1.Identification of terpenoid synthases family in Perilla frutescens and functional analysis of germacrene D synthase.
Pei-Na ZHOU ; Zai-Biao ZHU ; Lei XIONG ; Ying ZHANG ; Peng CHEN ; Huang-Jin TONG ; Cheng-Hao FEI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2658-2673
Based on whole-genome identification of the TPS gene family in Perilla frutescens and screening, cloning, bioinformatics, and expression analysis of the synthetic enzyme for the insect-resistant component germacrene D, this study lays the foundation for understanding the biological function of the TPS gene family and the insect resistance mechanism in P. frutescens. This study used bioinformatics tools to identify the TPS gene family of P. frutescens based on its whole genome and predicted the physicochemical properties, systematic classification, and promoter cis-elements of the proteins. The relative content of germacrene D was detected in both normal and insect-infested leaves of P. frutescens, and the germacrene D synthase was screened and isolated. Gene cloning, bioinformatics analysis, and expression profiling were then performed. The results showed that a total of 99 TPS genes were identified in the genome, which were classified into the TPS-a, TPS-b, TPS-c, TPS-e/f, and TPS-g subfamilies. Conserved motif analysis showed that the TPS in P. frutescens has conserved structural characteristics within the same subfamily. Promoter cis-element analysis predicted the presence of light-responsive elements, multiple hormone-responsive elements, and stress-responsive elements in the TPS family of P. frutescens. Transcriptome data revealed that most of the TPS genes in P. frutescens were highly expressed in the leaves. GC-MS analysis showed that the relative content of germacrene D significantly increased in insect-damaged leaves, suggesting that it may act as an insect-resistant component. The germacrene D synthase gene was screened through homologous protein binding gene expression and was found to belong to the TPS-a subfamily, encoding a 64.89 kDa protein. This protein was hydrophilic, lacked a transmembrane structure and signal peptide, and was predominantly expressed in leaves, with significantly higher expression in insect-damaged leaves compared to normal leaves. In vitro expression results showed that germacrene D synthase tended to form inclusion bodies. Molecular docking showed that farnesyl pyrophosphate(FPP) fell into the active pocket of the protein and interacted strongly with six active sites. This study provides a foundation for further research on the biological functions of the TPS gene family in P. frutescens and the molecular mechanisms underlying its insect resistance.
Perilla frutescens/chemistry*
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Plant Proteins/chemistry*
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Multigene Family
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Sesquiterpenes, Germacrane/metabolism*
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Alkyl and Aryl Transferases/chemistry*
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Phylogeny
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Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
2.Identification of high-risk preoperative blood indicators and baseline characteristics for multiple postoperative complications in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a multi-machine learning feature contribution analysis.
Kejia ZHU ; Zhiyang HUANG ; Biao WANG ; Hang LI ; Yuangang WU ; Bin SHEN ; Yong NIE
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(12):1532-1542
OBJECTIVE:
To explore, identify, and develop novel blood-based indicators using machine learning algorithms for accurate preoperative assessment and effective prediction of postoperative complication risks in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
METHODS:
A retrospective cohort study was conducted including RA patients who underwent unilateral TKA between January 2019 and December 2024. Inpatient and 30-day postoperative outpatient follow-up data were collected. Six machine learning algorithms, including decision tree, random forest, logistic regression, support vector machine, extreme gradient boosting, and light gradient boosting machine, were used to construct predictive models. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), F1-score, accuracy, precision, and recall. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values were employed to interpret and rank the importance of individual variables.
RESULTS:
According to the inclusion criteria, a total of 1 548 patients were enrolled. Ultimately, 18 preoperative indicators were identified as effective predictive features, and 8 postoperative complications were defined as prediction labels for inclusion in the study. Within 30 days after surgery, 453 patients (29.2%) developed one or more complications. Considering overall accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, the random forest model [AUC=0.930, 95% CI (0.910, 0.950)] and the extreme gradient boosting model [AUC=0.909, 95% CI (0.880, 0.938)] demonstrated the best predictive performance. SHAP analysis revealed that anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, interleukin-6, body mass index, age, and smoking status made significant contributions to the overall prediction of postoperative complications.
CONCLUSION
Machine learning-based models enable accurate prediction of postoperative complication risks among RA patients undergoing TKA. Inflammatory and immune-related blood biomarkers, such as anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor, interleukin-6, play key predictive roles, highlighting their potential value in perioperative risk stratification and individualized management.
Humans
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Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/adverse effects*
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid/blood*
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Machine Learning
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Postoperative Complications/blood*
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Female
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Male
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Retrospective Studies
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Middle Aged
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Aged
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Risk Factors
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Preoperative Period
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C-Reactive Protein/analysis*
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Risk Assessment
3.Influence of Outdoor Light at Night on Early Reproductive Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization and Its Threshold Effect: Evidence from a Couple-Based Preconception Cohort Study.
Wen Bin FANG ; Ying TANG ; Ya Ning SUN ; Yan Lan TANG ; Yin Yin CHEN ; Ya Wen CAO ; Ji Qi FANG ; Kun Jing HE ; Yu Shan LI ; Ya Ning DAI ; Shuang Shuang BAO ; Peng ZHU ; Shan Shan SHAO ; Fang Biao TAO ; Gui Xia PAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(8):1009-1015
4.MiR-194-3p Regulation of Simulated Microgravity Induced-Dysfunction of Osteoblasts:An Experimental Study
Jindong XUE ; Luchang CHENG ; Min WANG ; Caimei TAN ; Qiqi DENG ; Haimei ZHU ; Yong GUO ; Biao HAN
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2024;39(4):623-630
Objective To investigate the role of miR-194-3p in regulating functional changes in osteoblasts in a simulated microgravity environment and to provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the mechanical response mechanisms of osteoblasts in extreme mechanical environments.Methods The effects of microgravity on osteoblasts were simulated by using a rotary cell culture system.MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were transfected with an miR-194-3p inhibitor and changes in proliferation,differentiation,apoptosis,and mineralization were assessed using MTT assay,RT-PCR,Western blot,double fluorescence staining,and alizarin red staining.Results Elevated expression of miR-194-3p under simulated microgravity conditions led to the suppression of osteoblast proliferation,differentiation,and mineralization to a certain extent,while promoting osteoblast apoptosis.However,transfection with the miR-194-3p inhibitor significantly downregulated miR-194-3p expression and partially reversed the reduced osteoblast proliferation,decreased expression of osteogenic differentiation markers such as ALP,OCN,and COL-I genes and proteins,decreased bone mineralization nodules,and increased osteoblast apoptosis induced by microgravity exposure.These findings indicated that miR-194-3p effectively ameliorates abnormal osteoblast function under microgravity conditions.Conclusions MiR-194-3p acts as a negative regulatory factor in the mechanical responses of osteoblasts under simulated microgravity.
5.Repair of postoperative defects in chronic phase Ⅱ phosphorous osteomyelitis and medication-related os-teonecrosis of the mandible by sublingual gland flap
Rongju XIE ; Weihong WANG ; Biao XU ; Jin ZHU ; Yemei QIAN ; Jingyi LI ; Hongrong ZHANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2024;40(3):407-411
Objective:To investigate the clinical outcomes of sublingual gland flap in the repair of postoperative jaw defects because of chronic phosphorous osteomyelitis(PNJ)and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw(MRONT).Methods:3 patients with PNJ and 2 with MRONJ were treated by sublingual gland flap in the repair of the postoperative jaw defet.The treatment effects were evalua-ted by clinical obseration.Results:In the 5 patients the wound healed well within 2 weeks postoperatively,with no infection and with normal sublingual gland function after surgery.Conclusion:The use of sublingual gland flap is an effective and feasible method for re-pairing local defects in the mandibles after surgery for chronic PNJ and MRONJ.
6.Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of mitomycin C-perfluorooctyl bromide liposome nanoparticles in the treatment of human pterygium fibroblasts
Tao LI ; Lingshan LIAO ; Shenglan ZHU ; Juan TANG ; Xiaoli WU ; Qilin FANG ; Ying LI ; Biao LI ; Qin TIAN ; Junmei WAN ; Yi YANG ; Yueyue TAN ; Jiaqian LI ; Juan DU ; Yan ZHOU ; Dan ZHANG ; Xingde LIU
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2024;44(2):100-105
Objective To prepare a nano drug(PFOB@Lip-MMC)with liposome as the carrier,liquid perfluorooc-tyl bromide(PFOB)as core and mitomycin C(MMC)loading on the liposome shell and study its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human pterygium fibroblasts(HPFs).Methods The thin film dispersion-hydration ultrasonic method was used to prepare PFOB@Lip-MMC and detect its physical and chemical properties.Cell Counting Kit-8,Cam-PI cell viability staining and flow cytometry were employed to detect the impact of different concentrations of PFOB@Lip-MMC on the via-bility of HPFs.DiI fluorescence labeled PFOB@Lip-MMC was used to observe the permeability of the nano drug to HPFs under a laser confocal microscope.After establishing HPF inflammatory cell models,they were divided into the control group(with sterile phosphate-buffered saline solution added),PFOB@Lip group(with PFOB@Lip added),MMC group(with MMC added),PFOB@Lip-MMC group(with PFOB@Lip-MMC added)and normal group(with fresh culture medi-um added)according to the experimental requirements.After co-incubation for 24 h,flow cytometer was used to detect the apoptosis rate of inflammatory cells,and the gene expression levels of interleukin(IL)-1β,prostaglandin E2(PGE2),tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in cells were analyzed by PCR.Results The average particle size and Zeta potential of PFOB@Lip-MMC were(103.45±2.17)nm and(27.34±1.03)mV,respec-tively,and its entrapped efficiency and drug loading rate were(72.85±3.28)%and(34.27±2.04)%,respectively.The sustained-release MMC of drug-loaded nanospheres reached(78.34±2.92)%in vitro in a 24-hour ocular surface environ-ment.The biological safety of PFOB@Lip-MMC significantly improved compared to MMC.In terms of the DiI fluorescence labeled PFOB@Lip-MMC,after co-incubation with inflammatory HPFs for 2 h,DiI fluorescence labeling was diffusely dis-tributed in the cytoplasm of inflammatory HPFs.The apoptosis rate of inflammatory HPFs in the PFOB@Lip-MMC group[(77.23±4.93)%]was significantly higher than that in the MMC group[(51.62±3.28)%].The PCR examination results showed that the gene transcription levels of IL-1 β,PGE2,TNF-α and VEGF in other groups were significantly reduced com-pared to the control group and PFOB@Lip group,with the most significant decrease in the PFOB@Lip-MMC group(all P<0.05).Conclusion In this study,a novel nano drug(PFOB@LIP-MMC)that inhibited the proliferation of HPFs was successfully synthesized,and its cytotoxicity was significantly reduced compared to the original drugs.It has good bio-compatibility and anti-inflammatory effects,providing a new treatment approach for reducing the recurrence rate after pte-rygium surgery.
7.Research on the Improvement of Ferroptosis and Cognitive Function Impairment in APP/PS1 Alzheimer's Mice by Bingchan-gsan via the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Shaobo GUO ; Wenhui ZHU ; Yu BAI ; Biao ZHANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(6):598-607
OBJECTIVE To explore whether inhaling Bingchangsan(BCS can modulate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to improve ferroptosis and cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease(AD mouse models.METHODS 30 APP/PS1 mice were ran-domly divided into three groups:a model group(APP/PS1 group,a low-dose Bingchangsan group(BCS-L group,and a high-dose Bingchangsan group(BCS-H group.10 age-matched wild-type(WT mice were used as a control group.The WT group and the APP/PS1 group were treated with nebulized pure water,while the BCS-L group received 0.5μL of Bingchangsan inhalation solution per day,and the BCS-H group received 1μL,both administered via nebulization for 10 min daily for 2 weeks.2 weeks post-treat-ment,spatial cognitive abilities of the mice were assessed using the Morris water maze test.Following the water maze experiment,the mice were euthanized,and their brain tissues were collected for Aβ1-42 immunofluorescence,P-tau immunohistochemistry,and Nissl staining.Hippocampal tissues were extracted for Western blot and qPCR analysis to measure the protein and mRNA expression levels of Keap1,Nrf2,HO-1,GPX4,SCL7A11,TFRC,DMT1,FTL,and FTH1.Additionally,brain tissues were used for glutathione(GSH content measurement using a GSH assay kit.RESULTS In the BCS groups,the latency period for escape shortened,and the time spent in the quadrant with the platform,as well as the number of times crossing the platform,increased.Compared to the APP/PS1 group,the expression levels of Aβ1-42 and P-tau in the hippocampal CA1 region and cortex of mice in the BCS groups were signifi-cantly reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01.Nissl staining revealed a denser arrangement of neurons with more Nissl bodies in the BCS groups.In the hippocampal tissue,compared to untreated APP/PS1 mice,significant increases in the protein and mRNA levels of Nrf2,HO-1,SLC7A11,GPX4,and FTL were observed in all BCS groups(P<0.05,P<0.01.While the BCS-L group showed in-creased levels of FTH1 protein and mRNA,these changes were not statistically significant.Furthermore,the expression levels of TFRC,DMT1,and Keap1 were significantly downregulated in the BCS groups(P<0.05,P<0.01.Additionally,treatment with BCS effectively restored the glutathione(GSH content in the brain(P<0.01.CONCLUSION Inhalation of BCS can improve cognitive dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice.BCS activates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway,increases the expression of GPX4,and enhances Nrf2 tran-scriptional activity by inhibiting Keap1.This leads to an upregulation of SLC7A11 and restoration of GSH levels,effectively countering ferroptosis.Additionally,BCS effectively inhibits TFRC and DMT1,while upregulating FTL and FTH1 expression,thereby maintaining intracellular iron homeostasis.This contributes to mitigating the impact of ferroptosis on APP/PS1 mice,subsequently enhancing their cognitive functions.
8.Clinical Study on Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction in the Treatment of Severe Pneumonia Complicated with Gastrointestinal Dys-function of Lung Heat and FU-Organ Repletion Type
Guisong ZHU ; Xiaofang YIN ; Hong ZHU ; Rong JIA ; Zimeng ZOU ; Biao XU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(8):831-837
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction on respiratory and oxygenation functions and the ex-pression levels of serum aquaporin(AQP)1 and AQP5 in patients with severe pneumonia complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction of lung heat and fu-organ repletion type.METHODS 60 patients with severe pneumonia complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunc-tion of lung heat and fu-organ repletion type were randomly divided into control group and treatment group,with 30 cases each.The control group received standardized Western medicine treatment,and the treatment group was treated with Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction in addition to the control group.Both groups were treated for 7 d.The respiratory rate and oxygenation index,mechanical ventilation u-tilization rate,the clinical score including CURB-65 and CPIS scores,TCM syndrome score,gastrointestinal function indicators inclu-ding intra-abdominal pressure,serum gastrin(GAS)and vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP),AQP1 and AQP5 levels were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.Ventilation utilization and ICU hospitalization days during treatment were compared between the two groups.RESULTS After treatment,compared with the control group,the respiratory rate,TCM syndrome score and intra-abdominal pressure in the treatment group were decreased significantly(P<0.05,P<0.01);meanwhile,the oxygenation index and the levels of serum GAS,AQP1 and AQP5 were increased significantly(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction can significantly improve clinical symptoms such as respiratory and oxygenation functions in patients,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of AQP1 and AQP5.
9.Effects of Buzhong Yulin Decoction (补中愈淋汤) for Mice with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infectionon on Bladder Mucosal Barrier and Bacterial Load of Bladder Epithelial Cells
Hao YIN ; Yi XUE ; Biao ZHANG ; Zhuohui JIN ; Jiaoli ZHU ; Yi JIANG ; Xiaofang WANG ; Chen FENG ; Yunyun JIN ; Qingjiang JIN ; Qinglei JIN ; Xin WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(22):2338-2346
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Buzhong Yulin Decoction (补中愈淋汤) in the prevention and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infection. MethodsThe mouse models of recurrent urinary tract infection were established by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strain UTI89 by bladder perfusion, and the successful mouse models were randomly divided into a model group, an antibiotic group, and a low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction group, with six mice in each group. In addition, 5 C57BL/6 mice without modelling were taken as blank group. The low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups received 0.1 ml/10 g of decoction by gavage, with concentrations of 1.3 g/ml and 5.2 g/ml, respectively; the antibiotic group received 0.1 ml/10 g of levofloxacin hydrochloride solution with 5 mg/ml by gavage; the blank and model groups received 0.1 ml/10 g of distilled water by gavage. Each group was gavaged once a day for 7 consecutive days. The total number of urine marks, the number of central urine marks, and the total urine volume of the urine marks were observed by the urine marking test; HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the bladder of mice; serum levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were detected by ELISA; the morphology of the epithelial cells of bladder was observed by scanning electron microscopy; immunofluorescence assay to detect bladder tissue anti-UroPlakin 3A protein level and UPEC bacterial load; the spread plate method to detect urinary bacterial load and bacterial load of bladder epithelial cells; RT-PCR method to detect Ras-related protein Rab-11A (RAB11A) and Ras-related protein Rab-27B (RAB27B) mRNA level in bladder tissue; immunoblotting to detect microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain3 (LC3) and P62 protein levels in bladder tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the bladder epithelial cell layers were lost and showed abnormal morphology in mice of the model group; bladder tissue UroPlakin 3A protein and RAB11A and RAB27B mRNA levels reduced, the total number of urine marks, the number of central urine marks, bladder tissue UPEC bacterial load, urinary bacterial load, bacterial load in bladder epithelial cells, serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, and LC3 and P62 protein levels in bladder tissue all elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the bladder epithelial cell layers were intact and the morphology of epithelial cells were regular in the low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups; the average surface area of bladder epithelial cells reduced, the levels of UroPlakin 3A protein and RAB11A and RAB27B mRNA in bladder tissues elevated, and total number of urine marks, the number of central urine marks, bladder tissue UPEC bacterial load, urinary bacterial load, bacterial load in bladder epithelial cells, serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, and P62 protein levels in bladder tissue all reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01), but LC3 protein levels showed no statistically significant (P>0.05). In the antibiotic group, the bladder epithelial cells were partially missing and the morphology of epithelial cells was abnormal. Compared with the antibiotic group, the average surface area of the bladder epithelial cells in the mice increased in the low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups, the bacterial load of the bladder epithelial cells decreased, and the P62 protein level of the bladder tissue decreased (P<0.05). When comparing between the low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups, the differences in each index were not statistically significant (P>0.05). ConclusionBuzhong Yulin Decoction may prevent and treat recurrent urinary tract infection by repairing the bladder mucosal barrier, increasing RAB11A and RAB27B level and enhancing autophagy in bladder tissues, thereby facilitating bacterial clearance from bladder epithelial cells and reducing the bacterial load of bladder epithelial cells.
10.Screening and characterization of anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain antibodies with broad-spectrum neutralizing activity
NI Wanqi ; REN Li ; JIN Changzhong ; YANG Furong ; SHEN Yumin ; WANG Shuo ; HU Caiqin ; HAO Yanling ; LIU Ying ; ZHU Biao ; SHAO Yiming ; LI Dan ; WANG Zheng
China Tropical Medicine 2024;24(3):258-
convalescents, and to screen for broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 RBD. Methods Using biotinylated RBD as a molecular probe, flow cytometry was employed to perform single-cell sorting of B cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of convalescents. The obtained B cells were lysed and subjected to reverse transcription, followed by nested PCR amplification of the heavy and light chains of antibodies was conducted using random primers. The amplified products were cloned into corresponding expression vectors, and the respective matched heavy-light chain plasmids were co-transfected into 293F cells for expression. Monoclonal antibodies were then purified using Protein A column chromatography. Neutralization experiments were conducted with the wild-type (WT) pseudovirus, and antibodies with IC50<0.1 μg/mL were selected for further testing of neutralizing breadth and potency against the wild-type (WT), Beta variant (B.1.351), Delta variant (B.1.617.2), and currently prevalent pseudovirus strains (XBB, BA.5, BF.7). Results A total of 21 RBD-specific monoclonal B cells were obtained from two recovered patients, resulting in the isolation of 13 pairs of antibody light/heavy chains. Nine antibodies were successfully expressed, with P1-A1, P1-B6, and P1-B9 exhibiting IC50 values below 0.1 μg/mL against the pseudovirus of the wild-type strain (WT). Specifically, P1-B6 effectively neutralized the wild-type strain (WT), Beta variant (B.1.351), and Delta variant (B.1.617.2), with IC50 values reaching 0.01 μg/mL. P1-B9 demonstrated effective neutralization against the wild-type strain (WT), Beta variant (B.1.351), Delta variant (B.1.617.2), and Gamma variant (P.1) pseudoviruses, with IC50 values of 0.42 μg/mL, 0.63 μg/mL, 0.28 μg/mL, and 2.50 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, P1-B6 exhibited good neutralization against BA.5 and BF.7 pseudoviruses, with IC50 values of 0.06 μg/mL and 0.09 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusions Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 WT strain can induce the generation of neutralizing antibodies with broad-spectrum activity. Generating these broadly neutralizing antibodies does not require an excessively high somatic hypermutation. The obtained antibodies can be used as candidates for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and prevention.

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