The artificial 5-helix can inhibit the formation of trimer-of-hairpins structure during the course of HIV-directed membrane fusion and then inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infecting target cells. But 5-helix was apt to form inclusion body when expressed directly in prokaryotic cell and was difficult to renature, which causes inconvenience to future study. We found a proper expression vector by simulating protein structure. We simulated its proper conformation in two vectors pGEX-6P-1 and pET44b by homology modeling. The contrast of conformations showed that the energy of salvation of its fusion protein with NusA in vector pET44b was higher than its fusion protein with glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in pGEX-6P-1 and its restriction site lay on the surface of its fusion protein in vector pET44b. 5-helix gene was amplified from pGEX-6P-1-5H by PCR, and was ligated to pET44b to construct recombinant vector pET44b-PSP-5Helix after tested correctly by enzymes digestion. The recombinant vector was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) to express 5-helix protein at different temperatures. Aim protein was purified with Ni column and GST column, and was determined by SDS-PAGE. Then the purified 5 -Helix was used to test the inhibitive activity of pseudo HIV virus infecting GHOST-CXCR4. Results show that its fusion protein with NusA can be effectively soluble expressed and easier to be cleaved, and that the purified 5-helix can efficiently inhibit pseudo HIV virus infecting GHOST-CXCR4 and its IC50 value is (22.77 +/- 5.64) nmol/L, which lay the foundation to further discuss the application in HIV-1 infection.
Carrier Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; HIV Envelope Protein gp41 ; metabolism ; HIV-1 ; genetics ; Peptides ; genetics ; Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid ; genetics ; Viral Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; Virus Internalization ; drug effects

Three pairs of specific primers were designed to amplify the F2-1, F2-2 and XF2-2 truncated sequences of ORF2 which encodes the capsid protein of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2). The F2-1 sequence had most of the NLS region of ORF2, but the F2-2 and XF2-2 genes had the NLS region deleted. Truncated genes were subcloned into pET-32a(+) vectors to construct recombinant fusion expression vectors. The vectors were then transformed into Rosetta(DE3) E. coli and expressed by induction of IPTG. Expressed proteins were detected by western blotting and ELISA. The protein with best immunoreactivity was confirmed and selected, then utilized to inoculate SPF rabbits to prepare polyclonal antibodies. The protein and prepared polyclonal antibody were utilized to detect sera samples against PCV-2 from Shandong province and PCV-2 particles in PK-15 cells. In our study, three recombinant fusion proteins were successfully obtained, and the molecular weights of fusion proteins were 35.9 kDa, 33.6 kDa and 38.6 kDa respectively detected by SDS-PAGE. All of the proteins showed positive reaction with anti-PCV-2 antisera, and His-XF2-2 showed better immunoreactivity than the others. The protein of His-XF2-2 was coated as antigen in ELISA to detect the seroprevalence of PCV-2 in certain districts of Shandong province, the seropositivity rate was 27.7 % (73/264). Specific fluorescence and positive signals for PCV-2 could be detected in PK-15 cells inoculated with PCV-2 with the participation of prepared antibodies against His-XF2-2 in IFA and IPMA. Experimental results indicated that the truncated PCV-2 ORF2 gene containing most of the NLS region was successfully expressed in E. coli, and His-XF2-2 was demonstrated to have better immunoreactivity with anti-PCV-2 antisera than the other two fusion proteins. His-XF2-2 and prepared polyclonal antibodies against it had a satisfactory capability in detecting PCV-2 infection.

In order to detect antibody against swine influenza virus (H1N1), HA1 region of hemagglutinin gene in epidemic swine influenza virus (H1N1) strain was amplified and subcloned into prokaryotic expression vector pET30a. Then recombinant HA1 protein was expressed by Escherichia coli BL21. The purified recombinant HA1 protein was obtained after the treatment of denaturing, refolding and affinity chromatography with immobilized nickel chelating NTA (Ni-NTA). An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was established using the purified protein as antigen. Then 785 swine serum samples collected during 2008-2009 were detected by this method, and the positive ratio was 15.54%. There were diversities among provinces (8%-47%). The diagnostic specificity and diagnostic sensitivity of this method arrived at 91% and 95% respectively, using the results of IDEXX ELISA kit as reference.
Animals ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; methods ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; immunology ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology ; Swine

A cross-sectional serological study was conducted in Shandong province of China to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with seropositivity due to pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection in small- and medium-sized farrow-to-finish herds following outbreaks of variant PRV strains. A total of 6,035 blood samples from 224 randomly selected herds were screened. The results showed that 25.0% of the herds and 56.7% of the serum samples were seropositive for field strains of PRV. Herds consisting of 50–100 breeding sows had higher herd seroprevalence and serum sample seroprevalence than larger herds. Both the highest herd seroprevalence and highest serum sample seroprevalence were observed in western Shandong, followed northern Shandong. Based on univariate analysis, the following risk factors were utilized in subsequent multivariable logistic regression analysis: region, herd size, weight of purchased gilts, and all-in/all-out practice. Upon multivariate analysis, region, herd size, weight of purchased gilts and all-in/all-out practice were significantly associated with PRV herd seropositivity. These findings indicate that we are facing a serious situation in the prevention and control of pseudorabies. The results could help predict the next outbreak and set out control measures.
Breeding ; China* ; Disease Outbreaks ; Herpesvirus 1, Suid ; Logistic Models ; Multivariate Analysis ; Pseudorabies* ; Risk Factors* ; Seroepidemiologic Studies*

Background: Pseudorabies, also known as Aujeszky's disease, is caused by the pseudorabies virus (PRV) and has been recognized as a critical disease affecting the pig industry and a wide range of animals around the world, resulting in great economic losses each year. Shandong province, one of the most vital food animal-breeding regions in China, has a very dense pig population, within which pseudorabies infections were detected in recent years. The data, however, on PRV epidemiology and coinfection rates of PRV with other major swine diseases is sparse. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the PRV epidemiology in Shandong and analyze the current control measures. Methods: In this study, a total number of 16,457 serum samples and 1,638 tissue samples, which were collected from 362 intensive pig farms (≥ 300 sows/farm) covered all cities in Shandong, were tested by performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Overall, 52.7% and 91.5% of the serum samples were positive for PRV-gE and -gB, respectively, based on ELISA results. In addition, 15.7% of the tissue samples were PCR positive for PRV. The coinfection rates of PRV with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, and classical swine fever virus were measured; coinfection with PCV2 was 35.0%, higher than those of the other two viruses. Macroscopic and microscopic lesions were observed in various tissues during histopathological examination. Conclusions The results demonstrate the PRV prevalence and its coinfection rates in Shandong province and indicate that pseudorabies is endemic in pig farms in this region. This study provides epidemiological data that can be useful in the prevention and control of pseudorabies in Shandong, China.

Background: Blackened intestines in slaughtered pigs have been commonly observed in China in recent years. However, no cause has been reported. Objectives: We attempted to determine whether the blackening of the pig intestine was related to an excess of copper (Cu) in their feed. Methods: In this study, we observed and collected porcine intestines in small- and large-scale pig slaughterhouses in Shandong province from May to October 2018. Twelve types of metal ions were detected in the black intestinal samples. Results: The Cu level in the intestine samples was mostly higher than the Chinese national limit for food. Further study showed that Cu supplementation in most commercial porcine feed also exceeded the national standard. An animal model (mouse) that could mimic the intestinal blackening in pigs was established. Compared to control mice, Cu accumulated in the liver and intestines of mice fed an excessive Cu level, confirming the excessive Cu in the feed may be considered the major cause of blackened porcine intestines. Microscopic examination revealed that black intestines had many particles containing Cu in the lamina propria of the intestinal mucosa, and the intestinal mucosal epithelial cells showed degeneration and necrosis. Conclusions In conclusion, overuse of Cu in animal feed can lead to animal poisoning and Cu accumulation in animal products. Such overuse not only harms the health of livestock but can also affect public health.

Background: Blackened intestines in slaughtered pigs have been commonly observed in China in recent years. However, no cause has been reported. Objectives: We attempted to determine whether the blackening of the pig intestine was related to an excess of copper (Cu) in their feed. Methods: In this study, we observed and collected porcine intestines in small- and large-scale pig slaughterhouses in Shandong province from May to October 2018. Twelve types of metal ions were detected in the black intestinal samples. Results: The Cu level in the intestine samples was mostly higher than the Chinese national limit for food. Further study showed that Cu supplementation in most commercial porcine feed also exceeded the national standard. An animal model (mouse) that could mimic the intestinal blackening in pigs was established. Compared to control mice, Cu accumulated in the liver and intestines of mice fed an excessive Cu level, confirming the excessive Cu in the feed may be considered the major cause of blackened porcine intestines. Microscopic examination revealed that black intestines had many particles containing Cu in the lamina propria of the intestinal mucosa, and the intestinal mucosal epithelial cells showed degeneration and necrosis. Conclusions In conclusion, overuse of Cu in animal feed can lead to animal poisoning and Cu accumulation in animal products. Such overuse not only harms the health of livestock but can also affect public health.

To obtain specific antibodies against nsp4 protein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), nsp4 gene was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into pET-28a(+) vector, designated pET28a-nsp4. pET28a-nsp4 was transformed into Escherichia coli Trasseta (DE3) cells and expressed after induction of IPTG. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the recombinant protein was expressed in soluble form with the molecular weight of 26 kDa. The soluble fusion protein in the supernatant was purified using Ni+-NTA affinity chromatography. New Zealand rabbits were immunized by the purified nsp4 and anti-sera against nsp4 were obtained. The titer of polyclonal antibodies was about 106 and showed good specificity and sensitivity in the immunofluorescence assay and Western blotting analysis. The polyclonal antibodies also recognized native nsp4 form PRRSV infected Marc-145 cells, providing a useful tool in PRRSV replication mechanism study.