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Safety and immunogenicity of a prototype oral whole-cell killed Campylobacter vaccine administered with a mucosal adjuvant in non-human primates.

The safety and immunogenicity of two prototype oral Campylobacter killed whole-cell (CWC) vaccines were tested in rhesus monkeys. Animals were immunized with a primary two-dose series (days 0 and 14) of vaccine consisting of CWC (10(10) particles/dose) given alone or in combination with 0.5-1000 micrograms of the heat-labile enterotoxin of Escherichia coli as an oral adjuvant (OA). A booster vaccination, 4 weeks after primary immunization, was given to animals receiving CWC alone or supplemented with 0.5, 5 or 50 micrograms of OA. Both CWC and CWC-OA were well tolerated, with no adverse side-effects noted. Campylobacter-specific as well as adjuvant-specific antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) were determined in peripheral blood collected 7 days after each vaccine dose. Campylobacter-specific IgA ASC responses were enhanced by OA in a dose-dependent manner (p = 0.025), while IgG ASC responses were not. Seroconversions (both IgA and IgG) to Campylobacter antigens were also enhanced in monkeys receiving adjuvanted vaccine. No significant booster vaccination effect was observed in circulating ASCs in any of the immunization groups. In vitro T-cell proliferative responses to Campylobacter jejuni antigens were somewhat enhanced in both the CWC and CWC-OA immunization groups. These results demonstrate that CWC-OA is safe and superior to CWC alone in its ability to stimulate both local and systemic Campylobacter-specific IgA and IgG responses in primates and they support its further evaluation in human clinical studies.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

XASH1, a Xenopus homolog of achaete-scute: a proneural gene in anterior regions of the vertebrate CNS.

The pro-neural achaete-scute complex (ASC) of Drosophila encodes four homologous proteins, each containing a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) domain, characteristic of a large family of transcription factors. We have isolated XASH1, a Xenopus homolog of achaete-scute. The XASH1 protein is very similar to the ASC proteins of Drosophila and the rat homolog, MASH1. XASH1 is expressed in the embryonic anterior central nervous system in a dynamic sequence, first in the midbrain, then in the forebrain, and then in the eye and hindbrain. In the larva, XASH1 expression correlates with regions of continued neurogenesis in the CNS, revealing the pattern of rhombomeres in the hindbrain, and other proliferative zones in the eye and midbrain. As a heterodimer with the bHLH protein E12, XASH1 binds specifically to an enhancer sequence derived from the promoter of the proneural achaete gene of Drosophila. This binding is inhibited by the extramacrochaete protein, a negative regulator of ASC gene function and neurogenesis in Drosophila. The combined evidence described in this paper strongly suggests that XASH1 plays a role in Xenopus neurogenesis similar to that played by the ASC genes in Drosophila.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation by adipose-derived stem cells harvested from GFP transgenic mice.

Recent studies suggest that human adipose tissue contains pluripotent stem cells similar to bone marrow-derived stem cells. Taking advantage of homogeneously marked cells from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice, we have previously demonstrated that bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BSCs) differentiate into a variety of cell lineages both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we extend this approach to characterize adipose tissue-derived stromal cells, sometimes called processed lipoaspirate (PLA) cells. Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) were isolated from inguinal fat pads of GFP transgenic mice after extensive washing with phosphate-buffered saline and treatment with collagenase. After primary culture in a control medium (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium+10% fetal bovine serum) and expansion to two passages, the cells were incubated in either an osteogenic medium (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium+10% fetal bovine serum+dexamethasone+ascorbate-2-phosphate+beta-glycerophosphate) or a chondrogenic medium (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium+1% fetal bovine serum+insulin+ascorbate-2-phosphate+transforming growth factor-beta1) for 2-4 weeks to induce osteogenesis and chondrogenesis, respectively. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by von Kossa and alkaline phosphatase staining, while chondrogenic differentiation was assessed by Alcian blue staining. Expression of osteocyte specific osteopontin, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase, and chondrocyte specific aggrecan and type II/X collagen was confirmed by RT-PCR. ASCs incubated in the osteogenic medium were stained positively for von Kossa and alkaline phosphatase staining. Expression of osteocyte specific genes, except osteocalcin, was also detected. Incubation with chondrogenic medium induced Alcian blue positive cells and expression of aggrecan and type II/X collagen genes. No osteochondrogenic differentiation was observed in cells incubated in the control medium. ASCs from GFP transgenic mice have both osteogenic and chondrogenic potential in vitro. Since this cell population can be easily identified through fluorescence microscopy, it may be an ideal source of ASCs for further experiments on stem cell biology and tissue engineering.

Adipose Tissue↗

Neural differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells isolated from GFP transgenic mice.

Taking advantage of homogeneously marked cells from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice, we have recently reported that adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) could differentiate into mesenchymal lineages in vitro. In this study, we performed neural induction using ASCs from GFP transgenic mice and were able to induce these ASCs into neuronal and glial cell lineages. Most of the neurally induced cells showed bipolar or multipolar appearance morphologically and expressed neuronal markers. Electron microscopy revealed their neuronal morphology. Some cells also showed glial phenotypes, as shown immunocytochemically. The present study clearly shows that ASCs derived from GFP transgenic mice differentiate into neural lineages in vitro, suggesting that these cells might provide an ideal source for further neural stem cell research with possible therapeutic application for neurological disorders.

Adipocytes↗

Peptide-surface modification of poly(caprolactone) with laminin-derived sequences for adipose-derived stem cell applications.

Human adipose tissue has been recognized as a source of adult stem cells for tissue engineering applications such as bone, cartilage, and soft tissue repair. For the success of these tissue-engineering approaches, a cell delivery vehicle such as a hydrogel or scaffold is required to position the stem cells at the site of need. Surface modification techniques have been instrumental in the development of scaffolds that promote cell-surface interactions. In this study, poly(caprolactone) (PCL), surfaces were modified in order to promote the attachment and proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). RGD, YIGSR, and IKVAV peptide sequences derived from the extracellular matrix protein laminin were each covalently attached to an aminated polymer surface using carbodiimide chemistry. The surface was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), goniometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The attachment and proliferation of ASCs was assessed on the different peptide-treated surfaces. XPS analysis confirmed the presence of the peptide sequences on the surface of the polymer as indicated by the increase in the nitrogen/carbon ratio on the surface of the polymer. Among all peptide sequences tested, IKVAV-treated surfaces had a significantly greater number of ASCs bound 2 and 3 days after cell seeding. SEM confirmed differences in the morphology of the cells attached to the three peptide-treated surfaces. These results indicate that IKVAV is a suitable peptide sequence for use in surface modification techniques aimed at improving the attachment of ASCs to a tissue-engineered scaffold.

Adipocytes↗

Quantitative assessment of aortic sclerosis using ultrasonic backscatter.

BACKGROUND: The development of therapeutic interventions to prevent progressive valve damage is more likely to limit the progression of structural damage to the aortic valve with normal function (aortic sclerosis [ASC]) than clinically apparent aortic stenosis. Currently, the ability to appreciate the progression of ASC is compromised by the subjective and qualitative evaluation of sclerosis severity. METHODS: We sought to reveal whether the intensity of ultrasonic backscatter could be used to quantify sclerosis severity in 26 patients with ASC and 23 healthy young adults. Images of the aortic valve were obtained in the parasternal long-axis view and saved in raw data format. Six square-shaped 11 x 11 pixel regions of interest were placed on the anterior and posterior leaflets, and calibrated backscatter values were obtained by subtracting the regions of interest in the blood pool from the averaged backscatter values obtained from the leaflets. RESULTS: Mean ultrasonic backscatter values for sclerotic valves exceeded the results in normal valve tissue (16.3 +/- 4.4 dB vs 9.8 +/- 3.3 dB, P < .0001). Backscatter values were greater (22.0 +/- 3.5 dB) in a group of 6 patients with aortic stenosis. Within the sclerosis group, the magnitude of backscatter was directly correlated (P < .05) with a subjective sclerosis score, and with transvalvular pressure gradient. Mean reproducibility was 2.4 +/- 1.8 dB (SD) between observers, and 2.3 +/- 1.7 dB (SD) between examinations. CONCLUSION: Measurement of backscatter from the valve leaflets of patients with ASC may be a feasible means of following the progression and treatment response of aortic sclerosis.

Aged↗

Preincubation with sodium ascorbate potentiates insulin-dependent PKB/Akt and c-Jun phosphorylation in L6 rat myoblasts challenged with reactive oxygen/nitrogen species.

Previously, we reported that mitogenicity in L6 muscle cells was stimulated by insulin but inhibited by reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS; []) and that preincubation with sodium ascorbate (ASC) protected from either the impaired DNA synthesis and/or loss of cell viability. Now, we addressed the question how ascorbate (AA) rescued DNA synthesis in L6 muscle cells being challenged with ROS/RNS. We assumed that AA might be able to influence insulin signaling. We found that insulin elevated the protein levels of both PKB/Akt kinase phosphorylated at Serine(473) (pS473-Akt), and c-Jun phosphorylated at Serine63, Serine73 (pS63, pS73-c-Jun) residues, respectively. A short-term treatment experiment (0 - 45 min) revealed that either insulin (0.1 muM) or hydrogen peroxide (0.1, 0.5 mM; H2O2) increased the pS473-Akt and pS63, pS73-c-Jun protein levels, although the effect of ROS/RNS peaked earlier (5 min) than that of insulin (45 min). Astonishingly, the elevated levels of both pS473-Akt and pS63, pS73-c-Jun in response to insulin were reduced by the concomitant treatment with H2O2 in a dose-dependent fashion. In contrast, a 4-hour preincubation with ASC (1 mM) augmented the signal from pS473-Akt and pS63, pS73-c-Jun, when both insulin and H2O2 were added. Moreover, a 24 h preincubation with ASC also elevated the pS473-Akt and pS63, pS73-c-Jun levels in response to insulin irrespective to ROS/RNS co-treatment. During chronic treatment studies, ROS/RNS stimulated neither phosphorylation of Akt nor c-Jun, indicating that ROS/RNS-dependent activation of the above-mentioned proteins was short-term and transient. Furthermore, higher levels of pS473 Akt and pS63, pS73-c-Jun after preincubation with ASC suggest that by this route AA could protect insulin-induced mitogenicity. Basal levels of Akt and its target p70(S6K) remained constant regardless of treatment. These results suggest that AA defends the insulin-stimulated mitogenicity hampered by ROS/RNS most likely by the amplification of insulin signal at the level of pS473-Akt and pS63, pS73-c-Jun, respectively.

Animals↗

Effects of storage temperature on viability, germination and antioxidant metabolism in Ginkgo biloba L. seeds.

The behaviour of the Ginkgo biloba L. seeds was studied during storage at 4 and 25 degrees C. When stored at 25 degrees C, all the seeds died in 6 months. Cold temperatures preserved seed tissue viability for 1 year but did not preserve their capability to germinate, since such capability decreased after 6 months. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation occurred in the seed both in the embryo and in the endosperm. During storage a progressive deterioration of the endosperm tissues was evident. The two major water soluble antioxidants, ascorbate (ASC) and glutathione (GSH), showed different behaviour in the two conditions of storage and in the two main structures of the seed, the embryo and the endosperm. The ASC content of embryos and endosperms remained quite unchanged in the first 9 months at 4 degrees C, then increased. At 25 degrees C a significant decrease in the ASC content in the embryos was evident, whereas it remained more stable in the endosperm. The GSH pool decreased at both storage temperatures in the embryos. As far as the ASC-GSH redox enzymes are concerned, their activities decreased with storage, but changes appeared to be time-dependent more than temperature-dependent, with the exception of the endosperm ascorbate free radical (AFR) reductase (EC 1.6.5.4), the activity of which rapidly decreased at 25 degrees C. Therefore overall the antioxidant enzymes were scarcely regulated and unable to counteract oxidative stress occurring during the long-term storage.

Antioxidants↗

Comparison of computer-assisted and manual screening of cervical cytology.

OBJECTIVE: The Pap smear, introduced over 50 years ago, has significantly contributed to the reduction of mortality due to cervical cancer. The shortage of skilled cytotechnologists to screen and diagnose Pap slides has always been a concern, thus driving the goal to develop an automated system. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of an automated computer imaging system for routine cervical cancer screening in a high-volume independent laboratory. METHODS: Validation and training were conducted upon installation of the computer imaging system. Following validation, data were evaluated comparing cytologic detection rates of a six-month cohort of slides screened with computer imaging assistance versus a historic control of manually screened slides. RESULTS: For each cytologic abnormal category, the Imager-assisted detection rates were significantly greater than the manually screened historic cohort. The Imager increased the detection of HSIL+ by 38% and LSIL by 46% compared to manual screening. There was an increase in the rate of ASC in the Imager cohort (6.5%) compared to manual screening (4.1%), however, the ASC rate decreased during the time of the study period suggesting learning affect. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that computer-imaging-assisted screening significantly increased the cytologic detection of cervical abnormalities compared to manual screening. The initial increase in ASC rates is partially due to a new stain protocol that may be corrected with additional experience. The implementation of the Imager, however, did not adversely affect the ASC:SIL ratio.

Adolescent↗

Effective cervical neoplasia detection with a novel optical detection system: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the use of a novel optical detection system (ODS) as an adjunct to colposcopy increases the detection of biopsy-confirmed CIN 2,3. METHODS: This is a multicenter two-arm randomized trial comparing colposcopy alone with colposcopy plus a pre-commercial ODS system that utilizes fluorescence, white light tissue reflectance, and cervical video imaging. Patients were recruited from 13 colposcopy clinics in a variety of practice settings. 2299 women referred for the evaluation of an abnormal cervical cytology were randomized with stratification by cytology; subsequently 113 women were excluded for a variety of reasons. The main study outcomes were differences in true-positive rates (CIN 2,3 and cancer identified) and false-positive rates between the study arms. RESULTS: The true-positive (TP) rates were 14.4% vs. 11.4% (p=0.035, one-sided) for the combined colposcopy and ODS arm compared to colposcopy-only arm, respectively, in women with either an atypical squamous cell (ASC) or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) cytology result. TP rates were similar between the two arms among women referred for the evaluation of HSIL. The 26.5% gain in true-positives observed with the use of ODS and colposcopy among women referred for an ASC or LSIL cytology was achieved with only a fractional increase in number of biopsies obtained per patient (0.30) and a modest increase in false-positive rate (4%). In the combined colposcopy and ODS arm among women with ASC or LSIL, the PPV of biopsies indicated by ODS was 15.0% and the PPV of biopsies indicated by colposcopy was 15.2%. Joint hypothesis testing indicates that ODS and colposcopy provides benefit compared to colposcopy alone among women with ASC or LSIL. CONCLUSIONS: Combining ODS with colposcopy provides a clinically meaningful increase in the detection of CIN 2,3 in women referred for the evaluation of mildly abnormal cytology results.

Adult↗

Treatment of vaginal vault prolapse with abdominal sacral colpopexy using prolene mesh.

BACKGROUND: We report our experience of abdominal sacral colpopexy (ASC) with a prolene mesh in women with total vaginal vault prolapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1994 to 1997, 15 patients (average age 57 years), underwent ASC. All the patients suffered from a serious vaginal vault prolapse. Eight of them also had a uterine prolapse. Seven patients had already been operated on for hysterectomy (5 vaginal, 2 abdominal), and 4 of them had already undergone an operation for urinary incontinence (3 Raz, 1 Burch). In 6 cases ASC was associated with a colposuspension in accordance with Burch. Average follow-up was 20 months. RESULTS: All the patients carried a bladder catheter for 4 to 12 days (mean 5). The 11 patients who were sexually active began having normal sexual intercourse again. Neither relapses of the treated prolapses nor infection or rejections of the prostheses occurred. In 1 patient frequent micturition unresponsive to anticholinergics persisted. Four patients presented with hypogastric "sense of heaviness," with no clinical evidence of any pathology. CONCLUSION: ASC with a prolene net is confirmed as the most valid technique, with no complications, in the treatment of total vaginal vault prolapse, above all when there is also the need for other operations via the abdomen at the same time (colposuspension, culdoplasty, and so forth), or when the vagina is too short to fix the sacrospinal ligament transvaginally.

Abdominal Muscles↗

A flat squared conformation of an ascidiacyclamide derivative caused by chiral modification of an oxazoline residue.

We designed a deoxazoline-ascidiacyclamide (dASC), cyclo(-L-Ile-L-allo-Thr-D-Val-thiazole-)(2), diastereomer having 10S, 11R, 37R, and 38S configurations ([SR,RS]dASC) and a corresponding product having 10S, 11S, 37R, and 38R configurations ([SS,RR]ASC) with the aim of understanding better the relationship between conformational behaviour and chirality. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that [SR,RS]dASC is folded in a manner similar to other dASC analogues. By contrast, [SS,RR]ASC is a novel, flat conformer that is larger than the major square and folded ASC conformers and contains a cavity created by the flat peptide ring. In addition, [SS,RR]ASC retains approximately 60% of the cytotoxicity of the parent molecule.

Crystallography, X-Ray↗

Regulation of cryopyrin/Pypaf1 signaling by pyrin, the familial Mediterranean fever gene product.

Cryopyrin, a member of the Nod protein family mutated in familial cold urticaria and Muckle-Wells syndrome, has been recently implicated in inflammation. However, the mechanism of activation and regulation of the cryopyrin signaling pathway remains poorly understood. We report here that co-expression of cryopyrin with its binding partner, ASC, induced both apoptosis and NF-kappaB activation. This signaling was mimicked by oligomerization of ASC, suggesting that cryopyrin activates downstream targets as reported for other Nod family members. Notably, pyrin, the product of the familial Mediterranean fever gene, inhibited cryopyrin-mediated apoptosis and NF-kappaB activation by disrupting the cryopyrin-ASC interaction. These results provide evidence for a cryopyrin signaling pathway activated through the induced proximity of ASC, which is negatively regulated by pyrin.

Apoptosis↗

A mechanistic study of proliferation induced by Angelica sinensis in a normal gastric epithelial cell line.

It has been reported that an extract from Angelica sinensis mainly consisting of polysaccharides (95%) prevented ethanol- or indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage (Cho CH et al. Planta Med 2000;66:348-51). However, it is not known whether Angelica sinensis has a direct stimulatory effect on the healing of gastric mucosal lesions. To study the hypothesis that Angelica sinensis has a direct mucosal healing effect in rats and in isolated gastric epithelial cells, we assessed the wound repair in both animals and normal cell culture (RGM-1), as well as [3H]thymidine incorporation, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, and ODC protein and c-Myc protein expression after different treatments in RGM-1 cells. We found that Angelica sinensis crude extract (ASCE) dose-dependently enhanced gastric ulcer healing in rats and promoted wound repair in RGM-1 cells. It also significantly stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation and ODC activity in RGM-1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. ODC and c-Myc protein expression was also increased as a result of this process. DL-alpha-difluoromethyl-ornithine repressed the [3H]thymidine incorporation and ODC activity induced by ASCE. Pretreatment with c-Myc antisense oligodeoxynucleotides blocked the stimulatory action of ASCE on [3H]thymidine incorporation and ODC protein expression. These data suggest that ASCE has a direct mucosal healing effect on gastric epithelial cells, while ODC and c-Myc are closely associated with this effect.

Angelica sinensis↗

Functional screening of five PYPAF family members identifies PYPAF5 as a novel regulator of NF-kappaB and caspase-1.

PYRIN-containing Apaf-1-like proteins (PYPAFs) are a recently identified family of proteins thought to function in apoptotic and inflammatory signaling pathways. PYPAF1 and PYPAF7 proteins have been found to assemble with the PYRIN-CARD protein ASC and coordinate the activation of NF-kappaB and pro-caspase-1. To determine if other PYPAF family members function in pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, we screened five other PYPAF proteins (PYPAF2, PYPAF3, PYPAF4, PYPAF5 and PYPAF6) for their ability to activate NF-kappaB and pro-caspase-1. Co-expression of PYPAF5 with ASC results in a synergistic activation of NF-kappaB and the recruitment of PYPAF5 to punctate structures in the cytoplasm. The expression of PYPAF5 is highly restricted to granulocytes and T-cells, indicating a role for this protein in inflammatory signaling. In contrast, PYPAF2, PYPAF3, PYPAF4 and PYPAF6 failed to colocalize with ASC and activate NF-kappaB. PYPAF5 also synergistically activated caspase-1-dependent cytokine processing when co-expressed with ASC. These findings suggest that PYPAF5 functions in immune cells to coordinate the transduction of pro-inflammatory signals to the activation of NF-kappaB and pro-caspase-1.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of p16 INK4A in Papanicolaou smears containing atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance from the uterine cervix.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify one of the major diagnostic dilemmas in routine Papanicolaou (Pap) smears. Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) were tested immunocytochemically for p16(INK4A) (p16), and results were correlated with follow-up biopsies for more accurate diagnoses. METHODS: The study included 66 Pap smears of ASCUS diagnostic categories, all of which were correlated histologically. The cytological diagnoses of ASCUS were further classified cytologically according to the 2001 Bethesda System, as "atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US)" or "atypical squamous cells which cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H)." All Pap smears were decolorized and immunostained with the primary anti-p16 antibody, clone E6H4. Immunoreactivity for p16 was correlated with histological sections (which were also immunostained for comparison) in a semiblind fashion. RESULTS: Of the 66 smears containing ASCUS, 47 (71%) were reclassified as ASC-US and 19 (29%) as ASC-H. Follow-up biopsies revealed that 21 (32%) cervices had no obvious abnormalities but only reactive changes. A significant proportion of histological diagnoses were CIN1/LSIL (24 cases, 36%), CIN2 or 3/HSIL (17 cases, 26%), squamous cell carcinoma (two cases, 3%), or AIS/adenocarcinoma (two cases, 3%). The p16 immunocytochemical stain was reactive in 40 (60.6%) of 66 smears: either weakly/sporadically (18 cases, 45%) or strongly positive (22 cases, 55%). Conversely, 26 (39.4%) of the smears were negative for p16 and displayed predominantly reactive changes. However, five cases of LSIL and one of HSIL were negative for p16. From the results of p16 immunoreactivity of atypical cells for detection of biopsy-proved significant lesions (HSIL or higher), this analysis was highly sensitive (sensitivity, 95%) and specific (specificity, 96%) and had favorable positive (91%) and negative (98%) predictive values. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of both morphological and immunostaining patterns, there is a clear association between strong p16 immunostaining of atypical cells in the smears and the presence of significant lesions in the cervix, except in two patients. Similarly, there is a clear association between the lack of p16 expression and the absence of cervical lesions. The p16 immunocytochemical stain can be applied successfully to conventional Pap smears and may serve as a useful biomarker in ASCUS-containing smear diagnoses. This may offer a more objective parameter to help clarify this ambiguous area in gynecological cytopathology.

Adult↗

Mucosal immunity: an overview and studies of enteric and respiratory coronavirus infections in a swine model of enteric disease.

Based on the tenet of a common mucosal immune system, antigenic stimulation at one mucosal site results in the distribution of antigen-specific IgA precursor cells to distant mucosal sites. However, recent studies suggest that functional compartmentalization and limited reciprocity may exist within some components of the common mucosal immune system. Although oral immunization is often very effective in inducing immunity to respiratory pathogens, the converse (respiratory immunization to prevent enteric diseases) may not be as effective. To address this question and to study interactions between the bronchus-associated (BALT) and gut-associated (GALT) lymphoid tissues related to protective immunity, we used as a model two antigenically related porcine coronaviruses which replicate primarily in the intestine (transmissible gastroenteritis virus, TGEV) or respiratory tract (porcine respiratory coronavirus, PRCV). The tissue distribution and magnitude of the antibody secreting cell (ASC) responses (measured by ELISPOT) and cell-mediated immune responses (measured by lymphoproliferative assays, LPA) coincided with the viral tissue tropisms. Immunization via GALT (gut infection with TGEV) elicited high numbers of IgA ASC and high LPA responses in GALT (gut lamina propria, LP or mesenteric lymph nodes, MLN), but lower responses in BALT (bronchial lymph nodes, BLN) and induced complete protection against enteric TGEV challenge. In contrast immunization via BALT (respiratory infection with PRCV) elicited systemic type responses (high numbers of IgG ASC in the BLN), but few ASC and low LPA responses in the gut LP or MLN and induced only partial protection against enteric TGEV challenge. Thus administration of vaccines intranasally may not be optimally effective for inducing intestinal immunity in contrast to the reported efficacy of oral vaccines for inducing respiratory immunity.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Induction of pulmonary immunity in cattle by oral administration of ovalbumin in alginate microspheres.

Respiratory infectious diseases are an important cause of economic losses to the cattle industry. There is a need for an effective, easy to administer vaccine to the critical bacterial pathogens that cause pneumonia in cattle. An orally administered vaccine could be given to a large number of animals without significant stress to the animals and with minimal labor. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the oral administration of a model antigen (ovalbumin) in alginate microspheres could induce pulmonary immunity in cattle. Calves were vaccinated orally with ovalbumin (OVA) following either a subcutaneous (s.c.) or oral priming dose of OVA. Calves primed and boostered by oral administration (oral/oral) of OVA encapsulated in alginate microparticles had increased numbers of antigen-specific IgA ASCs (ASCs) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids. Calves that received a s.c. priming followed by an oral booster inoculation (s.c./oral) of OVA in alginate microspheres had a greater number of anti-OVA IgA, IgG1 and IgG2 ASCs in BALF. S.c./oral calves also had increased numbers of anti-OVA IgG1 ASCs in peripheral blood whereas oral/oral calves had none. S.c./oral calves had increased anti-OVA IgG1, IgG2, and IgA titers in BALF, and IgG1 and IgG2 in serum compared to both oral/oral and sham vaccinated calves. These results indicate that oral administration of antigen encapsulated in alginate microspheres results in a mucosal immune response in the respiratory tract of cattle. Furthermore, s.c. priming both enhanced the IgA response and stimulated an IgG1 and IgG2 response not seen in oral/oral calves. The difference in antibody isotype results suggest that design of the vaccination protocol can direct antibody responses as needed for a specific immunization program.

Administration, Oral↗