Efficient and eco-friendly disinfection of air-borne human respiratory RNA viruses is pursued in both public environment and portable usage.The AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet(DUV)light-emission diode(LED)has high practi...Efficient and eco-friendly disinfection of air-borne human respiratory RNA viruses is pursued in both public environment and portable usage.The AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet(DUV)light-emission diode(LED)has high practical potentials because of its advantages of variable wavelength,rapid sterilization,environmental protection,and miniaturization.Therefore,whether the emission wavelength has effects on the disinfection as well as whether the device is feasible to sterilize various respiratory RNA viruses under portable conditions is crucial.Here,we fabricate AlGaN-based DUV LEDs with different wavelength on high-temperature-annealed(HTA)AlN/Sapphire templates and investigate the inactivation effects for several respiratory RNA viruses.The AlN/AlGaN superlattices are employed between the template and upper n-AlGaN to release the strong compressive stress(SCS),improving the crystal quality and interface roughness.DUV LEDs with the wavelength of 256,265,and 278 nm,corresponding to the light output power of 6.8,9.6,and 12.5 mW,are realized,among which the 256 nm-LED shows the most potent inactivation effect in human respiratory RNA viruses,including SARS-CoV-2,influenza A virus(IAV),and human parainfluenza virus(HPIV),at a similar light power density(LPD)of~0.8 mW/cm2 for 10 s.These results will contribute to the advanced DUV LED application of disinfecting viruses with high potency and broad spectrum in a portable and eco-friendly use.展开更多
Since the first human case of H5N1 avian influenza virus infection was reported in 1997, this highly pathogenic virus has infected hundreds of people around the world and resulted in many deaths. The ability of H5N1 t...Since the first human case of H5N1 avian influenza virus infection was reported in 1997, this highly pathogenic virus has infected hundreds of people around the world and resulted in many deaths. The ability of H5N1 to cross species boundaries, and the presence of polymorphisms that enhance virulence, present challenges to developing clear strategies to prevent the pandemic spread of this highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. This review summarizes the current understanding of, and recent research on, the avian influenza H5N1 virus, including transmission, virulence, pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, treatment and prevention.展开更多
Several reviews have focused on the nature of HIV infection and its spread in various geographical regions of China. In contrast, this review provides a comprehensive update on the prevalence of multiple HIV- 1 subtyp...Several reviews have focused on the nature of HIV infection and its spread in various geographical regions of China. In contrast, this review provides a comprehensive update on the prevalence of multiple HIV- 1 subtypes, consequent emergence of recombinant and novel forms of HIV- 1 in China, and the implications this may have on HIV diversity and the development of effective vaccines. In addition it also examines the dissemination of primary drug resistance in therapy naive patients, as well as co-infections with two other important viruses-hepatitis B and C. The main purpose of this review is to provide a current snapshot of HIV-1 pathogenesis in China and possibly shed some light on the future of HIV evolution, and potential challenges for future vaccine and anti-retroviral therapeutics against HIV strains in this area.展开更多
The major immunogenic proteins (Ems, E2 and NS3) of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) (Shimen strain) were expressed in E. coli and purified by affinity chromatography. The recombinant antigens were applied to ...The major immunogenic proteins (Ems, E2 and NS3) of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) (Shimen strain) were expressed in E. coli and purified by affinity chromatography. The recombinant antigens were applied to develop multiple enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of specific antibodies in pig sera. Optimum cut-off values were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis after testing 201 sera of vaccinated pigs and 64 negative sera of unvaccinated piglets. The multiple ELISAs were validated with 265 pig sera yielding high sensitivity and specificity in comparison with the virus neutralization results. The results demonstrated that multiple ELISAs can be a valuable tool for the detection of CSFV infection and serological surveys in CSFV-free countries or for the evaluation of the antibody responses in pigs induced by a live attenuated C-strain vaccination展开更多
A quantitative real time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay with specific primers recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) has been widely used successfully for detection and...A quantitative real time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay with specific primers recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) has been widely used successfully for detection and monitoring of the pandemic H1N1/2009 influenza A virus. In this study, we report the design and characterization of a novel set of primers to be used in a qRT-PCR assay for detecting the pandemic H1N1/2009 virus. The newly designed primers target three regions that are highly conserved among the hemagglutinin (HA) genes of the pandemic HlN1/2009 viruses and are different from those targeted by the WHO-recommended primers. The qRT-PCR assays with the newly designed primers are highly specific, and as specific as the WHO-recommended primers for detecting pandemic H1N1/2009 viruses and other influenza viruses including influenza B viruses and influenza A viruses of human, swine, and raccoon dog origin. Furthermore, the qRT-PCR assays with the newly designed primers appeared to be at least 10-fold more sensitive than those with the WHO-recommended primers as the detection limits of the assays with our primers and the WHO-recommended primers were 2.5 and 25 copies of target RNA per reaction, respectively. When tested with 83 clinical samples, 32 were detected to be positive using the qRT-PCR assays with our designed primers, while only 25 were positive by the assays with the WHO-recommended primers. These results suggest that the qRT-PCR system with the newly designed primers represent a highly sensitive assay for diagnosis of the pandemic HIN1/2009 virus infection.展开更多
A new biocatalyst route for the synthesis of a conducting polyaniline (PANI)/ lignosulfonate (LGS) complex was presented.Four different catalysts such as hemoglobin (Hb),5,10,15,20-tetrakis (meso-hydroxyphenyl...A new biocatalyst route for the synthesis of a conducting polyaniline (PANI)/ lignosulfonate (LGS) complex was presented.Four different catalysts such as hemoglobin (Hb),5,10,15,20-tetrakis (meso-hydroxyphenyl) porphyrin,iron (II) tetrasulfophthalocyanine and ferric chloride were used to polymerize aniline in the presence of a natural polyelectrolytes template LGS.The experimental results show that Hb is an effective catalyst in this case and the synthesis is simple,and the conditions are mild in that the polymerization may be carried out in lower pH (1.0-4.0) buffered solution and optimal pH of 2.0.Varying concentrations of aniline,LGS and H2O2 in feed the favorable conditions for the production of PANI were determined.UV-vis absorption,FTIR,elemental analysis,conductivity,cyclic voltammetry and thermogravimetric analyses confirm the formation of thermally stable and electroactive PANI.展开更多
The X protein (HBx) of Human hepatitis B virus (HBV) acts as an indirect transcriptional transactivator to regulate the expression of many viral and cellular genes, as well as playing a critical role in pathogenes...The X protein (HBx) of Human hepatitis B virus (HBV) acts as an indirect transcriptional transactivator to regulate the expression of many viral and cellular genes, as well as playing a critical role in pathogenesis and the deve!opment of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here we described the biological effects of HBx in association with four cellular factors, including inflammatory factors (COX-2 and iNOS), oncoprotein (Ras), and a newly identified tumor suppressor (YueF). The characteristics of these effectors, which might be associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, are also discussed.展开更多
Penaeidin-2(Pen-2) is an important antimicrobial peptide derived from the Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, and possesses both antibacterial and antifungal activities. Recent studies suggest that recombinant p...Penaeidin-2(Pen-2) is an important antimicrobial peptide derived from the Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, and possesses both antibacterial and antifungal activities. Recent studies suggest that recombinant penaeidins show similar activities to the native Pen-2 protein. Previous researches have shown that some antimicrobial peptides(AMPs) exhibit cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. To date, there have been no studies on the antitumor effects of Pen-2. This study evaluated the potential of recombinant pen-2(rPen-2) in the selective killing of kidney cancer cell lines ACHN and A498, and its action mechanism. MTT assays found the maximal growth inhibition of HK-2, ACHN and A498 cells treated with 100 μg/mL rPen-2 at 48 h was 13.2%, 62.4%, and 70.4%, respectively. DNA-specific fluorescent dye staining showed a high percentage of apoptosis on cancer cells. Flow cytometry revealed that the apoptosis rate of HK-2, ACHN and A498 cells was 15.2%, 55.2%, and 61.5% at 48 h respectively, suggesting that rPen-2 induced higher apoptosis rate in cancer cells than in HK-2 cells. Laser confocal scanning microscopy demonstrated that the plasma membrane was the key site where rPen-2 interacted with and destroyed tumor cells. Scanning electron microscopy showed the morphologic changes of the cell membranes of kidney cancer cells treated with rPen-2. These results suggest that rPen-2 is a novel potential therapeutic agent that may be useful in treating kidney cancers.展开更多
Objective To investigate the epidemiological features in children after the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Methods This study collected throat swabs and serum samples from hospitalized pediatric patients o...Objective To investigate the epidemiological features in children after the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Methods This study collected throat swabs and serum samples from hospitalized pediatric patients of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University,Wuhan,Hubei province,China before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.Respiratory infected pathogens[adenovirus(ADV),influenza virus A/B(Flu A/B),parainfluenza virus 1/2/3(PIV1/2/3),respiratory syncytial virus(RSV),Mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP),and Chlamydia pneumoniae(CP)]were detected.The pathogens,age,and gender were used to analyze the epidemiological features in children after the COVID-19 pandemic.Results The pathogen detection rate was significantly higher in females than in males(P<0.05),and the infection of PIV1 and MP was mainly manifested.After the COVID-19 pandemic,PIV1,PIV3,RSV,and MP had statistically different detection rates among the age groups(P<0.05),and was mainly detected in patients aged 0–6 years,0–3 years,0–3 years,and 1–6 years,respectively.When comparing before the COVID-19 pandemic,the total detection rate of common respiratory pathogens was lower(P<0.05).Except for the increase in the detection rate of PIV1 and CP,the infection rate of other pathogens had almost decreased.Conclusion The prevention and control measures for the COVID-19 pandemic effectively changed the epidemiological features of common respiratory tract infectious diseases in pediatric children.展开更多
Host genes involved in lipid metabolism are differentially affected during the early stages of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Here we demonstrate that artificial up-regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis has a po...Host genes involved in lipid metabolism are differentially affected during the early stages of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Here we demonstrate that artificial up-regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis has a positive effect on the replication of the HCV full-length replicon when cells were treated with nystatin. Conversely, the HCV RNA replication was decreased when fatty acid biosynthesis was inhibited with 25-hydroxycholesterol and PDMP(D-threo-l-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3- morpholino-l-propanol). In agreement with these results, the expression level of GlcT-l(ceramide glucosyltransferase), a host glucosyltransferase in the first step of GSL (glycosphingolipid) biosynthesis, was found to be closely associated with the expression and replication of HCV RNA. On the other hand, the viral RNA can also activate GlcT-1 in the early stage of viral RNA transfection in vitro. To identify viral factors that are responsible for GlcT-1 activation, we constructed ten stable Vero cell lines that express individual HCV proteins. Based on the analyses of these cell lines and transient transfection assay of the GlcT-1 promoter regions, we conclude that HCV proteins, especially NS5A and NS5B, have positive effects on the expression of GlcT-1. It is possible that NS5A and NS5B stimulate transcription factor(s) to activate the expression of GlcT-1 by increasing its transcription level展开更多
The anti-hepatitis B virus(HBV)effects and its mechanisms of the ethanol extracts of Hypericum perforatum L.(EHP)in vitro were explored.HepG2 2.2.15 cells,a stable HBV-producing cell line,were cultured as the model sy...The anti-hepatitis B virus(HBV)effects and its mechanisms of the ethanol extracts of Hypericum perforatum L.(EHP)in vitro were explored.HepG2 2.2.15 cells,a stable HBV-producing cell line,were cultured as the model system to observe the anti-HBV effect.The viral antigens of cellular secretion,HBsAg and HBeAg,were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The quantity of HBV-DNA released in the supernatant was assayed by real-time PCR.In order to understand the mechanisms of the suppression of H...展开更多
Hand,foot and mouth disease(HFMD),mainly caused by enterovirus 71(EV71),has frequently occurred in the Asia-Pacific region,posing a significant threat to the health of infants and young children.Therefore,research on ...Hand,foot and mouth disease(HFMD),mainly caused by enterovirus 71(EV71),has frequently occurred in the Asia-Pacific region,posing a significant threat to the health of infants and young children.Therefore,research on the infection mechanism and pathogenicity of enteroviruses is increasingly becoming important.The 3D polymerase,as the most critical RNA-dependent RNA polymerase(RdRp)for EV71 replication,is widely targeted to inhibit EV71 infection.In this study,we identified a novel host protein,AIMP2,capable of binding to 3D polymerase and inhibiting EV71 infection.Subsequent investigations revealed that AIMP2 recruits the E3 ligase SMURF2,which mediates the polyubiquitination and degradation of 3D polymerase.Furthermore,the antiviral effect of AIMP2 extended to the CVA16 and CVB1 serotypes.Our research has uncovered the dynamic regulatory function of AIMP2 during EV71 infection,revealing a novel antiviral mechanism and providing new insights for the development of antienteroviral therapeutic strategies.展开更多
Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus(KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus-8(HHV-8), is etiologically linked to the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman’s disea...Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus(KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus-8(HHV-8), is etiologically linked to the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman’s disease. These malignancies often occur in immunosuppressed individuals, making KSHV infection-associated diseases an increasing global health concern with persistence of the AIDS epidemic. KSHV exhibits biphasic life cycles between latent and lytic infection and extensive transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. As a member of the herpesvirus family, KSHV has evolved many strategies to evade the host immune response, which help the virus establish a successful lifelong infection. In this review, we summarize the current research status on the biology of latent and lytic viral infection, the regulation of viral life cycles and the related pathogenesis.展开更多
Viral infection in respiratory tract usually leads to cell death,impairing respiratory function to cause severe disease.However,the diversity of clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the complexity...Viral infection in respiratory tract usually leads to cell death,impairing respiratory function to cause severe disease.However,the diversity of clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the complexity and difficulty of viral infection prevention,and especially the high-frequency asymptomatic infection increases the risk of virus transmission.Studying how SARS-CoV-2 affects apoptotic pathway may help to understand the pathological process of its infection.Here,we uncovered SARS-CoV-2 imployed a distinct anti-apoptotic mechanism via its N protein.We found SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles(trVLP)suppressed cell apoptosis,but the trVLP lacking N protein didn’t.Further study verified that N protein repressed cell apoptosis in cultured cells,human lung organoids and mice.Mechanistically,N protein specifically interacted with anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1,and recruited a deubiquitinating enzyme USP15 to remove the K63-linked ubiquitination of MCL-1,which stabilized this protein and promoted it to hijack Bak in mitochondria.Importantly,N protein promoted the replications of IAV,DENV and ZIKV,and exacerbated death of IAV-infected mice,all of which could be blocked by a MCL-1 specific inhibitor,S63845.Altogether,we identifed a distinct anti-apoptotic function of the N protein,through which it promoted viral replication.These may explain how SARS-CoV-2 effectively replicates in asymptomatic individuals without cuasing respiratory dysfunction,and indicate a risk of enhanced coinfection with other viruses.We anticipate that abrogating the N/MCL-1-dominated apoptosis repression is conducive to the treatments of SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as coinfections with other viruses.展开更多
Interferon(IFN)-mediated pathways are a crucial part of the cellular response against viral infection.Type III IFNs,which include IFN-λ1,2 and 3,mediate antiviral responses similar to Type I IFNs via a distinct recep...Interferon(IFN)-mediated pathways are a crucial part of the cellular response against viral infection.Type III IFNs,which include IFN-λ1,2 and 3,mediate antiviral responses similar to Type I IFNs via a distinct receptor complex.IFN-λ1 is more effective than the other two members.Transcription of IFN-λ1 requires activation of IRF3/7 and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB),similar to the transcriptional mechanism of Type I IFNs.Using reporter assays,we discovered that viral infection in-duced both IFN-λ1 promoter activity and that of the 3′-untranslated region(UTR),indicating that IFN-λ1 expression is also regulated at the post-transcriptional level.After analysis with microRNA(miRNA)prediction programs and 3′UTR targeting site assays,the miR-NA-548 family,including miR-548b-5p,miR-548c-5p,miR-548i,miR-548j,and miR-548n,was identified to target the 3′UTR of IFN-λ1.Further study demonstrated that miRNA-548 mimics down-regulated the expression of IFN-λ1.In contrast,their inhibitors,the complemen-tary RNAs,enhanced the expression of IFN-λ1 and IFN-stimulated genes.Furthermore,miRNA-548 mimics promoted infection by enterovirus-71(EV71)and ve-sicular stomatitis virus(VSV),whereas their inhibitors significantly suppressed the replication of EV71 and VSV.Endogenous miRNA-548 levels were suppressed during viral infection.In conclusion,our results sug-gest that miRNA-548 regulates host antiviral response via direct targeting of IFN-λ1,which may offer a poten-tial candidate for antiviral therapy.展开更多
We recently reported that inhibitors against human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase(DHODH)have broad-spectrum antiviral activities including their inhibitory efficacies on SARS-CoV-2 replication in infected cells.However,...We recently reported that inhibitors against human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase(DHODH)have broad-spectrum antiviral activities including their inhibitory efficacies on SARS-CoV-2 replication in infected cells.However,there are limited data from clinical studies to prove the application of DHODH inhibitors in Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients.In the present study,we evaluated Leflunomide,an approved DHODH inhibitor widely used as a modest immune regulator to treat autoimmune diseases,in treating COVID-19 disease with a small-scale of patients.Cases of 10 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients of moderate type with obvious opacity in the lung were included.Five of the patients were treated with Leflunomide,and another five were treated as blank controls without a placebo.All the patients accepted standard supportive treatment for COVID-19.The patients given Leflunomide had a shorter viral shedding time(median of5 days)than the controls(median of 11 days,P=0.046).The patients given Leflunomide also showed a significant reduction in C-reactive protein levels,indicating that immunopathological inflammation was well controlled.No obvious adverse effects were observed in Leflunomide-treated patients,and they all discharged from the hospital faster than controls.This preliminary study on a small-scale compassionate use of Leflunomide provides clues for further understanding of Leflunomide as a potential antiviral drug against COVID-19.展开更多
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the infectious agent causing acquired immu-nodeficiency syndrome (AIDS),a deadliest scourge of human society. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major causative agent of chronic liver d...Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the infectious agent causing acquired immu-nodeficiency syndrome (AIDS),a deadliest scourge of human society. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major causative agent of chronic liver disease and infects an estimated 170 million people worldwide,resulting in a serious public health burden. Due to shared routes of transmission,co-infection with HIV and HCV has become common among individuals who had high risks of blood exposures. Among hemophiliacs the co-infection rate accounts for 85%; while among injection drug users (IDU) the rate can be as high as 90%. HIV can accelerate the progression of HCV-related liver disease,particularly when immunodeficiency has developed. Although the effect of HCV on HIV infection is controversial,most studies showed an increase in mortality due to liver disease. HCV may act as a direct cofactor to fasten the progression of AIDS and decrease the tolerance of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HARRT). Conversely,HAART-related hepatotoxicity may enhance the progression of liver fibrosis. Due to above complications,co-infection with HCV and HIV-1 has imposed a critical challenge in the management of these patients. In this review,we focus on the epidemiology and transmission of HIV and HCV,the impact of the two viruses on each other,and their treatment.展开更多
基金supports from the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFB3605001)National Natural Science Foundation of China(62121005,62004196,61725403,31922004,and 61827813)+2 种基金Youth Innovation Promotion Association of Chinese Academy of Sciences(2023223)Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program by CAST(YESS20200182)Innovation Team Project from the Hubei Province(2020CFA015).
文摘Efficient and eco-friendly disinfection of air-borne human respiratory RNA viruses is pursued in both public environment and portable usage.The AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet(DUV)light-emission diode(LED)has high practical potentials because of its advantages of variable wavelength,rapid sterilization,environmental protection,and miniaturization.Therefore,whether the emission wavelength has effects on the disinfection as well as whether the device is feasible to sterilize various respiratory RNA viruses under portable conditions is crucial.Here,we fabricate AlGaN-based DUV LEDs with different wavelength on high-temperature-annealed(HTA)AlN/Sapphire templates and investigate the inactivation effects for several respiratory RNA viruses.The AlN/AlGaN superlattices are employed between the template and upper n-AlGaN to release the strong compressive stress(SCS),improving the crystal quality and interface roughness.DUV LEDs with the wavelength of 256,265,and 278 nm,corresponding to the light output power of 6.8,9.6,and 12.5 mW,are realized,among which the 256 nm-LED shows the most potent inactivation effect in human respiratory RNA viruses,including SARS-CoV-2,influenza A virus(IAV),and human parainfluenza virus(HPIV),at a similar light power density(LPD)of~0.8 mW/cm2 for 10 s.These results will contribute to the advanced DUV LED application of disinfecting viruses with high potency and broad spectrum in a portable and eco-friendly use.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (30979144 and 81271821)
文摘Since the first human case of H5N1 avian influenza virus infection was reported in 1997, this highly pathogenic virus has infected hundreds of people around the world and resulted in many deaths. The ability of H5N1 to cross species boundaries, and the presence of polymorphisms that enhance virulence, present challenges to developing clear strategies to prevent the pandemic spread of this highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. This review summarizes the current understanding of, and recent research on, the avian influenza H5N1 virus, including transmission, virulence, pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, treatment and prevention.
文摘Several reviews have focused on the nature of HIV infection and its spread in various geographical regions of China. In contrast, this review provides a comprehensive update on the prevalence of multiple HIV- 1 subtypes, consequent emergence of recombinant and novel forms of HIV- 1 in China, and the implications this may have on HIV diversity and the development of effective vaccines. In addition it also examines the dissemination of primary drug resistance in therapy naive patients, as well as co-infections with two other important viruses-hepatitis B and C. The main purpose of this review is to provide a current snapshot of HIV-1 pathogenesis in China and possibly shed some light on the future of HIV evolution, and potential challenges for future vaccine and anti-retroviral therapeutics against HIV strains in this area.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30771597)the Key Project of Science and Technology of Wuhan(200720422141)
文摘The major immunogenic proteins (Ems, E2 and NS3) of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) (Shimen strain) were expressed in E. coli and purified by affinity chromatography. The recombinant antigens were applied to develop multiple enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of specific antibodies in pig sera. Optimum cut-off values were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis after testing 201 sera of vaccinated pigs and 64 negative sera of unvaccinated piglets. The multiple ELISAs were validated with 265 pig sera yielding high sensitivity and specificity in comparison with the virus neutralization results. The results demonstrated that multiple ELISAs can be a valuable tool for the detection of CSFV infection and serological surveys in CSFV-free countries or for the evaluation of the antibody responses in pigs induced by a live attenuated C-strain vaccination
基金supported by grants from National Basic Research Program of China (No.2011CB504800)National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31100128 and 81030031)+3 种基金National Mega Project on Major Drug Development (2009ZX09103-678)National Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) Program of Chinathe Technology R & D Program of Jiangsu Province, China (BG20077035 and BG2008662)NIH (RO1-AI041927,RO1-AI050468, RO1-DE014145, and RO1-DE014842)
文摘A quantitative real time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay with specific primers recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) has been widely used successfully for detection and monitoring of the pandemic H1N1/2009 influenza A virus. In this study, we report the design and characterization of a novel set of primers to be used in a qRT-PCR assay for detecting the pandemic H1N1/2009 virus. The newly designed primers target three regions that are highly conserved among the hemagglutinin (HA) genes of the pandemic HlN1/2009 viruses and are different from those targeted by the WHO-recommended primers. The qRT-PCR assays with the newly designed primers are highly specific, and as specific as the WHO-recommended primers for detecting pandemic H1N1/2009 viruses and other influenza viruses including influenza B viruses and influenza A viruses of human, swine, and raccoon dog origin. Furthermore, the qRT-PCR assays with the newly designed primers appeared to be at least 10-fold more sensitive than those with the WHO-recommended primers as the detection limits of the assays with our primers and the WHO-recommended primers were 2.5 and 25 copies of target RNA per reaction, respectively. When tested with 83 clinical samples, 32 were detected to be positive using the qRT-PCR assays with our designed primers, while only 25 were positive by the assays with the WHO-recommended primers. These results suggest that the qRT-PCR system with the newly designed primers represent a highly sensitive assay for diagnosis of the pandemic HIN1/2009 virus infection.
基金Funded by the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province(No.07JJ6020)
文摘A new biocatalyst route for the synthesis of a conducting polyaniline (PANI)/ lignosulfonate (LGS) complex was presented.Four different catalysts such as hemoglobin (Hb),5,10,15,20-tetrakis (meso-hydroxyphenyl) porphyrin,iron (II) tetrasulfophthalocyanine and ferric chloride were used to polymerize aniline in the presence of a natural polyelectrolytes template LGS.The experimental results show that Hb is an effective catalyst in this case and the synthesis is simple,and the conditions are mild in that the polymerization may be carried out in lower pH (1.0-4.0) buffered solution and optimal pH of 2.0.Varying concentrations of aniline,LGS and H2O2 in feed the favorable conditions for the production of PANI were determined.UV-vis absorption,FTIR,elemental analysis,conductivity,cyclic voltammetry and thermogravimetric analyses confirm the formation of thermally stable and electroactive PANI.
基金the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China("973"project No.2005CB52290and No.2005CB522905)The National Natural SciencFoundation of China(No.30470087and No.30730001)+1 种基金ThDepartment of Science Technology of Hubei Province(No2005S2354)Program for Changjiang Scholars anInnovative Research Team in University(PCSIRT)
文摘The X protein (HBx) of Human hepatitis B virus (HBV) acts as an indirect transcriptional transactivator to regulate the expression of many viral and cellular genes, as well as playing a critical role in pathogenesis and the deve!opment of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here we described the biological effects of HBx in association with four cellular factors, including inflammatory factors (COX-2 and iNOS), oncoprotein (Ras), and a newly identified tumor suppressor (YueF). The characteristics of these effectors, which might be associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, are also discussed.
文摘Penaeidin-2(Pen-2) is an important antimicrobial peptide derived from the Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, and possesses both antibacterial and antifungal activities. Recent studies suggest that recombinant penaeidins show similar activities to the native Pen-2 protein. Previous researches have shown that some antimicrobial peptides(AMPs) exhibit cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. To date, there have been no studies on the antitumor effects of Pen-2. This study evaluated the potential of recombinant pen-2(rPen-2) in the selective killing of kidney cancer cell lines ACHN and A498, and its action mechanism. MTT assays found the maximal growth inhibition of HK-2, ACHN and A498 cells treated with 100 μg/mL rPen-2 at 48 h was 13.2%, 62.4%, and 70.4%, respectively. DNA-specific fluorescent dye staining showed a high percentage of apoptosis on cancer cells. Flow cytometry revealed that the apoptosis rate of HK-2, ACHN and A498 cells was 15.2%, 55.2%, and 61.5% at 48 h respectively, suggesting that rPen-2 induced higher apoptosis rate in cancer cells than in HK-2 cells. Laser confocal scanning microscopy demonstrated that the plasma membrane was the key site where rPen-2 interacted with and destroyed tumor cells. Scanning electron microscopy showed the morphologic changes of the cell membranes of kidney cancer cells treated with rPen-2. These results suggest that rPen-2 is a novel potential therapeutic agent that may be useful in treating kidney cancers.
基金supported by grants from the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2042022kf1215)the Special Funds for Innovation in Scientific Research Program of Zhongshan(No.2020AG024)+4 种基金Chinese Foundation for Hepatitis Prevention and Control:TianQing Liver Disease Research Fund Subject(No.TGQB20210109)the Open Funds of Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province(No.KFJJ-202005 and No.KFJJ-201907)the Open Research Program of the State Key Laboratory of Virology of China(No.2021KF002 and No.2021KF006)the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province(No.2020CFB619)Wuhan Municipal Health Research Foundation(No.WX21Z36).
文摘Objective To investigate the epidemiological features in children after the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Methods This study collected throat swabs and serum samples from hospitalized pediatric patients of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University,Wuhan,Hubei province,China before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.Respiratory infected pathogens[adenovirus(ADV),influenza virus A/B(Flu A/B),parainfluenza virus 1/2/3(PIV1/2/3),respiratory syncytial virus(RSV),Mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP),and Chlamydia pneumoniae(CP)]were detected.The pathogens,age,and gender were used to analyze the epidemiological features in children after the COVID-19 pandemic.Results The pathogen detection rate was significantly higher in females than in males(P<0.05),and the infection of PIV1 and MP was mainly manifested.After the COVID-19 pandemic,PIV1,PIV3,RSV,and MP had statistically different detection rates among the age groups(P<0.05),and was mainly detected in patients aged 0–6 years,0–3 years,0–3 years,and 1–6 years,respectively.When comparing before the COVID-19 pandemic,the total detection rate of common respiratory pathogens was lower(P<0.05).Except for the increase in the detection rate of PIV1 and CP,the infection rate of other pathogens had almost decreased.Conclusion The prevention and control measures for the COVID-19 pandemic effectively changed the epidemiological features of common respiratory tract infectious diseases in pediatric children.
基金the National"973"Program of China(No.2011CB504800)
文摘Host genes involved in lipid metabolism are differentially affected during the early stages of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Here we demonstrate that artificial up-regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis has a positive effect on the replication of the HCV full-length replicon when cells were treated with nystatin. Conversely, the HCV RNA replication was decreased when fatty acid biosynthesis was inhibited with 25-hydroxycholesterol and PDMP(D-threo-l-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3- morpholino-l-propanol). In agreement with these results, the expression level of GlcT-l(ceramide glucosyltransferase), a host glucosyltransferase in the first step of GSL (glycosphingolipid) biosynthesis, was found to be closely associated with the expression and replication of HCV RNA. On the other hand, the viral RNA can also activate GlcT-1 in the early stage of viral RNA transfection in vitro. To identify viral factors that are responsible for GlcT-1 activation, we constructed ten stable Vero cell lines that express individual HCV proteins. Based on the analyses of these cell lines and transient transfection assay of the GlcT-1 promoter regions, we conclude that HCV proteins, especially NS5A and NS5B, have positive effects on the expression of GlcT-1. It is possible that NS5A and NS5B stimulate transcription factor(s) to activate the expression of GlcT-1 by increasing its transcription level
文摘The anti-hepatitis B virus(HBV)effects and its mechanisms of the ethanol extracts of Hypericum perforatum L.(EHP)in vitro were explored.HepG2 2.2.15 cells,a stable HBV-producing cell line,were cultured as the model system to observe the anti-HBV effect.The viral antigens of cellular secretion,HBsAg and HBeAg,were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The quantity of HBV-DNA released in the supernatant was assayed by real-time PCR.In order to understand the mechanisms of the suppression of H...
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(32188101 and 81971976).
文摘Hand,foot and mouth disease(HFMD),mainly caused by enterovirus 71(EV71),has frequently occurred in the Asia-Pacific region,posing a significant threat to the health of infants and young children.Therefore,research on the infection mechanism and pathogenicity of enteroviruses is increasingly becoming important.The 3D polymerase,as the most critical RNA-dependent RNA polymerase(RdRp)for EV71 replication,is widely targeted to inhibit EV71 infection.In this study,we identified a novel host protein,AIMP2,capable of binding to 3D polymerase and inhibiting EV71 infection.Subsequent investigations revealed that AIMP2 recruits the E3 ligase SMURF2,which mediates the polyubiquitination and degradation of 3D polymerase.Furthermore,the antiviral effect of AIMP2 extended to the CVA16 and CVB1 serotypes.Our research has uncovered the dynamic regulatory function of AIMP2 during EV71 infection,revealing a novel antiviral mechanism and providing new insights for the development of antienteroviral therapeutic strategies.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2016YFA0502100)the Natural Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars (81425017)+1 种基金the National Institutes of Health awarded (7R01AI116442) to K.Lthe Intramural Research Program of NCI/NIH (1ZIASC010357) to ZMZ
文摘Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus(KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus-8(HHV-8), is etiologically linked to the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman’s disease. These malignancies often occur in immunosuppressed individuals, making KSHV infection-associated diseases an increasing global health concern with persistence of the AIDS epidemic. KSHV exhibits biphasic life cycles between latent and lytic infection and extensive transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. As a member of the herpesvirus family, KSHV has evolved many strategies to evade the host immune response, which help the virus establish a successful lifelong infection. In this review, we summarize the current research status on the biology of latent and lytic viral infection, the regulation of viral life cycles and the related pathogenesis.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81730061 to J.W.,82072834 to X.C.,32100697 to L.Z.and 32200117 to P.P.)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2020M683177 to P.P.,2020T130046ZX to P.P.)+2 种基金Open Research Fund Program of the State Key Laboratory of Virology of China(2021KF003 to P.P.)Open Research Fund Program of Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology(2022KF003 to P.P.)R&D Program of Guangzhou Laboratory(SRPG22-006 to Q.Z.)。
文摘Viral infection in respiratory tract usually leads to cell death,impairing respiratory function to cause severe disease.However,the diversity of clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the complexity and difficulty of viral infection prevention,and especially the high-frequency asymptomatic infection increases the risk of virus transmission.Studying how SARS-CoV-2 affects apoptotic pathway may help to understand the pathological process of its infection.Here,we uncovered SARS-CoV-2 imployed a distinct anti-apoptotic mechanism via its N protein.We found SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles(trVLP)suppressed cell apoptosis,but the trVLP lacking N protein didn’t.Further study verified that N protein repressed cell apoptosis in cultured cells,human lung organoids and mice.Mechanistically,N protein specifically interacted with anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1,and recruited a deubiquitinating enzyme USP15 to remove the K63-linked ubiquitination of MCL-1,which stabilized this protein and promoted it to hijack Bak in mitochondria.Importantly,N protein promoted the replications of IAV,DENV and ZIKV,and exacerbated death of IAV-infected mice,all of which could be blocked by a MCL-1 specific inhibitor,S63845.Altogether,we identifed a distinct anti-apoptotic function of the N protein,through which it promoted viral replication.These may explain how SARS-CoV-2 effectively replicates in asymptomatic individuals without cuasing respiratory dysfunction,and indicate a risk of enhanced coinfection with other viruses.We anticipate that abrogating the N/MCL-1-dominated apoptosis repression is conducive to the treatments of SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as coinfections with other viruses.
基金supported by research grants from the National Basic Research Program(973 Program)(Nos.2013CB911102,and 2009CB522506)National Mega Project on Major Infectious Diseases Prevention(2012ZX10004503)Na-tional Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.81271821).
文摘Interferon(IFN)-mediated pathways are a crucial part of the cellular response against viral infection.Type III IFNs,which include IFN-λ1,2 and 3,mediate antiviral responses similar to Type I IFNs via a distinct receptor complex.IFN-λ1 is more effective than the other two members.Transcription of IFN-λ1 requires activation of IRF3/7 and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB),similar to the transcriptional mechanism of Type I IFNs.Using reporter assays,we discovered that viral infection in-duced both IFN-λ1 promoter activity and that of the 3′-untranslated region(UTR),indicating that IFN-λ1 expression is also regulated at the post-transcriptional level.After analysis with microRNA(miRNA)prediction programs and 3′UTR targeting site assays,the miR-NA-548 family,including miR-548b-5p,miR-548c-5p,miR-548i,miR-548j,and miR-548n,was identified to target the 3′UTR of IFN-λ1.Further study demonstrated that miRNA-548 mimics down-regulated the expression of IFN-λ1.In contrast,their inhibitors,the complemen-tary RNAs,enhanced the expression of IFN-λ1 and IFN-stimulated genes.Furthermore,miRNA-548 mimics promoted infection by enterovirus-71(EV71)and ve-sicular stomatitis virus(VSV),whereas their inhibitors significantly suppressed the replication of EV71 and VSV.Endogenous miRNA-548 levels were suppressed during viral infection.In conclusion,our results sug-gest that miRNA-548 regulates host antiviral response via direct targeting of IFN-λ1,which may offer a poten-tial candidate for antiviral therapy.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Key Project on Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia,Hubei Province(project number:2020FCA002 to K.H.)the Application&Frontier Research Program of Wuhan Government(2019020701011463 to K.X.)+2 种基金Taikang Insurance Group Co.,LtdBeijing Taikang Yicai FoundationSpecial Fund for COVID-19 Research of Wuhan University for their great supports to this work。
文摘We recently reported that inhibitors against human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase(DHODH)have broad-spectrum antiviral activities including their inhibitory efficacies on SARS-CoV-2 replication in infected cells.However,there are limited data from clinical studies to prove the application of DHODH inhibitors in Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients.In the present study,we evaluated Leflunomide,an approved DHODH inhibitor widely used as a modest immune regulator to treat autoimmune diseases,in treating COVID-19 disease with a small-scale of patients.Cases of 10 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients of moderate type with obvious opacity in the lung were included.Five of the patients were treated with Leflunomide,and another five were treated as blank controls without a placebo.All the patients accepted standard supportive treatment for COVID-19.The patients given Leflunomide had a shorter viral shedding time(median of5 days)than the controls(median of 11 days,P=0.046).The patients given Leflunomide also showed a significant reduction in C-reactive protein levels,indicating that immunopathological inflammation was well controlled.No obvious adverse effects were observed in Leflunomide-treated patients,and they all discharged from the hospital faster than controls.This preliminary study on a small-scale compassionate use of Leflunomide provides clues for further understanding of Leflunomide as a potential antiviral drug against COVID-19.
文摘Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the infectious agent causing acquired immu-nodeficiency syndrome (AIDS),a deadliest scourge of human society. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major causative agent of chronic liver disease and infects an estimated 170 million people worldwide,resulting in a serious public health burden. Due to shared routes of transmission,co-infection with HIV and HCV has become common among individuals who had high risks of blood exposures. Among hemophiliacs the co-infection rate accounts for 85%; while among injection drug users (IDU) the rate can be as high as 90%. HIV can accelerate the progression of HCV-related liver disease,particularly when immunodeficiency has developed. Although the effect of HCV on HIV infection is controversial,most studies showed an increase in mortality due to liver disease. HCV may act as a direct cofactor to fasten the progression of AIDS and decrease the tolerance of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HARRT). Conversely,HAART-related hepatotoxicity may enhance the progression of liver fibrosis. Due to above complications,co-infection with HCV and HIV-1 has imposed a critical challenge in the management of these patients. In this review,we focus on the epidemiology and transmission of HIV and HCV,the impact of the two viruses on each other,and their treatment.