Molecular Design and Immunogenicity of a Multiple-epitope FMDV Antigen and DNA Vaccination

This article reports the design and construction of a multiple-epitope foot and mouth disease virus （FMDV） antigen, designated as OAAT. This recombinant antigen consists of the structural protein VP1 genes from serotypes A and O FMDV, five major VP1 immunodominant epitopes from two genotypes of Asial serotype, and three Th2 epitopes originating from the nonstructural protein, three ABC gene and structural protein VP4 gene. Expressions of target gene from these plasmids in HeLa cells were verified by Western-blot. BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly with the DNA vaccines thrice every two weeks. We found that pA could induce simultaneously specific antibodies against serotypes A, Asial, and O FMDV. Compared to those of the controls, the spots of FMDV-specific IFN-7 and cytotoxic activity from mice immunized with pA were significantly increased, pA provided full protection in 2/4 guinea pigs from challenge with FMDV O/NY00 and Asial/YNBS/58, respectively. The results show that although pA did not give full protection in 100% immunized guinea pigs from challenge with type O and Asial FMDV, respectively, OAAT may be potential immunogen against FMDV and pA may be potential DNA vaccines against FMDV.     

Rapid Detection of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus with Optical Microchip Sensors

Rapid identification of infectious disease pathogens such as foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) during new outbreaks of disease is of fundamental importance in disease control. SpectroSens^TM optical microchip sensors demonstrating rapid, label-free detection of FMDV are presented; these contain multiple high-precision planar Bragg gratings and function as low-cost, robust refractive-index sensors. Sensor selectivity to FMDV is imparted by functionalising the top-surface of specific sensing channels with anti-FMDV monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Selective binding of cognate antigens within the test sample to surface-immobilised FMDV mAbs results in localised changes in refractive index within specific sensing channels; these antibody-antigen interactions manifest as increases in wavelength of light reflected from the multi-channel sensor chip (light is coupled into and out of the chip via optical fibres). Selective identification of FMDV within minutes of sample introduction has been demonstrated by referenced measurement of changes in sensor reflected wavelength from anti-FMDV channels against sensor controls; simplified ‘snap-shot’ assay data are displayed in the form of a simple yes/no readout using a robust, hand-portable device, with further semi-quantitative information available to the ‘super-user’. The characteristics of the SpectroSens^TM multiplexed detection platform highlight its potential for in-field detection of foot-and-mouth disease and prospective expansion into diagnoses of other infectious veterinary diseases.     

单纯疱疹二型病毒和口蹄疫病毒感染过程能量代谢的微量热研究

本论文采用LKB－2277生物活性检测器研究HeLa细胞在单纯疱疹Ⅱ型病毒感染和BHK－21细胞在口蹄疫病毒感染下的能量代谢过程，以及热疗及抗病毒药物干扰素对这一过程的能量代谢的影响。结果表明病毒感染细胞的代谢热功率大于未被感染的细胞并且被不同类型病毒感染的细胞之间代谢产热功率存在显著的差别；病毒感染是一个温度敏感的过程；干扰素对病毒感染过程有抑制作用。通过对不同贮存时间口蹄疫病毒感染BHK－21细胞的能量代谢产热曲线的分析表明长时间保存对病毒的毒力和感染能力产生了较明显的影响。这些结果都表明微量热法是研究病毒感染过程的一种有效方法。     

Evidence of secondary structure by high-resolution magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy of a bioactive peptide bound to different solid supports.

The structure of the 19-amino acid peptide epitope, corresponding to the 141-159 sequence of capsid viral protein VP1 of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), bound to three different resins, namely, polystyrene-MBHA, PEGA, and POEPOP, has been determined by high-resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) NMR spectroscopy. A combination of homonuclear and heteronuclear bidimensional experiments was used for the complete peptide resonance assignment and the qualitative characterization of the peptide folding. The influence of the chemicophysical nature of the different polymers on the secondary structure of the covalently attached FMDV peptide was studied in detail. In the case of polystyrene-MBHA and polyacrylamide-PEGA resins, the analysis of the 2D spectra was hampered by missing signals and extensive overlaps, and only a propensity toward a peptide secondary structure could be derived from the assigned NOE correlations. When the FMDV peptide was linked to the polyoxyethylene-based POEPOP resin, it was found to adopt in dimethylformamide a helical conformation encompassing the C-terminal domain from residues 152 to 159. This conformation is very close to that of the free peptide previously analyzed in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol. Our study clearly demonstrates that a regular helical structure can be adopted by a resin-bound bioactive peptide. Moreover, a change in the folding was observed when the same peptide-POEPOP conjugate was swollen in aqueous solution, displaying the same conformational features as the free peptide in water. The possibility of studying solid-supported ordered secondary structures by the HRMAS NMR technique in a wide range of solvents can be extended either to other biologically relevant peptides and proteins or to new synthetic oligomers.     

口蹄疫病毒3ABC基因截短体在毕赤酵母中的表达及鉴定

将长为525 bp的口蹄疫病毒3ABC基因截短体克隆到毕赤酵母表达载体pPIC9K中, 构建了重组表达质粒pPIC9K-3ABCt. 用BglⅡ线性化后, 电转化毕赤酵母菌GS115, 经表型筛选, PCR鉴定, 获得阳性重组菌(GS115/pPIC9K-3ABCt). 然后进行诱导表达, 通过SDS-PAGE和Western blot鉴定表达产物. 结果表明, 重组菌株成功分泌表达了分子量为40000, 具有免疫反应活性, 且呈二聚体形式的目的蛋白. 在96 h时表达量达到最高峰, 占分泌总蛋白的18%, 达到23.4 mg/L. 为进一步研制口蹄疫免疫和感染动物鉴别诊断试剂奠定了基础.     

Immunogenicity of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Dendrimer Peptides: Need for a T-Cell Epitope and Ability to Elicit Heterotypic Responses

An approach based on a dendrimer display of B- and T-cell epitopes relevant for antibody induction has been shown to be effective as a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine. B₂T dendrimers combining two copies of the major FMD virus (FMDV) type O B-cell epitope (capsid proteinVP1 (140–158)) covalently linked to a heterotypic T-cell epitope from non-structural protein 3A (21–35), henceforth B₂T-3A, has previously been shown to elicit high neutralizing antibody (nAb) titers and IFN-γ-producing cells in both mice and pigs. Here, we provide evidence that the B- and T-cell epitopes need to be tethered to a single molecular platform for successful T-cell help, leading to efficient nAb induction in mice. In addition, mice immunized with a non-covalent mixture of B₂T-3A dendrimers containing the B-cell epitopes of FMDV types O and C induced similarly high nAb levels against both serotypes, opening the way for a multivalent vaccine platform against a variety of serologically different FMDVs. These findings are relevant for the design of vaccine strategies based on B- and T-cell epitope combinations.     

Chemical and biomimetic total syntheses of natural and engineered MCoTI cyclotides

The naturally-occurring cyclic cystine-knot microprotein trypsin inhibitors MCoTI-I and MCoTI-II have been synthesised using both thia-zip native chemical ligation and a biomimetic strategy featuring chemoenzymatic cyclisation by an immobilised protease. Engineered analogues have been produced containing a range of substitutions at the P1 position that redirect specificity towards alternative protease targets whilst retaining excellent to moderate affinity. Furthermore, we report an MCoTI analogue that is a selective low-microM inhibitor of foot-and-mouth-disease virus (FMDV) 3C protease, the first reported peptide-based inhibitor of this important viral enzyme.     

Stable expression of foot-and-mouth disease virus protein VP1 fused with cholera toxin B subunit in the potato (Solanum tuberosum)

The expression vector, pBI121CTBVP1, containing the fusion of the foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) VP1 gene and the cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) gene was constructed by fused PCR and transferred into potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Transformed plants were obtained by selecting on kanamycin-resistant medium strictly and regenerated. The transgenic plantlets were identified by PCR, Southern-blot and the production of fused protein was confirmed and quantified by Western-blot and ELISA assays. The results showed that the fused genes were expressed stablely under the control of specific-tuber patatin promoter. The expressed fused proteins have a certain degree of immunogenicity.     

Microcalorimetric study of virus infection; The effects of hyperthermia and 1b recombinant homo interferon on the infection process of BHK-21 cells by foot and mouth disease virus

The metabolic process of BHK-21 cell line infected by foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) was determined by using LKB-2277 Bioactivity Monitor. The aim of the present study is to investigate the metabolic thermal power of the virus infection process of BHK-21 cells, the effects of combinational treatments of hyperthermia and 1b recombinant homo interferon on this process. In contrast to the metabolic thermal power of uninfected BHK-21 cells, the thermogenetic curves show that the energy metabolism mechanisms of BHK-21 cells were significantly changed by the virus infection process. The maximum thermal power decreased and the time needed to reach the maximal thermal power increased with the increasing concentration of interferon. The results also show that the infection process was thermosensitive. But no apparent synergetic effect of the combinational treatments of hyperthermia and interferon was observed. The present microcalorimetric results are in accordance with the cytomorphology observations.     

Foot and mouth disease virus concentration and purification by affinity chromatography

Foot and mouth disease virus, (FMDV) from a crude cell lysate was purified in a single step by affinity chromatography with heparin as a ligand. The virus eluted from an Heparin-Ultrogel A₄R column at 1M sodium chloride in 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, while most cell protein and albumin did so at lower concentrations of sodium chloride in the same buffer. Purity of the eluted fraction containing the virus was assessed by SDS-PAGE, HPLC, ultracentrifugation, and UV absorption spectrum. With this method, intact viral particles are recovered in high yield (over 90%) and specific virus purity increases nearly 1000-fold. The capacity of the Chromatographic matrix for the virus was found to be 1.1 mg viral mass per mL of hydrated gel.     

Synthesis of [64Cu]DOTA-ADIBON3-Ala-PEG28-A20FMDV2 via copper-free click chemistry for PET imaging of integrin αvβ6

Catalyst-free click reactions are effective chemical tools for synthesis of radiometal-based radiopharmaceuticals offering advantages towards preparation of non-toxic agents with high specific activity. In the present study the radiotracer [⁶⁴Cu]DOTA-ADIBON₃-Ala-PEG₂₈-A20FMDV2, [⁶⁴Cu]3, was synthesized for positron emission tomography imaging of integrin α_vβ₆ expressing tumors via a strain-promoted click reaction using both a “pre-click” and “post-click” approaches. The radiotracer, prepared in >99 % radiochemical yield, was evaluated in vitro (64.6 ± 2.8 % binding to α_vβ₆-positive cells vs. <5 % to α_vβ₆-negative cells) and in vivo (α_vβ₆-positive tumor uptake: 1.52 ± 0.16 % ID/g, 24 h p.i.). While the high initial renal uptake (76.2 ± 10.7 % ID/g at 1 h p.i.) was comparable to a previously reported radiotracer, [⁶⁴Cu]DOTA-PEG₂₈-A20FMDV2, [⁶⁴Cu]3 showed notably improved renal clearance (11.3 ± 2.5 % ID/g at 24 h p.i.). Thus, the introduction of a chelator-strained alkyne system resulted in improved pharmacokinetics for the present radiotracer, highlighting the attractive prospects of strain-promoted click-based preparations in the construction of radiometalated bioconjugates for targeted molecular imaging and therapy.     

Comparative study of codon substitution patterns in foot-and-mouth disease virus (serotype O)

We compared genetic variations in the VP1 gene of foot-and-mouth disease viruses (FMDVs) isolated since 2000 from various region of the world. We analyzed relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) and phylogenetic relationship between geographical regions, and calculated the genetic substitution patterns between Korean isolate and those from other countries. We calculated the ratios of synonymously substituted codons (SSC) to all observed substitutions and developed a new analytical parameter, EMC (the ratio of exact matching codons within each synonymous substitution group) to investigate more detailed substitution patterns within each synonymous codon group. We observed that FMDVs showed distinct RSCU patterns according to phylogenetic relationships in the same serotype (serotype O). Moreover, while the SSC and EMC values of FMDVs decreased according to phylogenetic distance, G + C composition at the third codon position was strictly conserved. Although there was little variation among the SSC values of 18 amino acids, more dynamic differences were observed in EMC values. The EMC values of 4- and 6-fold degenerate amino acids showed significantly lower values while most 2-fold degenerate amino acids showed no significant difference. Our findings suggest that different EMC patterns among the 18 amino acids might be an important factor in determining the direction of evolution in FMDV.     

SUBPOL: a novel SUcrose-Based Polymer support for solid-phase peptide synthesis and affinity chromatography applications

A novel SUcrose-Based Polymer support (SUBPOL) with tailored morphology suitable for the use in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) is described, and its application as a hydrophilic affinity matrix for the specific removal of fibrinogen from human plasma is demonstrated. After suspension polymerization of partly methacrylated 2,1':4,6-di-O-isopropylidene sucrose and subsequent removal of the protecting groups, hydrophilic spherical polymer beads were obtained. The morphology of the resulting resin was controlled by variation of the porogen as well as the average degree of substitution with respect to the methacryloyl groups of the monomer mixture. After introduction of amino groups for a permanent attachment of immobilized peptide ligands, prevention of unintended esterification during SPPS was achieved by silylation of remaining hydroxy groups. Alternatively, a Rink amide linker was introduced prior to SPPS to allow cleavage and subsequent analysis of the peptide assembled on the SUBPOL resins. Two hexapeptides of sequence kwiivw and hffflw, consisting of d-amino acids, as well as a 19-mer peptide corresponding to the sequence GSGVRGDFGSLAPRVARQL of the VP1 protein from the foot-and-mouse disease virus (FMDV) were successfully prepared both manually or in a semi-automated process on SUBPOL resins according to the Fmoc/tBu strategy. Yields and purities were comparable to peptides prepared on commercially available polystyrene resins. A specific affinity adsorbent containing the fibrinogen-binding pentapeptide GPRPK was prepared by SPPS on SUBPOL resins of different morphology, and the strong impact of the affinity matrix on adsorption performance was demonstrated.     

半夏淀粉的理化特性

研究了不同产地的4种半夏淀粉的理化特性,包括直链淀粉含量、膨胀度、溶解性、持水性、淀粉粒大小和形貌、结晶类型、热特性和糊化特性等。结果表明,这些半夏淀粉中直链淀粉含量为18.60%～23.91%;膨胀度21.53%～23.09%;溶解度11.5%～32.3%;持水性100.3%～119.0%。淀粉粒单粒球形,卵形或圆半球形,直径2～20μm,复粒由2～3个分粒组成,其结晶类型均为C型,结晶度15.0%～37.9%。用差示扫描量热仪测得的转变温度TO、TP和TC分别为71.58～77.75℃、83.03～83.84℃和89.41～90.99℃,热焓为4.316～5.809 J/g。用快速粘度分析仪测定了4种半夏淀粉的糊化特征值:峰值粘度、热糊粘度、冷糊粘度、稀懈值和回复值分别为149.5～226.2、97.7～127.2、141.8～194.3、50.4～99.0和44.2～67.2 RVU。糊化温度77.8～79.9℃,峰值时间8.3～8.7 min。     

中国科学院检验检测机构资质认定概况

中国科学院检验检测机构的使命与定位是为国家科技战略发展提供技术支撑和高水平服务,为中国科学院系统各单位的科研和工程及社会需求提供高科技含量的检验检测服务,满足社会的高新技术、新兴产业检验检测的需求,为高新技术、新兴产业的产品质量检验检测提供有效的技术保障.中国科学院系统现有检验检测机构67个,分布在21个省、市、地区,...     

和医学相关有机化合物绿色鉴别实验的设计*

为了将医用化学实验中“有机化合物的鉴别”实验更加密切地与医学相关专业结合,并提高实验操作的安全性,降低化学试剂的毒性与刺激性,甄选出一系列与医学密切相关的有机化合物作为待鉴别试剂,同时设计绿色环保、安全低毒、现象明显、操作简便、成本低廉的鉴别方法,为学生实验方案的设计提供指导。以期提高医学生学习的积极性与主动性,促进学生灵活运用知识分析问题、解决问题,为相关教学工作的改进提供借鉴意义。     

How mobile NMR can help with the conservation of paintings

The conservation of paintings is fundamental to ensure that future generations will have access to the ideas of the grand masters who created these art pieces. Many factors, such as humidity, temperature, light, and pollutants, pose a risk to the conservation of paintings. To help with painting conservation, it is essential to be able to noninvasively study how these factors affect paintings and to develop methods to investigate their effects on painting degradation. Hence, the use of mobile nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as a method of investigation of paintings is gaining increased attention in the world of Heritage Science. In this mini-review, we discuss how this method was used to better understand the stratigraphy of paintings and the effect different factors have on the painting integrity, to analyze the different cleaning techniques suitable for painting conservation, and to show how mobile NMR can be used to identify forgeries. It is also important to keep in mind its limitations and build upon this information to optimize it to extend its applicability to the study of paintings and other precious objects of cultural heritage.     

Structure and stability of xenon insertion compounds of hypohalous acids, HXeOX [X=F, Cl, and Br]: an ab initio investigation

The structure and stability of xenon-inserted hypohalous acids HXeOX (X=F, Cl, and Br) have been investigated theoretically using ab initio molecular orbital calculations. All these molecules are found to consist of a nearly linear HXeO moiety and a bend XeOX fragment. Geometrical parameters of HXeOX are comparable with that of experimentally observed HXeOH species. The dissociation energies corresponding to the lowest-energy fragmentation products, HOX+Xe have been computed to be -398.1, -385.5, and -386.7 kJmol for HXeOF, HXeOCl, and HXeOBr, respectively, at the MP2 level of theory. The respective barrier heights corresponding to the bent transition states (H-Xe-O bending mode) have been calculated to be 138.1, 138.4, and 138.2 kJmol with respect to HXeOX minimum. These species are found to be metastable in their respective potential-energy surface, and the dissociation energies corresponding to the H+Xe+OX products are found to be 56.8, 66.0, and 80.8 kJmol for HXeOF, HXeOCl, and HXeOBr, respectively. The energies corresponding to the H+Xe+O+X dissociation channel have been computed to be 272.0, 309.3, and 299.7 kJmol for HXeOF, HXeOCl, and HXeOBr, respectively, at the same level of theory. Energetics as well as geometrical considerations suggests that it may be possible to prepare these species experimentally similar to that of HXeOH species at low-temperature laser photolysis experiments.     

“The Fitness of Their Union”: Travel and Health in the Letters of Humphry and Jane Davy

The letters of Humphry Davy and his circle, to be published shortly, shed new light on his marriage to Jane Apreece. This paper examines the journeys undertaken by the couple, together and separately, with particular attention to the therapeutic benefits they sought from travel. I argue that their increasingly divergent itineraries reflected a growing understanding that Humphry and Jane had different humoral temperaments or constitutions, leading them to seek different climatic conditions to cure their ailments. While Jane’s temperament was classified as melancholic, requiring her to travel to warmer and sunnier climes during the English winter, Humphry’s was believed to be sanguine, meaning he had to avoid excessive heat along with stimulating food and drink. He relied on classical ideas about individuals’ different humoral constitutions, and the therapies appropriate to them, while measuring atmospheric variables to determine the best places to restore his health. The Davys’ letters reveal the beliefs about bodily differences and atmospheric conditions that shaped their therapeutic travels.     

Size-Exclusion Chromatography: A Twenty-First Century Perspective

Now in its sixth decade, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) remains the premier method by which to determine the molar mass averages and distributions of natural and synthetic macromolecules. Aided by its coupling to a variety and multiplicity of detectors, it has also shown its ability to characterize a host of other physicochemical properties, such as branching, chemical, and sequence length heterogeneity size distribution; chain rigidity; fractal dimension and its change as a function of molar mass; etc. SEC is also an integral part of most macromolecular two-dimensional separations, providing a second-dimension size-based technique for determining the molar mass of the components separated in the first dimension according to chemical composition, thus yielding the combined chemical composition and molar mass distributions of a sample. While the potential of SEC remains strong, our awareness of the pitfalls and challenges inherent to it and to its practice must also be ever-present. This Perspective aims to highlight some of the advantages and applications of SEC, to bring to the fore these caveats with regard to its practice, and to provide an outlook as to potential areas for expansion and growth.