Expression in Escherichia coli of two Schistosoma mansoni genes that encode major antigens recognized by immune mice

Two clones which contain genes encoding Schistosoma mansoni proteins recognized by immune mouse sera were chosen from cDNA lambda gt11 expression vector library by preselecting clones from the library with rabbit antisera against adult worm phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-soluble antigens. One clone, MAC 182, codes for part of a Mr 70 000 protein; the other clone, MAC 184, codes for a Mr 27 000 protein. The insert sizes of MAC 182 and MAC 184 are 400 bp and 800 bp, respectively. Both clones express S. mansoni beta-galactosidase fusion proteins as products of the construct. Antibodies from either chronically infected mice or mice vaccinated with irradiated cercariae recognize the MAC 182 fusion protein (MAC 182fp) but not the MAC 184 fusion protein (MAC 184fp). Rabbit antibodies prepared against MAC 182fp immunoprecipitate a Mr 70 000 in vitro translation product from adult mRNA and react in Western blot with a corresponding Mr 70 000 protein present in eggs, cercariae and adult worms but absent in schistosomula. Although the MAC 184fp is not recognized directly by chronic infection or vaccinated mouse antibodies, antisera prepared against the purified fusion protein immunoprecipitate a Mr 27 000 in vitro translation product which also reacts with mouse chronic infection sera. The same Mr 27 000 protein appears to be present in eggs, cercariae, schistosomula and adults as determined by Western blots with rabbit antisera against the MAC 184fp. These results suggest that the S. mansoni polypeptide encoded by the MAC 184 gene, when expressed within a fusion protein, fails to present epitopes normally recognized during natural infection. We propose that these epitopes are conformationally determined and are destroyed when the MAC 184 protein is expressed within beta-galactosidase. This abrogation of conformational epitopes may explain the failure of antibodies from chronically infected or vaccinated mice and rabbits to effectively recognize gene products of certain lambda gt11-fusion protein clones.     

A lambda gt11 cDNA recombinant that encodes Dirofilaria immitis paramyosin

The cDNA synthesized from mRNA of Dirofilaria immitis female adult worms was cloned into the expression vector lambda gt11. Screening the library with a hyperimmune rabbit antiserum raised against adult worm homogenates yielded several antigen positive clones. One of these clones, lambda cDi2, was recognized by rabbit antisera raised against either D. immitis L-3, adult, Brugia malayi L-3 or Onchocerca volvulus adult worm antigen, as well as by antisera from humans naturally infected with O. volvulus or Wuchereria bancrofti. Affinity-purified anti-lambda cDi2 antibodies reacted with a 97-kDa protein on Western transfers of adult D. immitis antigen extracts that were reduced with beta-mercaptoethanol. The whole rabbit anti-D. immitis adult antiserum depleted of anti-lambda cDi2 antibodies exhibited decreased reactivity to this 97-kDa band. A monoclonal antibody (IA6) that specifically binds Schistosoma mansoni paramyosin also recognised a 97-kDa protein in D. immitis extracts upon Western transfer. The deduced amino acid sequence of partial DNA sequence from lambda cDi2 showed some similarity to nematode myosin, and gave a stretch of 82 amino acids that is 91.5% identical to Caenorhabditis elegans paramyosin: thus, lambda cDi2 encodes D. immitis paramyosin.     

Expression of Japanese encephalitis virus antigens in Escherichia coli

The expression of Japanese encephalitis virus (JE) cDNA in Escherichia coli has been used to study the functional organization of the viral genome. JE protein coding sequences were expressed in E. coli by subcloning random fragments of cloned cDNA (P.C. McAda, P.W. Mason, C.S. Schmaljohn, J.M. Dalrymple, T.L. Mason, and M.J. Fournier, 1987, Virology 158, 348-360) into the bacteriophage lambda gt11 expression vector. Over 120 lambda gt11 recombinants expressing viral protein sequences as beta-galactosidase fusion proteins were identified immunologically with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and polyclonal hyperimmune mouse ascites fluid (HMAF). This expression and immunological detection strategy has been used to (1) map viral protein coding sequences to the JE genome; (2) demonstrate that contiguous viral protein coding regions can be expressed as single polypeptides in E. coli, providing functional confirmation for a long viral open reading frame; (3) localize important antigenic domains within the envelope protein E; and (4) identify in JE-infected cells a form of the glycosylated nonstructural protein NS1 that contains a hydrophobic C-terminal extension encoded by portions of the "ns2a" region of the JE genome.     

A new blood stage antigen of Plasmodium falciparum transported to the erythrocyte surface

On screening a lambda gt11 library from Plasmodium falciparum genomic DNA with an antiserum against the 41-kDa protein band, which confers protective immunity to monkeys, two strongly reacting clones were isolated. One of the clones codes for parts of the P. falciparum 41-kDa aldolase, while the other (41-2) codes for parts of an unknown antigen; this was analyzed further. The 41-2 insert was used to identify two genomic fragments which carry the entire gene. The 41-2 gene codes for 184 amino acids specifying a 29-kDa schizont protein as estimated by Western blot analysis. The protein contains no repetitive sequences, and is characterized by a signal sequence and by two additional hydrophobic segments which could function as membrane anchor sequences. Computer analysis of the protein sequence predicted a dominant epitope in the N-terminal part which was confirmed by immunoreactivity data. The 41-2 protein could be localized in the schizont membrane, associated with membranous structures in the erythrocytic cytoplasm and with the erythrocyte membrane.     

Functional conservation among members of the Salmonella typhimurium InvA family of proteins.

InvA, which is essential for Salmonella spp. to enter cultured epithelial cells, is a member of a family of proteins involved in either flagellar biosynthesis or the secretion of virulence determinants by a number of plant and mammalian pathogens. The predicted overall secondary structures of these proteins show significant similarities and indicate a modular construction with a hydrophobic amino-terminal half, consisting of six to eight potential transmembrane domains, and a hydrophilic carboxy terminus which is predicted to reside in the cytoplasm. These proteins can be aligned over the entire length of their polypeptide sequences, with the highest degree of homology found in the amino terminus and clusters of conserved residues in the carboxy terminus. We examined the functional conservation among members of this protein family by assessing the ability of MxiA of Shigella flexneri and LcrD of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis to restore invasiveness to an invA mutant of Salmonella typhimurium. We found that MxiA was able to complement the entry defect of the invA mutant strain of S. typhimurium. In contrast, LcrD failed to complement the same strain. However, a plasmid carrying a gene encoding a chimeric protein consisting of the amino terminus of LcrD and the carboxy terminus of InvA complemented the defect of the Salmonella invA mutant. These results indicate that the secretory systems in which these proteins participate are functionally similar and that the Salmonella and Shigella systems are very closely related. These data also suggest that determinants of specificity may be located at the carboxy termini of these proteins.     

Primary structures of Sm31/32 diagnostic proteins of Schistosoma mansoni and their identification as proteases

We have constructed cDNA clones containing the complete nucleotide sequences coding for two highly antigenic Schistosoma mansoni adult worm proteins, Sm31 and Sm32. The predicted amino acid sequence of Sm31 shows significant homology to mouse, rat and human cathepsin B. The nucleotide sequence of Sm32 is identical to that reported by others for S. mansoni "haemoglobinase'. The different nucleotide sequences demonstrate the existence of two different proteolytic enzymes, both of which are synthesised in the form of precursor molecules. Structural homology of the schistosome cathepsin B to the mammalian ones indicates that the mature protein is processed from a propeptide. The calculated molecular weight of haemoglobinase of 47,000 suggests that post-translational processing is also involved in generating an active protease.     

Membrane fractions active in poliovirus RNA replication contain VPg precursor polypeptides

The poliovirus specific polypeptide P3-9 is of special interest for studies of viral RNA replication because it contains a hydrophobic region and, separated by only seven amino acids from that region, the amino acid sequence of the genome-linked protein VPg. Membraneous complexes of poliovirus-infected HeLa cells that contain poliovirus RNA replicating proteins have been analyzed for the presence of P3-9 by immunoprecipitation. Incubation of a membrane fraction rich in P3-9 with proteinase leaves the C-terminal 69 amino acids of P3-9 intact, an observation suggesting that this portion is protected by its association with the cellular membrane. These studies have also revealed two hitherto undescribed viral polypeptides consisting of amino acid sequences of the P2 and P3 regions of the polyprotein. Sequence analysis of stepwise Edman degradation show that these proteins are 3b/9 (Mr 77,000) and X/9 (Mr 50,000). 3b/9 and X/9 are membrane bound and are turned over rapidly and may be direct precursors to proteins P2-X and P3-9 of the RNA replication complex. P2-X, a polypeptide void of hydrophobic amino acid sequences but also found associated with membranes, is rapidly degraded when the membraneous complex is treated with trypsin. It is speculated that P2-X is associated with membranes by its affinity to the N-terminus of P3-9.     

Molecular cloning and characterisation of the 22-kilodalton adult Schistosoma mansoni antigen recognised by antibodies from mice protectively vaccinated with isolated tegumental surface membranes

A cDNA clone from an adult Schistosoma mansoni lambda gt11 expression library (A12) encoding an antigenic polypeptide of 22 kDa is described. A12 is 797 bp long and has one open reading frame encoding a protein of 190 amino acids which does not contain a signal sequence or membrane anchor motif and has no homologies with any sequences on the currently available data bases. Its product (sm22.6) is recognised by antibodies from mice protectively vaccinated with purified adult S. mansoni tegumental membranes and by serum from S. mansoni-infected Brazilians. It is present in all post-snail life cycle stages except the egg, is not sex-specific, and is found in 9 species of Schistosoma, but not in a range of other helminths. Data are presented which suggest that sm22.6 is a soluble, peripheral membrane protein.     

Nucleotide sequence of the Bunyamwera virus M RNA segment: conservation of structural features in the Bunyavirus glycoprotein gene product

The complete nucleotide sequence of the Bunyamwera virus M RNA segment was determined from four overlapping cDNA clones and by primer extension. The RNA segment is 4458 bases in length, and encodes a single gene product in the viral complementary RNA. The predicted protein is 1433 amino acids long (mol wt 162,065), contains four potential glycosylation sites, and is relatively cysteine rich. It is presumed that the three proteins G1, G2, and NSM which have been mapped to the M RNA segment are synthesized as a precursor polyprotein which is subsequently proteolytically cleaved. A putative hydrophobic signal sequence at the amino terminus and a hydrophobic anchor sequence at the carboxy terminus of the predicted protein have been identified, in addition to internal regions of hydrophobicity of unknown function. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the Bunyamwera virus M segment have been compared with those of the snowshoe hare virus M segment (Y. Eshita and D. H. L. Bishop, Virology 137, 227-240, 1984). Common features include the overall architecture of the RNAs, single cysteine-rich primary gene products, and conservation of hydrophobic domains in the gene products. When aligned the amino acid sequences are 43% homologous, and 66 of 70 cysteine residues can be matched. The evolutionary significance of these findings is discussed.     

Complete sequences of the glycoproteins and M RNA of Punta Toro phlebovirus compared to those of Rift Valley fever virus

The complete sequence of Punta Toro virus (Phlebovirus, Bunyaviridae) middle size (M), RNA has been determined. The RNA is 4330 nucleotides long (mol wt 1.46 X 10(6), base composition: 26.7% A, 33.6% U, 18.5% G, 21.2% C) and has 3'- and 5'-terminal sequences that, depending on the arrangement, are complementary for some 15 residues. The viral RNA codes in its viral-complementary sequence for a single primary gene product (the viral glycoprotein precursor) that is comprised of 1313 amino acids (146,376 Da) and is abundant in cysteine residues but has few potential asparagine-linked glycosylation sites. The 5'-noncoding region of the Punta Toro M viral-complementary RNA is short (16 nucleotides); the 3'-noncoding sequence is much longer (372 nucleotides). The latter is rich in short stretches of adenylate residues, like the 3'-noncoding regions of the Punta Toro S mRNA species (T. Ihara, H. Akashi, and D. H. L. Bishop, 1984, Virology 136, 293-306). No other large open reading frame has been identified in either the viral, or viral-complementary, M RNA sequences. Limited amino-terminal sequence analyses of the two viral glycoproteins have indicated the gene order and potential cleavage sites in the glycoprotein precursor. The data suggest the existence of a 30 X 10(3)-Da polypeptide (designated NSM) in the glycoprotein precursor that precedes the G1 protein (i.e., gene product order: NSM-G1-G2). Examination of the sequence of the Punta Toro M gene product reveals the presence of multiple hydrophobic sequences including a 19-amino acid, carboxy-proximal, hydrophobic region (G2). This hydrophobic sequence is followed by a 13-amino acid-terminal sequence rich in charged amino acids. The size and constitution of the carboxy-terminal region is consistent with a transmembranal and anchor function for the glycoprotein in the viral envelope. Other regions of the glycoprotein precursor contain sequences of amino acids with a predominantly hydrophobic character (23, 50, and 20 amino acids in length). Their functions are unknown. The amino terminus of the G1 protein is located near the end of the 23-amino acid-long hydrophobic sequence of the presumptive precursor, the hydrophobic 50-amino acid sequence lies within G1, and the amino terminus of G2 is located in the middle of the 20-amino acid-long hydrophobic sequence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Cloning and sequence comparisons of four distinct cysteine proteases expressed by Haemonchus contortus adult worms.

Three new members of a developmentally regulated cysteine protease gene family of the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus have been isolated and characterized. One of the new genes, AC-3, was found to be linked in tandem to the previously characterized AC-2 gene. Nucleotide sequence analyses revealed that the first 90 amino acids of AC-3 are organized into four exons, similar to the situation in AC-2. A cDNA that appears to be a near full-length copy of the AC-3 gene was isolated using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to amplify cDNAs from adult worm poly(A)+ mRNAs. In addition to AC-3, a distinct cysteine protease cDNA, AC-4, was amplified by the same oligonucleotide primers. cDNAs encoding a fifth cysteine protease, AC-5, were isolated from an adult worm cDNA expression library using specific rabbit antisera and by PCR. Comparison of the predicted amino acid sequences of AC-3, AC-4 and AC-5 reveal that they share 64-77% identity with one another and with the previously reported AC-1 and AC-2 sequences. The amino acids surrounding the active site cysteine are highly conserved, as are the positions of other cysteine residues in the mature protein sequences. The H. contortus proteases are more similar to one another than they are to human cathepsin B (38-44% amino acid identity) or to the Sm31 cysteine protease of Schistosoma mansoni (36-40% identity). Our studies indicate that H. contortus adult worms express mRNAs for several distinct cysteine proteases. The significant primary sequence differences between the proteases suggest that they differ in their substrate specificities and precise physiological functions.     

The 86-kilodalton antigen from Schistosoma mansoni is a heat-shock protein homologous to yeast HSP-90

We report the sequence of a cDNA clone encoding an 86-kDa polypeptide antigen (p86) from Schistosoma mansoni. Fusion proteins made in Escherichia coli are recognized by human infection sera. The reading frame of this antigen is highly homologous to those of the large heat-shock proteins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (HSP90) and Drosophila melanogaster (HSP83). mRNA encoding p86 increases in response to heat shock of adult worms, as does HSP70. Comparisons of the sequences of HSP70 and HSP83 homologues show that these two families of heat-shock proteins are not significantly related except for the last four amino acid residues, which are Glu-Glu-Val-Asp in every case. This sequence is not found at the carboxy terminus of any other protein in the current databases.     

Processing of dengue virus type 2 structural proteins containing deletions in hydrophobic domains

Summary The 5 end of the genome of the dengue virus type 2 encoding the structural proteins was expressed using recombinant vaccinia virus. Three additional recombinants derived by deletion of selected dengue sequences within the parental construct were also expressed. They were designed to assess the role of hydrophobic domains in the processing of the viral polyprotein in intact cells. The first construct contained a deletion of nucleotides encoding most of the C protein; nucleotides encoding the hydrophobic domain at the carboxy terminus were retained. The second and third constructs contained smaller deletions of 72 bp and 129 bp encoding hydrophobic domains at the carboxy termini of C and prM respectively. Indirect immunofluorescence and radioimmunoprecipitation were used to detect prM and E in cells infected with recombinant viruses. The results showed that deletion of 90% of C had no apparent effect on the processing of prM and E, and that the signal sequence for E at the carboxy terminus of prM was active in the absence of the upstream signal sequence for prM at the carboxy terminus of C. Deletion of the hydrophobic sequences preceding the amino terminus of E prevented cleavage at the prM-E junction. These results obtained using infected cells were consistent with the published findings for the translation of flavivirus RNA in vitro, and indicated the importance of membrane association in the cleavage of structural proteins from the flavivirus polyprotein. In addition, cells infected with the recombinant virus containing the large deletion in the C coding region released the E glycoprotein into the culture medium.     

Sequences of Chandipura virus N and NS genes: evidence for high mutability of the NS gene within vesiculoviruses

The nucleotide sequence of the 3' end of the genome of Chandipura (CHP) virus, including the complete sequences of the nucleocapsid (N) and phosphoprotein (NS) genes was determined, principally from cloned cDNAs of the N and NS mRNAs. The NS mRNA of CHP virus is 908 bases in length and encodes a protein of 293 amino acids. Comparison of the CHP virus NS protein sequence with those of vesicular stomatitis virus of the New Jersey serotype (VSV (NJ)) and of the Indiana serotype (VSV (IND] revealed homologies of only 23 and 21%, respectively, with no consecutive stretches of more than four amino acids identical among the three sequences. As with the two VSV serotypes, the highest homology between the NS proteins of CHP and VSV was in a 20-amino acid region near the carboxy termini of the proteins. Of the potential phosphorylation sites, there are eight conserved serine or threonine residues among the three sequences. Despite the dissimilarity among primary sequences of the NS proteins, their overall structure, as assessed by amino acid composition and by the relative hydropathicities of the sequences, has been conserved throughout evolution. The N mRNA of CHP virus is 1291 bases long and encodes a protein of 422 amino acids. In contrast to the NS protein, the CHP N protein is at least 50% homologous to the N proteins of each of the VSV serotypes. We have identified a region near the center of these N protein sequences which is conserved among members of both the rhabdovirus and paramyxovirus families. This extent of conservation of the N protein sequences underscores the high rate of mutability of the NS protein sequences among the vesiculoviruses.     

Molecular cloning, genomic structure and localization in a blood stage antigen of Plasmodium falciparum characterized by a serine stretch

Two short DNA segments were isolated by screening of a lambda gt11 library from Plasmodium falciparum schizont cDNA with an antiserum against the 140 kDa protein, which confers protective immunity to monkeys. The segments were used to identify a genomic fragment which carries the entire coding sequence for a protein of 113 kDa characterized by a stretch of serine residues (SERP I). We present the complete nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence as well as the structure of the SERP I gene. The gene consists of four exons interrupted by three short introns located at the amino-terminal half. Exon 1 and the first part of exon 2 code for hydrophobic amino acids of a putative signal sequence. Exon 2 contains two repetitive segments, the first encoding six glycine rich octapeptides and a second region coding for 37 consecutive serine residues. Southern blot analysis demonstrated the conservation of the SERP I gene in four different parasite strains. SERP I could be localized in the parasitophorous vacuole and in the surrounding membranes. We discuss the relationship of this protein to the recently described P126 polypeptide and the possible role of this antigen as a vaccine candidate.     

The isolation, characterization and cloning of a globin-like, host-protective antigen from the excretory-secretory products of Trichostrongylus colubriformis.

An 18-kDa component from the excretory-secretory (ES) products of adults of Trichostrongylus colubriformis was isolated and characterized, and was shown to induce 60-84% protection of guinea pigs from challenge infection following a single intraperitoneal injection. Amino-terminal sequence analysis of gel-purified protein enabled oligonucleotides to be synthesized and used to screen a lambda gt10 cDNA library made from young adult worm mRNA, and to synthesize full-length clones from cDNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The full-length clones coded for a 20-kDa precursor protein of 173 amino acids which had a strongly hydrophobic leader sequence of 15 residues. The mature protein sequence of 158 amino acid residues was rich in charged amino acids (32%), including 8 oppositely charged pairs of amino acids. The protein sequence contained no half-cystine residues and no potential N-glycosylation sites. Unlike 2 other fully characterized ES components which are expressed only in the parasitic stages, mRNA coding for the 20-kDa component was present in both the parasitic and free-living stages of T. colubriformis. The parasite protein had approximately 20% identity with globins from human and from the larvae of the insect Chironomus thummi thummi. The homology included the invariant distal histidine and phenylalanine, and a number of other residues highly conserved in globins.     

SmMAK16, the Schistosoma mansoni homologue of MAK16 from yeast, targets protein transport to the nucleolus

The SmMAK16 gene from Schistosoma mansoni was cloned by chance when an adult worm cDNA library was probed with antiserum to affinity-purified S. mansoni GSH S-transferases. SmMAK16 encodes a hydrophilic protein of 259 amino acids with a molecular mass of 31 kDa. The protein shares 43% sequence identity and 66% similarity to the nuclear protein MAK16 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that has been implicated both in cell cycle progression and biogenesis of 60S ribosomal subunits. Both proteins display a similar degree of sequence similar to the hypothetical protein CeMAK16 from Caenorhabditis elegans. These proteins share a number of apparent protein motifs, including two nuclear localization signals (NLS), multiple sites for phosphorylation by protein kinase CK2 and four conserved cysteine residues that resemble a zinc binding domain. SmMAK16 mRNA is more highly expressed in adult female worm than males. Recombinant SmMAK16 was phosphorylated by human protein kinase CK2. When chimeric constructs containing SmMAK16 fused the green fluorescent protein (GFP) were transiently transfected into COS-7s cells, the reporter was localized not in nuclei, but exclusively in nucleoli. The yeast and nematode homologues were likewise able to direct nucleolar accumulation of the fluorescent reporter. The high degree of sequence conservation together with the ability to direct nucleolar protein transport supports the hypothesis that MAK16 proteins play a key role in the biogenesis of 60S subunits.     

Cloning and expression of human insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) found in plasma and other body fluids circulate in association with specific binding proteins. We report here the cloning and the nucleotide sequence of cDNAs for the growth-hormone-dependent acid-stable IGF binding protein, hIGF-BP3. The derived protein begins with a putative 27-amino acid signal peptide followed by 264 residues of the mature polypeptide. The predicted sequence contains three potential N-linked glycosylation sites and shares two region of homology with the low-molecular-weight non-growth-hormone-dependent binding proteins BP-1 and BP-2. The protein contains 18 cysteine residues clustered in the amino and carboxy termini. Chinese Hamster ovary cells transfected with this cDNA secrete a 43-45 kD protein doublet, which bound IGF. The expressed IGF-binding protein is indistinguishable from the native BP-3 found in human plasma.     

Surface epitope localization and gene structure of a Babesia bovis 44-kilodalton variable merozoite surface antigen.

Variation of Babesia bovis merozoite surface antigens occurs among geographic strains of the parasite. In this and a concurrent report, we investigate this variation at the gene and protein level. Using a monoclonal antibody (mAb 23/70.174), B. bovis gene sequences were identified that encoded a surface epitope of a 44-kDa merozoite surface antigen (MSA-2). This epitope is variably expressed among geographic isolates of B. bovis. Here, we describe the MSA-2 protein gene sequence, localize this surface epitope to a repeated amino acid sequence, and investigate the genomic organization of the gene in B. bovis strains from Mexico and Australia. The predicted protein sequence had hydrophobic regions at its amino and carboxy termini consistent with a signal peptide and a membrane anchor via glycosylphosphatidyl inositol, respectively. The surface epitope recognized by mAb 23/70.174 was localized within a 24-amino acid sequence which is repeated twice in tandem. Six different EcoRI bands hybridized to the MSA-2 gene sequence with varying intensities in genomic Southern blots of the homologous strain. Two of these appear to be alleles of the MSA-2 gene. Whereas 5' and 3' sequences of the MSA-2 gene sequence were detected in an Australia strain of B. bovis, internal gene sequences encoding the surface epitope were not. The 3' sequences of the MSA-2 gene also had significant sequence similarity with the MSA-1 gene of the Mexico strain B. bovis and a gene from the previously described BabR locus. These data indicate that the MSA-2 protein gene belongs to the BabR locus which encodes variable merozoite surface antigens.