Objective To investigate the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha stimulated gene/inducible protein 6（TSG-6）on free silica（SiO2 ）-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin（IL）-1β by bone-marrow-derived macrophages （BMDMs）. Methods i）BMDMs isolated from bone marrow were divided into eight groups：the control group was untreated； lipopolysaccharide （LPS） group was stimulated by LPS with a concentration of 50 µg/L；The TSG-6 control group was stimulated by 100 µg/L of recombinant mouse TSG-6. SiO2 model group was pre-stimulated with LPS for four hours，and then stimulated with SiO2 suspension at a final concentration of 250 mg/L；Different dose of TSG-6 groups were firstly treated with above concentrations of LPS and SiO2 suspension，then 10，20，50 and 100 µg/L of recombinant mouse TSG-6 were added respectively；After 16 hours of culture，the cells were collected and the level of IL-1β in BMDMs supernatant was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）to screen optimal concentration of TSG-6. ii）The cells of the control group，LPS group，SiO2 model group，TSG-6 optimal concentration group and TSG-6 control group were collected. The expression of IL-1β and components of its related pathways in BMDMs was detected by Western blot，including IL-1β，pro-IL-1β，caspase-1，pro dcaspase-1，asc type amino acid transport and NOD-like receptor protein 3（NLRP3）. Results i）Compared with the control group，the expression of IL-1β in SiO2 model group was increased significantly（P<0.01）. Compared with SiO2 model group，the expression of IL-1β in 20，50，100 µg/L dose of TSG-6 groups were decreased significantly（all P<0.01），and the optimal concentration of TSG-6 was found to be 100 µg/L. ii）Compared with the control group and LPS group，the relative expression levels of IL-1β，caspase-1 and NLRP3 in SiO2 model group were increased significantly （all P<0.05）. Compared with SiO2 model group，the expression levels of IL-1β、caspase-1 and NLRP3 were decreased in 100 µg/L TSG-6 group（all P<0.05）. Conclusion TSG-6 could inhibit BMDMs to secret pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β by down-regulating the expression of NLRP3 and caspase-1.

Objective To construct the recombinant plasmid of fusion protein containing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cytotoxicity T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope M2:81-95 and heat shock protein (HSP) 70L1, and to investigate its immunogenicity after prokaryotic expression. Methods HSP70L1 gone was cloned from SMMC7721 cells. The M2:81-95 gene fragment was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Plasmid pET-HSP70L1-M2 : 81-95 (pET-HSP70L1-M2) was constructed, identified and transferred into E. coli BL21 (DE3). Expression of HSP70L1-M2 : 81-95(HSP70L1-M2) was induced by isopropy-β-D-thiogalaetosidc (IPTG). The expressed protein was purified by affinity chromatography and renatured by gradient dialysis. The BALB/c mice were immunized with this fusion protein. IgG antibodies and the subtypes were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and CTL responses were determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). Results The recombinant plasmid pET-HSP70L1-M2 was successfully constructed. The fusion protein HSP70L1-M2 was expressed in E. coll. The purified protein induced strong RSV-and CTL epitope-specific CTL responses and high titer of protein specific lgG antibody 4.87±0.35. The subtypes were IgG1 (5.53±0.28) and lgG2a (4.40±0.21) and IgG1/ IgG2a ratio was balanced. The titers of lgG, IgG1 and IgG2a in PBS control group were 0.33±0.17, 0.51±0.21 and 0, respectively, which werc significantly lower than those in immunized group (t = 3.512, 3.681, 5.856; P<0.05). Conclusions The recombinant plasmid pET-HSP70L1-M2 is successfully constructed and the fusion protein is expressed and purified. HSP70L1-M2 induced strong RSV-and CTL epitope-specific CTL responses and mixed T helper cell (Th)1/Th2 response in BALB/c mice.

Objective: To investigate the regulation of respiratory syncytial virus CTL epitope fused with G protein antigen fragment G1 to the specific immunoresponses. Methods: The recombinant plasmid pET-DsbA-G1 or pET-DsbA-G1F/M2 was transferred into E.coli BL21(DE3) and the fusion protein DsbA-G1F/M2 or DsbA-G1 was expressed.The expressing product was induced and purified by affinity chromatography. The two proteins were used to immunized BALB/c mice i.p, respectively. Serum and spleen cells were collected regularly. RSV-specific CTL responses were measured by MTT, IgG and IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies by ELISA, neutralizing antibodies by plaque reduction assay. Results: The recombinant proteins were expressed successfully and the purity was over 90% after purified by affinity chromatography. The protein DsbA-G1F/M2 induced significant RSV-specific CTL responses, while DsbA-G1 without CTL epitope did not induce detctable CTL responses. Strong IgG antibody responses were elicited,indicated by both. IgG1 and IgG2a titers induced by DsbA-G1F/M2, while only IgG1 was induced by DsbA-G1.The ratio of IgG1/IgG2a was downregulated significantly. Both antigens induced high level of neutralizing antibodies, but the latter was a little lower. Conclusion: DsbA-G1F/M2, the fusion protein of a CTL epitope and G protein fragment G1 can induce both cellular immunity and humoral immunity. The activation of CTLs downregulates the ratio of IgG1/IgG2a.The more balanced immunoresponse is advantageous for improving safety of the candidate vaccine.

Objective To investigate immune responses and protective effect induced by two recombinant proteins of hepatitis C virus(HCV)in BALB/c mice.Methods BALB/c mice were immunized with recombinant proteins HCV-T and(or)HCV-F4HVR1 three times.Specific antibodies in sera were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Five mice were sacrificed after 14 days of the last immunization.Splenic cells were isolated and levels of interferon(IFN)-γ,interleukin(IL)-4 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte(CTL)cytotoxicity assay were measured in vitro.The remaining mice were subcutaneously injected with 1.0×106 SP2/0-NS3 cells on the back to investigate the protective effects.The differences of means between groups were compared by LSD-t test.Results Compared with phosphate bufter saline(PBS)group,combined immunization with HCV-T and HCV-F4HVR1 induced higher levels of specific IgG against HCV-F4HVR1(t=3.815,3.762,P＜0.05),HCV-NS3-specific CTL response(t=3.971,P＜0.05)and IL-4(t=3.512,3.417,P＜0.05)and IFN-γ(t=3.813,3.426,3.671,P＜0.05)secretions.Conclusion High levels of specific humoral immunity and cellular immunity are induced in vivo after combined immunization with HCV-T and HCV-F4 HVR1,which could effectively prevent from the attack of SP2/0-NS3 cells.

Objective:To investigate whether His-tag to change the immunogenicity of recombinant protein G1F/M2 of respiratory syncytial virus.Methods:The G1 and F/M2 gene fragments were amplified by PCR method and then ligated into the expressing vector pET-His or pET-DsbA-His.Each recombinant plasmid was transferred into E.coli BL21(DE3) and the expression was induced by IPTG.The expressed His-G1F/M2 or DsbA-His-G1F/M2 was purified by affinity chromatography.The latter was digested with thrombase and G1F/M2 was purified by affinity chromatography.His-G1F/M2 or G1F/M2 was used to immunize BALB/c mice.Anti-RSV antibody was measured by ELISA and RSV-specific CTL responses by MTT.Results:No significant difference was observed between the level of anti-RSV antibody or RSV-specific CTL response induced by G1F/M2 and that by His-G1F/M2.Conclusion:His-tag does not change the immunogenicity of recombinant protein G1F/M2 of respiratory syncytial virus.

Objective: To investigate the effect of Shexiangbaoxin Pills on morphosis and function of left ventricle after myocardial infarction in rat. Methods: The rat myocardial infarction models induced by ligaturing coronary artery were randomly divided into the myocardial infarction control group, Shexiangbaoxin Pill group and captopril group. The hemodynamic parameters and cardiac functions in 2 or 6 weeks after treatment were determined. Meantime, the morphological parameters of left ventrile (left cardiac chamber size, attenuation proportion of ventricular wall of infarction area, and expansion index of left ventrile), were studied. Results: Shexiangbaoxin Pills could reduce the distention of left ventrile and expansion of infarction area of rat in 6 weeks after infarction. It could obviously improve the contraction function of left ventrile after myocardial infarction. Conclusion: Shexiangbaoxin Pills can improve left ventricular reconstitution after myocardial infarction.

Objective To investigate the cellular and humoral immune responses and protective effect induced by co-immunization with two multi-epitope combinant antigens. Methods Mice were co-im-munized with the muhi-epitope HCV-T and HCV-E1 antigens three times. Sera antibodies IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a were tested by ELISA. Spleens from BALB/c mice immunized were removed 10 days after the last im-munization. CTL activity was assessed using LDH cytotoxicity assay kit. IFN-γ- and IL-4-secreting cells were quantified using ELISPOT kit. Two weeks after the final immunization, the mice were challenged sub-cutaneously(s, c. ) at the back with 106 SP2/0-NS3 cells, and protective effect was observed. For therapy, 106 SP2/0-NS3 cells were implanted into the back of BALB/c mice. Seven days later, mice were immuniza-tion three times. Therapy effect was observed. Results Co-immunization with HCV-T and HCV-E1 induced high tiers of HCV-El-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies, and high level of CTL activity. Synergistic effect in frequencies of both specific IFN-γ-secreting cells and IL-4-secreting cells was observed in mice co-immunized. Prophylactic as well as therapeutic administration of mT + mE1 in mice led to protecting mice against SP2/0-NS3 cells. These results suggested that mT + mE1 was potential as a prophylactic as well as therapeutic HCV vaccine. Conclusion Co-immunization with HCV-T + HCV-EI induced protective humor-al and cellular immune response. HCV-T + HCV-E1 was potential as a recombinant HCV vaccine.

Objective To research CpG and Al(OH)3 adjuvants enhancing immunogenicity of hepatitis C virus(HCV) recombinant ptotein combined vaccine(TIE).Methods BALB/c mice were immunized with candidate vaccine TFE using CpG,Al(OH)3,Al(OH) 3 + CpG,or freund's adjuvant(FA) as the adjuvant.Five mice were sacrificed after 10 d of the last immunization.Specific antibodies in sera were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Splenic cells were isolated and levels of IFN-γ,IL-4 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte(CTL) cytotoxicity assay were messuredin vitro.The remaining mice were subcutaneouly injected with 1 × 106 SP2/0-NS3 cells on the back to investigate the protective effects.The differences of means between groups were compared by LSD-t test.Results The specific CTL activity of TFE + A1(OH) 3 + CpG group was higher than TFE + FA group and TFE + CpG group(P ＜ 0.05).The level of IFN-γsecreting cells in TFE + Al(OH)3 + CpG group was higher than that in TFE + M(OH)3 group or TFE + CpG group(P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Combining Al(OH) 3 and CpG could enhance specific cellular immunogenicity of candidate HCV vaccine TFE.TFE + M(OH) 3 + CpG could effetively prevent the attack of tumor cell SP2/0-NS3 expressing nonstructural protein NS3 of HCV.

Objective:To investigate characteristic CT manifestations of primary pulmonary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).Methods:CT images of 14 patients [10 males and 4 females, age （54±2） years old, range 32 to 91] with pathologically-proved pulmonary DLBCL lymphoma were retrospectively analyzed．Plain CT and contrast enhanced CT imaging were performed in all 14 patients. Image characteristics including lesion size, locations and distribution, morphology and margin, density and enhancement degrees, bronchia and lesion surroundings, other thoracic extra-pulmonary manifestations, as well as distant metastasis were analyzed and recorded. The maximal diameter of mass and/or nodules, pre and post-contrast CT values were measured. Among all 14 cases, 8 cases were initially diagnosed as lung carcinoma, 5 cases as infection, one case as lymphoma.Results:Among all 14 primary lung DLBCL cases, there were 10 case with multiple lesions and 4 with single lesion. Masses and/or nodules were found in 12 cases, with the maximum diameter of the lesions as 0.8-8.2 cm, the median value as 5.3 (2.9, 7.8) cm. Two cases showed simple consolidation. The margins of the lesions were clear and smooth in 12 cases, and fuzzy in 2 cases. The density of the lesions on pre-contrast CT was relatively uniform, with mean CT value (35.1±1.0) HU. After contrast, 10 cases displayed mild to moderate homogeneous enhancement, 4 cases showed heterogenous enhancement. The mean CT value of post-contrast images was (61.8±1.5) HU. In arterial phase, the mean CT value was (50.9±1.3) HU. Angiographic sign was found in 9 cases in arterial phase. Of the 14 cases, bronchus was clear and smooth in 5 cases. In 4 cases, bronchus was found slight compressed or stenosis; and 5 cases showed intra-lesion bronchi invasion or occlusion. Interstitial tissue around the lesion was found slightly thickened in 8 cases. The pleura showed unevenly thickened and invaded in 8 cases. Mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy and fusion were found in 10 cases, with 3 cases involving mediastinal large blood vessels, and 7 cases displaying infiltrative growth pattern. There were 4 cases with pleural effusion. CT follow-up after treatment in 8 cases showed no distant metastasis (7 cases showed good prognosis, with lesions disappearing after radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgical resection; 1 case showed progressed with lesion increased after chemotherapy). Six patients abandoned the treatment and discharged from the hospital.Conclusions:Primary DLBCL is a high invasive and malignant entity with certain CT characteristics. The confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary DLBCL depends on pathological results.

Objectives:Analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) progressing to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Explore the risk factors for the progression from PAPS to SLE.Methods:The clinical data of 262 patients with PAPS enrolled in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from February 2005 to September 2021 were evaluated. Assessments included demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests (serum levels of complement, anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies), treatment, and outcomes. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the prevalence of SLE in patients with PAPS. Univariate Cox regression analysis was employed to identify the risk factors for PAPS progressing to SLE.Results:Among 262 patients with PAPS, 249 had PAPS (PAPS group) and 13 progressed to SLE (5.0%) (PAPS-SLE group). Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that cardiac valve disease ( HR=6.360), positive anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies ( HR=7.203), low level of complement C3 ( HR=25.715), and low level of complement C4 ( HR=10.466) were risk factors for the progression of PAPS to SLE, whereas arterial thrombotic events ( HR=0.109) were protective factors ( P<0.05 for all). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the prevalence of SLE in patients suffering from PAPS with a disease course>10 years was 9%-15%. Hydroxychloroquine treatment had no effect on the occurrence of SLE in patients with PAPS ( HR=0.753, 95% CI 0.231-2.450, P=0.638). Patients with≥2 risk factors had a significantly higher prevalence of SLE compared with those with no or one risk factor (13-year cumulative prevalence of SLE 48.7% vs. 0 vs. 6.2%, P<0.001 for both). Conclusions:PAPS may progress to SLE in some patients. Early onset, cardiac-valve disease, positive anti-dsDNA antibody, and low levels of complement are risk factors for the progression of PAPS to SLE (especially in patients with≥2 risk factors). Whether application of hydroxychloroquine can delay this transition has yet to be demonstrated.