Phylogenetic comparison of the VP7, VP4, VP6, and NSP4 genes of rotaviruses isolated from children in Nizhny Novgorod,Russia, 2015–2016, with cogent genes of the Rotarix and RotaTeq vaccine strains

Group A rotaviruses (RVA) are one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis in young children worldwide. The introduction of universal mass vaccination around the world has contributed to a reduction in hospitalizations and outpatient visits associated with rotavirus infection. Continued surveillance of RVA strains is needed to determine long-term effects of vaccine introduction. In the present work, we carried out the analysis of the genotypic diversity of RVA strains isolated in Nizhny Novgorod (Russia) during the 2015–2016 epidemic season. Also we conducted a comparative analysis of the amino acid sequences of T-cell epitopes of wild-type and vaccine (RotaTeq and Rotarix) strains. In total, 1461 samples were examined. RVAs were detected in 30.4% of cases. Rotaviruses with genotype G9P[8] (40.5%) dominated in the 2015-16 epidemic season. Additionally, RVAs with the following genotypes were detected: G4P[8] (25.4%), G1P[8] (13%), G2P[4] (3.2%). Rotaviruses with genotypes G3P[9], G6P[9], and G1P[9] totaled 3%. The number of partially typed and untyped RVA samples was 66 (14.9%). The findings of a RVA of G6P[9] genotype in Russia were an original observation. Our analysis of VP6 and NSP4 T-cell epitopes showed highly conserved amino acid sequences. The found differences seem not to be caused by the immune pressure but were rather related to the genotypic affiliations of the proteins. Vaccination against rotavirus infection is not included in the national vaccination schedule in Russia. Monitoring of the genotypic and antigenic diversity of contemporary RVA will allow providing a comparative analysis of wild-type strains in areas with and without vaccine campaign.     

Molecular characterization of VP4 and NSP4 genes from rotavirus strains infecting neonates and young children in Belém, Brazil

Several reports have identified P[6] specificities in humans and in animals in different countries of the world, but few sequence data are available in public databases. In this work we have characterized the VP4 strains bearing P[6] specificity and NSP4 genotypes among diarrheic young children and diarrheic and non-diarrheic neonates from three studies previously conducted in Belém, Northern region of Brazil. As the to VP8* fragment, we observed a close relationship to both human prototypes of lineage P[6]-Ia (bootstrap of 99%) and porcine sublineages Ib and Ic (89.2-98.1% aa similarity and mean of 95%). With regards to the NSP4, the samples clustered into genotypes A and B. Of note, of the 27 P[6] strains analyzed in the present study and classified as genotype B, 8 (29.6%) were more similar to porcine prototypes when VP8* and NSP4 genes are compared, and were recovered, one from a neonate and seven from diarrheic children. These preliminary findings reinforce that further investigations are needed to assess the relative frequencies of P[6] strains in our region, as well as to investigate the potential for interspecies transmission involving humans and animals, particularly pigs.     

Amino acid domains 280–297 of VP6 and 531–554 of VP4 are implicated in heat shock cognate protein hsc70-mediated rotavirus infection

Summary The rotavirus infection mechanism seems to be a multi-step process which is still not fully understood. The heat shock cognate protein hsc70 has been proposed as being a co-receptor molecule for rotavirus entry into susceptible cells. In this work, an attempt was made to determine the existence of possible domains for VP4 and VP6 binding to hsc70. We selected amino acid sequences 531–554 from VP4 and 280–297 from VP6 on the basis of already recognized sequences for binding to hsc70. This study determined that DLPs and synthetic peptides from VP6 (aa 280–297) and VP4 (aa 531–554), individually or in combination, inhibited rotavirus RRV, YM and WA entry into MA104 and Caco-2 cells in an additive and dose-dependent manner. Hyperimmune sera against these synthetic peptides blocked infection by infectious TLPs. Capture ELISA results showed that DLPs interact with hsc70, probably through VP6 as the specific interaction between hcs70 and DLPs was disrupted by a VP6 peptide. These results suggest that VP6 takes part during rotavirus cell entry by binding to hsc70. This, as well as previous work, provides insight concerning the function of hsc70 within a multi-step model of rotavirus entry.     

轮状病毒全长VP4抗原在大肠杆菌中的表达

VP4是轮状病毒的主要抗原，成刺状突起位于病毒的外壳上。蛋白含量仅占病毒蛋白总量的1．5％。前期研究表明，用VP4或其片段免疫小鼠后，能有效地诱导同源或异源保护反应。本研究在大肠杆菌中表达并纯化了轮状病毒SA11株的外壳蛋白VP4，并测定了该纯化产物免疫豚鼠后的中和抗体滴度。     

A组轮状病毒外壳蛋白VP4的原核表达

选用原核表达载体ｐＧＥＸ２Ｔ，该载体表达谷胱苷肽－Ｓ转移酶融合蛋白，将完整的Ａ组轮状病毒外壳蛋白基因插入ｐＥＧＸ２Ｔ中，在ＳＤＳ－ＰＡＧＥ上没有明显的表达条带，而将部分ＶＰ４基因和６３１个碱基，插入ｐＧＥＸ２Ｔ，在ＳＤＳ－ＰＡＧＥ中有明显的表达条带。     

Biodistribution of synthetic thymosin β4 in the serum,urine, and major organs of mice

Thymosin β₄ (Tβ₄) is a peptide of 43 amino acids that was first isolated from the thymus gland and subsequently found to be ubiquitous in nature. Tβ₄ functions mainly as an actin-sequestering molecule in non-muscle cells, where its primary role is to maintain the large pool of unpolymerized G-actin in the cell. Studies on the pharmacokinetics of Tβ₄ in human and other mammals have not been reported so far. In the present study, we have measured Tβ₄ concentrations in serum, urine, and 10 major organs of female Swiss-Webster mice following intraperitoneal administration of 400 μg synthetic Tβ₄. Using a modified enzymatic immu-noassay, our data show a significant increase of Tβ₄ in serum starting 2 min after injection and lasting for 40 min (average: 2.34±0.54μg/ml). High concentrations were found in urine (59.3 ± 7.54μg/ml) at three different time points after injection (20 min, 40 min, and 2 h). Of the 400 μg Tβ₄ administered to mice 83 % was recovered at the end of the study, 44.6% of which corresponded to urine, 1.4% to serum, and 37.5% to the organs. In 50% of the tested organs, the wet weight concentrations of Tβ₄ increased significantly from the first 40 min to 2 h after injection in comparison to their baseline wet weight concentrations. These organs were: the brain (72 μg/g vs 42 μg/g), heart (80 μg/g vs 37 μg/g), liver (15 μg/g vs 9 μg/g), kidneys (65 μg/g vs 28 μg/g), and peritoneal fat (47 μg/g vs 13 μg/g). Wet weight concentrations increased in the thymus (196 μg/g vs 147 μg/g) and muscle (45 μg/g vs 0 μg/g) after 6 h of injection. The spleen showed an increase in wet weight concentrations at the 2 min timepoint (267 μg/g vs 161 μg/g). Ovaries had a biphasic increase at 40 min(72 μg/g vs 62 μg/g) and 24 h (92 μg/g vs 62 μg/g) after Tβ₄ administration. In lungs, the highest wet weight increase after injection (149 μg/g at timepoint 6h) was not higher than its basal wet weight concentration (153 μg/g). These phar-macokinetic studies of Tβ₄ in mice have established that high levels of Tβ₄ are found in the blood following I.P. administration and the kidney rapidly removes the peptide from the circulation. The kinetics of this response should help define the proper scheduling of administration of Tβ₄ during clinical trials in disorders, such as the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), associated with actin toxicity.     

应用痘苗病毒载体表达猴轮状病毒VP4抗原基因

把编码猴轮状病毒（Ｒｈｅｓｕｓｒｏｔａｖｉｒｕｓ，ＲＲＶ）Ｖｐ４抗原的第４基因片段插入到痘苗病毒表达载体ｐＪＳＡ１１７５的Ｐ７．５启动子下游，构建成在痘苗病毒Ｐ７．５启动子调控下表达猴轮状病毒Ｖｐ４抗原基因的重组质粒ＰＪＳＡ１１７５－ＶＰ４。应用磷酸钙沉淀技术将ＰＪＳＡ１１７５－ＶＰ４ＤＮＡ转入ＴＫ－１４３细胞，在ＢＵＤＲ和Ｘ－ｇａｌ存在下筛选蓝色蚀斑。经３代以上纯化和病毒增殖，获重组病毒Ｒ－ＶＪＳＡ１１７５－Ｖｐ４。蚀斑滴定其满度达到１５×１０１１ＰＦＵ／Ｌ。经核酸杂交试验证明所获得的重组痘苗病毒带有猴轮状病毒Ｖｐ４抗原基因。用重组病毒感染ＴＫ－１４３细胞（或Ｖｅｒｏ细胞），在感染后４８ｈ，用酶免疫法（ＥＩＡ）检测受染细胞上清液和细胞裂解液中表达的猴轮状病毒Ｖｐ４抗原基因均呈阳性反应。本试验为本研究室轮状病毒基因工程疫苗的一部分，为深入了解轮状病毒基因结构及其功能在方法学上奠定了必要的基础。     

应用痘苗病毒体表达猴轮状病毒VP4抗原基因

把编码猴轮状病毒Ｖｐ４抗原的第４基因片段插入到痘苗病毒表达载体ｐＪＳＡ１１７５的Ｐ７．５启动子下游，构建成在痘苗病毒Ｐ７．５启动子调控下表达猴轮状病毒Ｖｐ４抗原基因的重组质粒ｐＪＳＡ１１７５－Ｖｐ４。应用磷酸钙沉淀技术将ｐＪＳＡ１１７５－Ｖｐ４ＤＮＡ转入ＴＫ－１４３细胞，在ＢＵＤＲ和Ｘ－ｇａｌ 存在下筛选蓝色蚀斑。     

世界范围内A组轮状病毒G1型毒株VP7基因及VP4基因高变区…

Ａ组轮状病毒的ＶＰ４和ＶＰ７多肽是刺激机体产生中的抗体的主要保护性抗原。我们总结了世界多个地区和国家Ｇ１型轮状病毒流行株ＶＰ４和ＶＰ７基因的分子流行病学调查结果，并根据ＶＰ７多肽序列绘制了分子系统分类树。结果表明，所有流行株ＶＰ４基因的高变区具有相似的氨基酸组成，而ＶＰ７多肽疏水区，特别是已知的抗原决定簇ＶＲ３，ＶＲ４及ＶＲ６的氨基酸组成有规律性变异，提示这些毒株间在抗原性上有微小差异。分子系数分     

世界范围内A组轮状病毒G1型毒株VP7基因及VP4基因高变区的分析

Ａ组轮状病毒的ＶＰ４和ＶＰ７多肽是刺激机体产生中和抗体的主要保护性抗原。我们总结了世界多个地区和国家Ｇ１型轮状病毒流行株ＶＰ４和ＶＰ７基因的分子流行病学调查结果，并根据ＶＰ７多肽序列绘制了分子系统分类树。结果表明，所有流行株ＶＰ４基因的高变区具有相似的氨基酸组成，而ＶＰ７多肽疏水区，特别是已知的抗原决定簇ＶＲ３，ＶＲ４及ＶＲ６的氨基酸组成有规律性变异，提示这些毒株间在抗原性上有微小差异。分子系统分类树将所有毒株分为三个与氨基酸组成相对应的亚组，各个亚组的成员构成反映出了世界范围内轮状病毒流行株的分布具有较明显的地域性。     

Differential expression of β1, β3 and β4 integrins in sarcomas of the small,round, blue cell category

Integrins are a large and complex family of membrane spanning heterodimeric cell surface glycoproteins mediating cell/cell and cell/matrix interactions. Small, round, blue cell sarcomas (SRBCS) are a group of poorly differentiated tumours of various and in part uncertain histogenesis displaying similar cytomorphology. Among them are rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS), ganglioneuroblastomas [(G)NB], primitive peripheral neuroectodermal tumours (pPNET) and Ewing's sarcomas (ES). Thirty-two SRBCS were studied immunohistochemically for the distribution of 1, 3 and 4 integrins in situ. We found complex and to some extent differential patterns of 1, 3 and 4 integrin subunit expression in different types of SRBCS: all of the sarcomas studied were consistently 1⁺, 4^–, 2^–. Four of nine RMS were completely negative for all other integrin subunits studied while one RMS was 5⁺ throughout and three RMS were focally 5⁺. Three RMS expressed the 6 and v chains. In contrast to RMS, pPNET and ES, all of which were 1^–, 3^–, (G)NB were 3⁺ and frequently co-expressed 1. The eight pPNET and seven ES studied showed a similarily restricted integrin profile that was limited to the expression of 1 and 5 in nearly all cases. In summary, RMS were 1⁺, 1^–, 3^– and heterogeneously expressed 5 and 6. (G)NB were generally 1⁺, 1⁺, 3⁺, 5^–, 6^–. pPNET and ES were 1⁺, 1^–, 3^–, 5⁺, 6^–. The data illustrate a complex expression pattern of various integrins in SRBCS, a differential expression pattern of some of the integrin subunits among different types of SRBCS and almost identical integrin profiles in pPNET and ES.This paper is dedicated to Prof. Dr. Dres. h.c. Wilhelm Doerr on the occasion of his 80^th birthday     

2009年深圳地区肠道病毒71型毒株VP4基因进化分析

目的 对深圳地区手足口病(hand,foot and mouth disease,HFMD)肠道病毒71型分离株(enterovirus 71,EV71)的VP4基因遗传进化进行分析.方法 2009年采集深圳市儿童医院就诊的HFMD患者的粪便标本491份,选取其中8份经细胞培养鉴定为阳性的EV71毒株用RT-PCR扩增VP4基因,利用MEGA4.0软件进行遗传进化分析.结果 2009年深圳地区8株EV71 VP4基因全长207 bp,编码69个氨基酸;8株EV71 VP4基因核苷酸同源性为94.2％ ～98.1％,与深圳2001至2004年分离的17株EV71毒株核苷酸同源性在89.9％ ～98.1％,与GenBank中其他EV71病毒株VP4的核苷酸同源性为79.2％～100％;其中与亚洲流行株阜阳株(EU703812)核苷酸的同源性最高(100％),其次是C4代表株及2004年深圳株(AY895144)为94.2％ ～97.1％.除了印度株和其中1株EV71的VP4编码的氨基酸在第54位(ACA)不同之外,其余7株EV71 VP4编码的氨基酸序列之间以及与GenBank报道的其他序列同源性达100％.8株EV71 VP4基因核苷酸与C4代表株相比有17处不同,除1处以外其余全在简并密码位点上;轻重症病例毒株之间VP4基因序列未见明显改变.进化树显示8株EV71均属于C4基因亚型.结论 2009年深圳市流行的EV71属于C4基因亚型,流行的EV71 VP4基因非常保守,不属于变异区段,绝大部分核苷酸的变异属无义突变,VP4基因编码的氨基酸变异几乎为0.     

Genetic diversity of VP3 of goose parvovirus isolated from Southeastern China during 2012–2013

Although vaccine and passive immunotherapy were widely used to prevent goose parvovirus (GPV) infection in goose industry, GPV still poses a big problem in Southeastern China. In this study, 23 GPV isolates were isolated from goslings suspected with GPV infection in Southeastern China during 2012–2013, and the genetic diversity of VP3 of GPV was analyzed. Phylogenetic tree revealed that these isolates could be clustered into two groups, and 11 of 23 could be further clustered into a new subgroup. Moreover, eight novel mutations and seventeen conserved amino acids were found in these 23 isolates in comparison with isolates previously deposited in GenBank. These isolates and findings not only provide insights into the etiology and molecular characteristics of GPV endemic in Southeastern China, but also enrich the GPV genetic information for better controlling the disease.     

Expression of COX-2, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-4 in epithelium of serrated adenoma,adenoma and hyperplastic polyp

Introduction

Colon polyps and inflammatory process play the key role in neoplasia of colorectal cancer. In recent years there have been many publications on the malignancy of hyperplastic polyp (HP) which according to the WHO classification is a non-neoplastic polyp. The aim of this study is to determine the expression of inflammatory proteins COX-2, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-4 in the epithelium of colorectal polyps.

Material and methods

In the study, 144 colorectal polyps were analyzed. The groups of HP, classical (A) and serrated adenomas (SA) and normal mucosa (control) according to histopathological studies were selected. Immunohistochemical examinations Rusing antibodies against COX-2, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-4 were performed. The expression of analyzed protein was evaluated using modified Remmele-Stegner scale (0-16).

Results

Statistical analysis revealed higher expression of TNF-α (16 ±3.87 vs. 1 ±5.06), IL-1β (12 ±4 vs 8 ±2.72), COX-2 (9 ±2.54 vs. 8 ±3.14) and IL-4 (12 ±3.45 vs. 4 ±3.35) in SA polyps compared to the control (p < 0.001). The HP had an increased level of expression of TNF-α (12 ±3.72 vs. 1 ±5.06, p < 0.005), COX-2 (8.5 ±1.97 vs. 8 ±3.14, p < 0.012) and IL-4 (12 ±3.46 vs. 4 ±3.35, p < 0.001). Significantly higher expression of IL-4 (12 ±2.32 vs. 4 ±3.35, p < 0.001) and IL-1β (16 ±4.32 vs. 8 ±2.72, p < 0.044) in A compared to the control were observed.

Conclusions

Expression of inflammatory factors differed between polyps. Inflammation accompanied the serrated structures which occur in polyps. The inflammatory process affects the development of colorectal polyps. The HP may predispose to malignancy.     

Evaluation of serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-2 and IL-4 in patients with chronic hepatitis

Background

Changes in various cytokine activities have been reported during both HBV and HCV infections, while an imbalance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine production influences their immunopathogenesis. The aims of the present study are (a) to measure serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in a sample of patients affected either by chronic HBV infection or by chronic HCV infection and in healthy controls (b) to correlate serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-2 and IL-4 with biochemical markers of liver disease and (c) to evaluate differences of the aforementioned cytokines between HBV and HCV patients, as well as between patients and healthy controls.

Methods

The study population consisted of 50 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 40 patients with chronic hepatitis C and 30 healthy controls aged between 28 and 75 years. Biochemical markers of liver disease were evaluated by routine methods approved by IFCC. Serum concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-2 and IL-4 were determined with the Human Cytokine/Chemokine Panel I Merck Millipore.

Results

HBV patients showed statistically significant difference in TNF-α and IL-2 levels, versus healthy controls. HCV patients showed statistically significant difference in TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-2 levels versus healthy controls. IL10 and IL-2 levels were significantly different between HBV and HCV patients.

Conclusions

This study evaluated the serum cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-2 and IL-4) of chronic hepatitis B or C patients, as well as the differences in such levels between patients and healthy controls. Correlations of cytokine levels with biochemical markers of liver disease were also observed, reflecting the degree of activity of the inflammatory process in the liver.     

Immunocytochemical Studies of Aquaporin 4, Kir4.1, and α1-syntrophin in the Astrocyte Endfeet of Mouse Brain Capillaries

One of the most important physiological roles of brain astrocytes is the maintenance of extracellular K⁺ concentration by adjusting the K⁺ influx and K⁺ efflux. The inwardly rectifying K⁺ channel Kir4.1 has been identified as an important member of K⁺ channels and is highly concentrated in glial endfeet membranes. Aquaporin (AQP) 4 is another abundantly expressed molecule in astrocyte endfeet membranes. We examined the ultrastructural localization of Kir4.1, AQP4, α1-syntrophin, and β-spectrin molecules to understand the functional role(s) of Kir4.1 and AQP4. Immunogold electron microscopy of these molecules showed that the signals of these molecules were present along the plasma membranes of astrocyte endfeet. Double immunogold electron microscopy showed frequent co-localization in the combination of molecules of Kir4.1 and AQP4, Kir4.1 and α1-syntrophin, and AQP4 and α1-syntrophin, but not those of AQP4 and β-spectrin. Our results support biochemical evidence that both Kir4.1 and AQP4 are associated with α1-syntrophin by way of postsynaptic density-95, Drosophila disc large protein, and the Zona occludens protein I protein-interaction domain. Co-localization of AQP4 and Kir4.1 may indicate that water flux mediated by AQP4 is associated with K⁺ siphoning.     

Early Levels of CD4, Neopterin, and β2-Microglobulin Indicate Future Disease Progression

Reduced CD4 T cell level and increased serum neopterin and ₂-microglobulin levels, which reflect immunological activation and dysregulation, are three important markers of HIV disease. The aim in this study is to delineate more clearly the relation of activation to future CD4 values and disease progression. By analyzing a cohort of 198 seroconverters from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study with 9 years' follow-up, the dynamic changes and levels of these three markers and their interrelationships are explored. We observed that the levels of markers in the first year after seroconversion have a much stronger impact on the progression of the disease than the preseroconversion marker levels. The actual change during the year after seroconversion is not as important as the final level reached during that year. The early levels of markers after seroconversion appear to be good indicators of the subsequent course of disease as defined by CD4 level and slightly better than the quantitative changes following seroconversion or the changes in the period 1 to 2.5 years after seroconversion. To investigate the variation between subjects, the 198 seroconverters were stratified into three approximately equal-sized groups in 12 ways based on their pre- and postseroconversion levels and changes in the three markers. The group with the highest CD4 level within a year after seroconversion maintains the highest CD4 level 8 years after seroconversion. The group with the lowest level of neopterin or ₂-microglobulin in this period has much higher future CD4 counts than the other two groups. The level of markers during the first year after seroconversion has a high predictive power for AIDS onset. Substantial differences in the hazards of AIDS are found between the groups with the highest and lowest CD4 count, neopterin, and ₂-microglobulin following seroconversion. The three markers are generally correlated throughout the postseroconversion period but can provide distinct information. High current levels of neopterin or ₂-microglobulin tend to be associated with low future CD4 count, while current levels of CD4 count have less association with future neopterin and ₂-microglobulin levels.     

人A组轮状病毒VP6和NSP4编码基因的独立进化

轮状病毒是引起儿童重症腹泻的主要病原.目前,绝大多数研究认为A组轮状病毒的VP6和NSP4基因在进化上紧密联系[1].我们曾报道过一株在世界上极为罕见的人A组轮状病毒GSP[6]毒株[2](LL3354),通过对该毒株的VP6和NSP4全基因的分析,发现LL3354的VP6和NSP4编码基因是通过独立进化而来.     

The VP2 variable region of African and German isolates of infectious bursal disease virus: comparison with very virulent, “classical” virulent, and attenuated tissue culture-adapted strains

Summary.  11 African and two German IBDV strains isolated in the mid ’80s from field outbreaks in vaccinated and unvaccinated chicken flocks displayed features of very virulent (vv) IBDV strains. The sequence data of the VP2 variable region and phylogenetic analysis confirm that these strains can be grouped within vv IBDV strains which appeared at the same time on the three continents Africa, Asia, and Europe. Strain Cu-1wt, responsible for severe IBD outbreaks in Germany 13 years earlier, showed some relatedness to these strains, but also significant differences at the genomic level, even though this strain has also features of the vv IBDV strains. Received April 26, 1999/Accepted August 17, 1999