell library using fluorescence-activated cell sorting （FACS）, eight cell clones that displayed HBsAg-specific antibodies on cell surfaces were identified. DNA sequence analysis of the antibody genes revealed three unique antibodies. FACS data indicated that fluorescent strength of expression （FSE）, fluorescent strength of binding （FSB） and relative binding ability （RBA） were all different among them. These results demonstrated that by using our antibody mammalian display and screening platform, we can successfully identify antigen-specific antibodies from an immunized full-length antibody library. Therefore, this platform is very useful for the development of therapeutic antibodies.

Establishment of Novel Monoclonal Fabs Specific for Epstein-Barr Virus Encoded Latent Membrane Protein 1

Dear Editor,Epstein-Barr virus(EBV,also termed human herpesvirus-4)was the first identified human tumor virus.Since its discovery in 1964,studies have shown that EBV infects over 90%of all people by the time they are adults(Williams and Crawford 2006).EBV infection can result in mucocutaneous and systemic diseases,ranging from selflimited illnesses to aggressive malignancies,including B cell Hodgkin lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.In vitro,EBV transforms resting B cells into proliferating blast cells(Pope et al.1968).

Common Infections May Lead to Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD),also known as Alzheimer's,is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder with hallmark amyloid plaques in brain tissue.The diseases commences slowly and worsens over time (Sjogren et al.1952).Although it has been investigated for over six decades,the cause of AD is still not completely understood.It was initially thought to be caused by genetic heritability (autosomal mutation leading to aggregation of β-amyloid and misfolded tau proteins)or head injury.However,hundreds of drug trials targeting the accumulation of sticky amyloid plaques and misfolded tau proteins in the brain have failed to yield any results.

Metformin Might Inhibit Virus through Increasing Insulin Sensitivity

To the Editor：Metformin is believed to be the most widely used medication for diabetes as well as the first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes,especially in patients who are overweight.Metformin is described as a magic medicine currently due to its broad range of potential benefits for polycystic ovary syndrome,cardiovascular disease,and various cancers and even prolonged lifespan.Recently,limited in vitro and in vivo research suggests that metformin may have inhibitory effect on virus,especially hepatitis C virus （HCV）.Besides,it would be amazing if metformin possess antivirus function in hepatitis B virus （HBV）,human immunodeficiency virus （HIV）,etc.,to benefits virus-infected patients from other aspects of mechanism.

Significant Spike-Specific IgG and Neutralizing Antibodies in Mice Induced by a Novel Chimeric Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Candidate for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus

Dear Editor, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERSCoV),first isolated in 2012,has emerged zoonotically among humans (van Boheemen et al.2012).Since then, MERS-CoV continues to be a public health concern,with a fatality rate of 35%.On-going MERS-CoV outbreaks highlight the urgent need for the development of interventional measures,including an effective vaccine against MERS-CoV infection.Currently,no licensed therapeutic or vaccine is available (Okba et al.2017).