MedWorm: Veterinary Vaccinations

Why Bad Immunity Genes Survive

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

University of Utah biologists found new evidence why mice, people and other vertebrate animals carry thousands of varieties of genes to make immune-system proteins named MHCs - even though some of those genes make us susceptible to infections and to autoimmune diseases. "Major histocompatibility complex" (MHC) proteins are found on the surface of most cells in vertebrate animals. They distinguish self from foreign, and trigger an immune response against foreign invaders. MHCs recognize invading germs, reject or accept transplanted organs and play a role in helping us smell compatible mates... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Bad Immunity Genes - Why do They Survive?

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0100

New evidence has been discovered by biologists at the University of Utah as to why people, mice and other vertebrate animals carry thousands of different genes to create major histocompatibility complex (MHCs) proteins, despite the fact that some of those genes make humans vulnerable to autoimmune diseases and infections. Findings from the study will be published online the week of February 6, 2012, in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. MHC proteins are found on the surface of most cells in vertebrates and define an individual's tissue type... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Pathogenesis and treatment concepts of orthopaedic biofilm infections

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractImplant‐associated infection is caused by surface adhering bacteria persisting as biofilm. Periprosthetic joint infection is difficult to diagnose and to treat. The high susceptibility of implanted devices to infection is due to a locally acquired host defense defect, and persistence is mainly due to the rapid formation of a biofilm resistant to host defense and antimicrobial agents. Successful treatment of periprosthetic joint infection requires the optimal surgical procedure combined with long‐term antimicrobial therapy directed against surface‐adhering microorganisms. Surgical treatment according to an algorithm has been validated in several observational studies. The role of rifampin against device‐associated staphylococcal infection has been evaluated in an animal mode...

Peter Seeberger: we can treat malaria for less

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:05:11 +0100

Artemisinin is the most effective malaria treatment yet discovered. Peter Seeberger has found a way to to make it from the waste products of its current manufactureArtemisinin, a drug extracted from the sweet wormwood plant, is the most effective treatment for malaria ever discovered. Every year, millions of doses of artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) are donated to Africa and Asia, greatly reducing the worldwide burden of the parasitical disease. But extracting artemisinin is expensive and because it takes time to cultivate the plant there are often bottlenecks in supply.But Peter H Seeberger, the director of the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam, Germany, has just announced that he and colleague François Lévesque have discovered a simple and cost-effectiv...

Serological and bacteriological responses of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) vaccinated with two doses of Brucella abortus strain RB51 vaccine

Tropical Animal Health and Production — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:11:52 +0100

Abstract Thirty-two water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves aged 6–10 months were used to evaluate serological responses to Brucella abortus strain RB51 (RB51) vaccination in a dose–response study and to compare the use of two selective media for the isolation of RB51. The animals were randomly divided into three treatment groups. Groups I–III received the recommended vaccine dose (RD) twice 4 weeks apart, RD twice 18 weeks apart and saline once, respectively. Lymph nodes were excised from the three groups and subjected to bacteriological examination to determine the frequency of detection of RB51. Pre- and post-vaccination blood samples were collected and tested for B. abortus antibodies using the buffered plate agglutination test (BPAT), complement fixa...

A transgenic Marc-145 cell line of piggyBac transposon-derived targeting shRNA interference against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Veterinary Research Communications — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:11:19 +0100

In this study, we designed 5 of the small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) targeting the GP5 and M gene of PRRSV respectively, and investigated their inhibition to the production of PRRSV. The highest activity displayed in shRNAs of the ORF6e sequence (nts 261-279), which the inhibition rate reached was 99.09%. The result suggests that RNAi technology might serve as a potential molecular strategy for PRRSV therapy. Furthermore, the transgenic Marc-145 cell line of piggyBac transposon-derived targeting shRNA interference against PRRS virus was established. It presented stable inhibition to the replication and amplification of PRRS. The work implied that shRNAs targeting the GP5 and M gene of PRRSV may be used as potential RNA vaccines in vivo, and supplied the screening methods of transformed pig...

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Antigen targeting to MHC class II with SMEZ-2 M1, a superantigen-based vaccine carrier.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Radcliff FJ, Loh JM, Ha B, Schuhbauer D, McCluskey J, Fraser JD Abstract SMEZ-2 is a streptococcal superantigen that primarily stimulates human T cells bearing Vβ8 and mouse T cells bearing Vβ11. Mutagenesis of T cell receptor (TCR) binding residues (W75L.K182Q.D42C) produced a mutant called M1 that was >10(5)-fold less active towards human peripheral blood lymphocytes and splenocytes from transgenic mice that express human CD4 and either human HLA-DR3-DQ2 or HLA-DR4-DQ8. Similarly, cytokine production in response to M1 in lymphocyte culture was rendered undetectable and no change was observed in the frequency of Vβ11 bearing T cells in mice receiving M1. M1 toxoid was tested as a potential vaccine conjugate. Vaccination with 1-10 μg M1:ovalbumin resulted in more ra...

Immunotherapy with PI3K Inhibitor and Toll-Like Receptor Agonist Induces IFN-{gamma}+IL-17+ Polyfunctional T Cells That Mediate Re&jnodot;ection of Murine Tumors

Cancer Research — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we show that specific small molecule inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) relieve immunosuppression to heighten the proinflammatory effects of TLR ligands that support antitumor immunity. Multiple strategies to inhibit PI3K in dendritic cells (DC) each led to suppression of interleukin (IL)-10 and TGF-β but did affect IL-12 or IL-1β induction by the TLR5 ligand flagellin. In three different mouse models of cancer, combining flagellin with a class I PI3K inhibitor, either with or without a DC vaccine, delayed tumor growth and increased survival, with some animals exhibiting complete rejection and resistance to secondary challenge. Tumor growth suppression was associated with increased accumulation of polyfunctional T cells that secreted multiple effector cytokines...

Yeast expressed classical swine fever E2 subunit vaccine candidate provides complete protection against lethal challenge infection and prevents horizontal virus transmission.

Vaccine — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lin GJ, Deng MC, Chen ZW, Liu TY, Wu CW, Cheng CY, Chien MS, Huang C Abstract Classical swine fever (CSF) caused by the classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is a highly contagious swine disease resulting in large economical losses worldwide. The viral envelope glycoprotein E(rns) and E2 are major targets for eliciting antibodies against CSFV in infected animals. A Pichia pastoris yeast expressed E2 protein (yE2) has been shown to induce a protective immune response against CSFV challenge. The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal dose of yE2 and its efficacy on the prevention of virus horizontal transmission. A yeast-expressed E(rns) (yE(rns)) protein was also included to evaluate its immunogenicity. The yE(rns) vaccinated pigs seroconverted to CSFV-E(rns)-specif...

Immunogenicity study of plant-made oral subunit vaccine against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV).

Vaccine — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this report, we investigated the possibility of using transgenic plants as a cost-effective and scalable system for production and delivery of a viral protein as an oral subunit vaccine against PRRSV. Corn calli were genetically engineered to produce PRRSV viral envelope-associated M protein. Both serum and intestine mucosal antigen-specific antibodies were induced by oral administration of the transgenic plant tissues to mice. In addition, serum and mucosal antibodies showed virus neutralization activity. The neutralization antibody titers after the final boost reached 6.7 in serum and 3.7 in fecal extracts, respectively. A PRRSV-specific IFN-γ response was also detected in splenocytes of vaccinated animals. These results demonstrate that transgenic corn plants are an efficient subuni...

Evaluation of tyrosinase expression in canine and equine melanocytic tumors.

American Journal of Veterinary Research — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:43:53 +0100

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-In the present study, the methods used were highly sensitive and specific for detection of tyrosinase expression in equine and canine tumors, and overexpression of this transcript in melanomas was detected. This suggested that a DNA vaccine developed for use in dogs with melanoma that targets tyrosinase may be considered for use in other affected species, such as horses. PMID: 22280389 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Veterinary Research)

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Evaluation of skin samples for bovine viral diarrhea virus by use of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay after vaccination of cattle with a modified-live bovine viral diarrhea virus vaccine.

American Journal of Veterinary Research — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:42:15 +0100

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-These findings indicated that it would be unlikely to detect BVDV vaccine virus in skin by use of RT-PCR assay of individual or pooled skin samples obtained from cattle after vaccination with a commercially available modified-live BVDV vaccine. Veterinarians and producers should be confident that positive test results for BVDV on skin samples would not likely be caused by the vaccination virus after administration of a modified-live virus vaccine. PMID: 22280397 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Veterinary Research)

The role of nuclear technologies in the diagnosis and control of livestock diseases—a review

Tropical Animal Health and Production — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:54:44 +0100

Abstract Nuclear and nuclear-related technologies have played an important role in animal health, particularly in relation to disease diagnosis and characterization of pathogenic organisms. This review focuses primarily on how and where nuclear technologies, both non-isotopic and isotopic methods, have made their impact in the past and where it might be expected they could have an impact in the future. The review outlines the extensive use of radiation attenuation in attempts to create vaccines for a multiplicity of pathogenic organisms and how the technology is being re-examined in the light of recent advances in irradiation techniques and cryopreservation/lyophilization that might obviate some of the problems of maintenance of viable, attenuate vaccines and their transpo...

Semireplication-competent vesicular stomatitis virus as a novel platform for oncolytic virotherapy

Journal of Molecular Medicine — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:53:02 +0100

In conclusion, srVSV is a promising platform for virotherapeutic approaches and also for VSV-based vector vaccines, combining improved safety with an increased coding capacity for therapeutic transgenes, potentially allowing for multipronged approaches. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-12DOI 10.1007/s00109-012-0863-6Authors Alexander Muik, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, GermanyCatherine Dold, Institute for Virology, Innsbruck Medical University, Fritz-Pregl-Str. 3, A-6020 Innsbruck, AustriaYvonne Geiß, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, GermanyAndreas Volk, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, GermanyMarina Werbizki, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, GermanyUrsula Dietrich, Georg-Speyer-Haus, 60596 Frankfurt am Mai...

The 39th David A. Karnofsky Lecture: Bench-to-Bedside Translation of Targeted Therapies in Multiple Myeloma [SPECIAL ARTICLE]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a remarkable example of rapid bench-to-bedside translation in new drug development. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide targeted MM cells in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment to overcome conventional drug resistance in laboratory and animal models and were rapidly translated into clinical trials demonstrating their efficacy in patients with relapsed and then newly diagnosed MM, with a doubling of the median survival as a direct result. The future is even brighter. First, immune-based therapies are being developed (eg, elotuzumab monoclonal antibody [MoAb]; CD138DM immunotoxin; MM cell–dendritic cell vaccines; CD138, CS-1, and XBP-1 peptide vaccines; anti-17 MoAb; and other treatments to overcome causes of immune dysf...

[Newsdesk] Research brief

The Lancet Infectious Diseases — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:05:13 +0100

Vaccines based on human adenovirus 5 (Ad5) induce protective immune responses against several pathogens in animal models, but the neutralising antibodies to Ad5 that most people make are likely to impair the immunological potency of such vaccines. To circumvent this potential problem, researchers have isolated more than 1000 chimpanzee adenovirus strains. Vaccine vectors derived from some of these viruses induce potent cellular immunity in mice. Moreover, in a phase 1 clinical trial, a chimpanzee adenovirus-based vector expressing non-structural hepatitis C virus (HCV) proteins induced broad, sustained T-cell responses to HCV. (Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases)

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Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Red Cross Chat — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:36:22 +0100

This Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up is courtesy of Scott Waggoner, from Cross Blog: Award-winning Red Cross news and views from Oregon and beyond Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It’s a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work… SYRIA: Violence in Syria continues with one of the latest casualties being the secretary-general of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Dr. Abd-al-Razzaq Jbeiro. Dr. Jbeiro was shot in a vehicle clearly marked with the red crescent emblem after attending meetings at Syrian Arab Red Crescent headquarters in Damascus. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent, IFRC, and ICRC are renewing calls for an e...

Clinical Manifestations of Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease During the 2010/2011 Epidemic in the Republic of Korea

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, the clinical signs of FMD were described on the basis of the subjective observations by the farm workers. The present results highlight the clinical signs expected on specific body parts of different types of susceptible animals, and therefore, they may be useful for generating public awareness, particularly among farm workers, as well as for early detection of future FMD outbreaks. (Source: Transboundary and Emerging Diseases)

Exposure to Nicotine Adversely Affects the Dendritic Cell System and Compromises Host Response to Vaccination.

Journal of Immunology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we determined the causal relationship between nicotine-induced DC alterations and host response to vaccines. We show that animals exposed to nicotine failed to develop and maintain Ag-specific effector memory Th1 cells and Ab production to protein-based vaccine formulated with Th1 adjuvants. Accordingly, both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines failed to protect and cure the nicotine-exposed mice from disease. More importantly, we demonstrate the nicotine-induced defects in the biological activities of in vivo DCs as an underlying mechanism. Indeed, i.v. administration of DCs differentiated in the presence of nicotine preferentially promoted the development of Ag-specific IL-4-producing effector cells in the challenged mice. In addition, DC subsets isolated from mice expos...

Evaluation of Coccidioides Antigen Detection in Dogs with Coccidioidomycosis.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kirsch EJ, Greene RT, Prahl A, Rubin SI, Sykes JE, Durkin MM, Wheat LJ Abstract Antigen detection has been reported to be a promising method for rapid diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis in humans. Coccidioides antigen detection has not been previously reported in dogs with coccidioidomycosis, and was evaluated in 60 cases diagnosed based on detection of anti-Coccidioides antibodies at titers of 1:16 or more in serum. Controls included dogs with presumed histoplasmosis or blastomycosis, other fungal infections, non-fungal diseases, and healthy dogs. Urine and serum specimens were tested using an enzyme immunoassay for Coccidioides spp. galactomannan antigen. Antibody testing was performed at commercial veterinary reference laboratories. Antigen was detected in urine or serum o...

The immune modulation of Bacillus cereus var. Toyoi in mice immunized with experimental inactivated Bovine Herpesvirus Type 5 vaccine.

Vaccine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study we examine the use the probiotic Bacillus cereus var. Toyoi as a potential adjuvant to improve BoHV-5 vaccine efficacy. We observed in the supplemented animals a systemic enhanced IgG antibody response toward Th1, and increased IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-10 cytokines mRNA levels. These results suggest that this probiotic could provide a promising means of improving vaccine efficacy, particularly those vaccines that rely on a cell-mediated immune response. PMID: 22285271 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

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Detection of antibodies and risk factors for infection with bovine respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus 3 in dual-purpose farms in Colima, Mexico

Tropical Animal Health and Production — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:26:56 +0100

This study showed that animals were exposed to both viruses and that age was the main risk factor. The need to establish new vaccination plans to effectively protect cattle against those infections in the state of Colima, Mexico is suggested. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ResearchPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s11250-012-0081-9Authors Daniel Figueroa-Chávez, Centro Universitario de Investigación y Desarrollo Agropecuario de la Universidad de Colima, Colima, MexicoJosé C. Segura-Correa, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia de la Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatan, MexicoLuís Jorge García-Márquez, Centro Universitario de Investigación y Desarrollo Agropecuario de la Universidad de Colima, Colima, MexicoAlfonso Pescador-Rubio, Centro Universitari...

Full-length characterization and phylogenetic analysis of hemagglutinin gene of H9N2 virus isolated from broilers in Iran during 1998–2007

Comparative Clinical Pathology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:26:50 +0100

Abstract H9N2 avian influenza A viruses (AIV) have become panzootic in Eurasia over the last decade and are endemic in Iran since 1998, and inactivated vaccine has been used in chickens to control the disease. The hemagglutinin (HA), one of eight protein-coding genes, plays an important role during the early stage of infection. To study their evolution and zoonotic potential, we conducted an in silico analysis of H9N2 viruses that have infected broiler in Tehran Province, Iran between 1998 and 2007. The complete coding region of HA genes from nine H9N2 subtypes isolated from chicken flocks in Tehran Province during 1998–2007 was amplified and sequenced. Sequence analysis and phylogenetic studies of H9N2 subtype viruses on the basis of data of 9 viruses in this study and ...

Porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus: a comprehensive review of molecular epidemiology, diagnosis, and vaccines

Virus Genes — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:16:23 +0100

Abstract The porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV), a member of the Coronaviridae family, causes acute diarrhoea and dehydration in pigs. Although it was first identified in Europe, it has become increasingly problematic in many Asian countries, including Korea, China, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand. The economic impacts of the PEDV are substantial, given that it results in significant morbidity and mortality in neonatal piglets and is associated with increased costs related to vaccination and disinfection. Recently, progress has been made in understanding the molecular epidemiology of PEDV, thereby leading to the development of new vaccines. In the current review, we first describe the molecular and genetic characteristics of the PEDV. Then we discuss its molecula...

Protective efficacy of Bluetongue virus-like and subvirus-like particles in sheep: Presence of the serotype-specific VP2, independent of its geographic lineage, is essential for protection.

Vaccine — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this report, we have prepared BTV virus-like particles (VLPs, composed of VP2, VP3, VP5 and VP7) and sub-viral, inner core-like particles (CLPs, VP3 and VP7) using a recombinant baculovirus expression system. We compared the protective efficacy of VLPs and CLPs in sheep and investigated the importance of geographical lineages of BTV in the development of vaccines. The Greek crossbred Karagouniko sheep, which display mild to sub-clinical BT, were vaccinated with VLPs or CLPs of BTV-1, derived from western lineage and were challenged with virulent BTV-1 from an eastern lineage. All VLP-vaccinated animals developed a neutralising antibody response to BTV-1 from both lineages prior to challenge. Moreover, post-challenged animals had no clinical manifestation or viraemea and the challenged v...

Synthetic particles 'could boost vaccines'

NHS News Feed — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:55:00 +0100

Conclusion In this study, scientists developed tiny particles modelled on those released by a type of immune cell, called a mast cell. When the synthetic particles made by the scientists were given to mice in combination with the flu vaccine, the particles enhanced the number and variety of antibodies made compared to when the flu vaccine was given alone. When the mice were then exposed to flu, more of the mice who received the particles in combination with vaccine survived. This exciting technology may have the potential to boost the effectiveness of vaccinations. However, so far, experiments have only been performed on mice. Further laboratory research would need to be conducted before considering any trials in humans to see whether it would be safe and effective to add synthetic particl...

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Schmallenberg virus confirmed on farms in the UK

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:52:55 +0100

The disease, which has spread from the Netherlands and Germany, causes abortions and birth deformities in farm animalsA virus that causes miscarriages and birth deformities in farm animals, though it is not known to affect humans, has been confirmed at four sheep farms in Norfolk, Suffolk and East Sussex.The Schmallenberg virus is believed to be carried by midges. It surfaced in the Netherlands and Germany in August 2011, and since then on hundreds of farms there and in Belgium. Themicrobe is difficult to detect in adult animals, and is apparent only when they gestate. There is no known treatment or vaccine.The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency in Weybridge has done laboratory tests confirming Schmallenberg virus is in the UK. It said in a statement: "Although there are stil...

Nanoparticles developed to boost immunity

Physics Today News Picks — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

BBC: Researchers at Duke University have been working to develop synthetic nanoparticles that can boost the human body's immune system. They have engineered tiny capsules that mimic mast cells—which respond to fight infections near the skin—by releasing a body chemical called tumor necrosis factor, which battles certain types of bacteria and viruses. The nanoparticles, when injected into mice simultaneously with a vaccine, have been shown to improve the infected animals’ survival rate. Soman Abraham and colleagues said different immune system chemicals could be added to the nanoparticles, depending on which vaccine will be used. (Source: Physics Today News Picks)

Safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of an alphavirus replicon-based swine influenza virus hemagglutinin vaccine.

Vaccine — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Veen RL, Loynachan AT, Mogler MA, Russell BJ, Harris HD, Kamrud KI Abstract A single-cycle, propagation-defective replicon particle (RP) vaccine expressing a swine influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) gene was constructed and evaluated in several different animal studies. Studies done in both the intended host (pigs) and non-host (mice) species demonstrated that the RP vaccine is not shed or spread by vaccinated animals to comingled cohorts, nor does it revert to virulence following vaccination. In addition, vaccinated pigs develop both specific humoral and IFN-γ immune responses, and young pigs are protected against homologous influenza virus challenge. PMID: 22269873 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Prime boost vaccination approaches with different conjugates of a new HIV-1 gp41 epitope encompassing the membrane proximal external region induce neutralizing antibodies in mice.

Vaccine — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhou M, Kostoula I, Brill B, Panou E, Sakarellos-Daitsiotis M, Dietrich U Abstract Peptide mimics of epitopes for pathogen-specific antibodies present in patient sera can be selected based on the phage display technology. Such mimotopes potentially represent vaccine candidates in case they are able to induce neutralizing antibodies upon vaccination. Here we analyze the immunogenicity of different conjugates of epitope EC26-2A4 localizing to the membrane proximal external region (MPER) of the HIV-1 transmembrane protein gp41. The EC26-2A4 epitope, which overlaps with that of the broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2F5, was coupled to sequential oligopeptide carriers (SOC) or to palmitoyl acid for better immunogenicity. Upon prime-boost immunizations of mice, the ...

Preclinical safety assessment of recombinant botulinum vaccine A/B (rBV A/B).

Vaccine — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Shearer JD, Manetz TS, House RV Abstract A recombinant botulinum vaccine (rBV A/B) is being developed to protect adults 18-55 years of age from fatal botulism caused by inhalational intoxication with botulinum neurotoxin complex (BoNT) serotype A, subtype A1 (BoNT/A1) and BoNT serotype B, subtype B1 (BoNT/B1). Fundamental to the advanced development process is an initial demonstration of product safety in animals. A comprehensive series of studies was conducted to evaluate the general toxicity, neurobehavioral toxicity and local reactogenicity of the rBV A/B vaccine prior to first use in humans. Toxicity was evaluated in CD-1 mice vaccinated with control material and three dosages of rBV A/B with or without Alhydrogel(®) by intramuscular (IM) injection on Study Days 0, 28...

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Genetic characterization of bluetongue virus serotype 9 isolates from India

Virus Genes — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:56:07 +0100

We report the complete genome sequence of one, and partial sequences of three other Indian isolates of BTV-9. Evolutionary relationships with segment-2 and -6 sequences of BTV isolates around the world, deduced using four different phylogenetic analyses and a similarity programme, show that BTV-9 (Eastern), BTV-9 (Western), and BTV-5 form a triad of equidistant, genetically distinct groups of viruses. The Indian BTV-9 isolates were closely related to Mediterranean and European BTV-9 isolates (Eastern topotype) based on segment-2 and -6 sequences. By contrast, segment-5 analyses clustered the Indian BTV-9 isolates with South African BTV-3 reference strain (98% identity), which belongs to one of the Western types. These results have implications on BTV origin and movement, genotyping, ...

A novel approach to generating morbillivirus vaccines: Negatively marking the rinderpest vaccine.

Vaccine — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Buczkowski H, Parida S, Bailey D, Barrett T, Banyard AC Abstract The eradication of rinderpest virus (RPV) from the globe was possible through the availability of a safe and effective live attenuated vaccine and a suitable companion diagnostic test. However, the inability to serologically 'Differentiate between naturally Infected and Vaccinated Animals' (DIVA) meant that both the time taken to complete the eradication programme and the economic burden on countries involved was significantly greater than if a vaccine and companion diagnostic test that fulfilled the DIVA concept had been available. During the RPV eradication campaign serosurveillance for RPV was primarily based on a competitive ELISA using a RPV specific (C1) monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against the vi...

Narcolepsy after A/H1N1 vaccination

Clinics — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:35:44 +0100

CONCLUSION: The data presented in this study suggest that brain death itself induces hypoperfusion in the mesenteric microcirculation that is associated with a pronounced reduction in the endogenous corticosterone level, thereby leading to increased local inflammation and organ dysfunction. These events are paradoxically associated with induced leukopenia after brain damage (Source: Clinics)

Hepatitis B vaccine induces apoptotic death in Hepa1–6 cells

Apoptosis — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:10:56 +0100

We report that hepatitis B vaccine exposure resulted in significant upregulation of the key genes encoding caspase 7, caspase 9, Inhibitor caspase-activated DNase (ICAD), Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK-1), and Apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (Apaf-1). Upregulation of cleaved caspase 3,7 were detected by western blot in addition to Apaf-1 and caspase 9 expressions argues that cell death takes place via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in which release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria triggers the assembly of a caspase activation complex. We conclude that exposure of Hepa1–6 cells to a low dose of adjuvanted hepatitis B vaccine leads to loss of mitochondrial integrity, apoptosis induction, and cell death, apoptosis effect was observed also in ...

Recombinant protein vaccines produced in insect cells.

Vaccine — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cox MM Abstract The baculovirus-insect cell expression system is well known as tool for the production of complex proteins. The technology is also used for commercial manufacture of various veterinary and human vaccines. This review paper provides an overview of how this technology can be applied to produce a multitude of vaccine candidates. The key advantage of this recombinant protein manufacturing platform is that a universal "plug and play" process may be used for producing a broad range of protein-based prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines for both human and veterinary use while offering the potential for low manufacturing costs. Large scale mammalian cell culture facilities previously established for the manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies that have now become ob...

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Important mammalian veterinary viral immunodiseases and their control.

Vaccine — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Patel JR, Heldens JG, Bakonyi T, Rusvai M Abstract This paper offers an overview of important veterinary viral diseases of mammals stemming from aberrant immune response. Diseases reviewed comprise those due to lentiviruses of equine infectious anaemia, visna/maedi and caprine arthritis encephalitis. Diseases caused by viruses of feline infectious peritonitis, feline leukaemia, canine distemper and aquatic counterparts, Aleutian disease and malignant catarrhal fever. We also consider prospects of immunoprophylaxis for the diseases and briefly other control measures. It should be realised that the outlook for effective vaccines for many of the diseases is remote. This paper describes the current status of vaccine research and the difficulties encountered during their develo...

HIV vaccine candidates generate in vitro T cell response to putative epitopes in Chinese-origin rhesus macaques.

Vaccine — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Liao Q, Strong AJ, Liu Y, Liu Y, Meng P, Fu Y, Touzjian N, Shao Y, Zhao Z, Lu Y Abstract The Indian rhesus macaque is the established animal model for HIV infection and vaccine research. Growing evidence suggests that the more readily available Chinese rhesus macaque may be a more relevant option. As increasing numbers of novel Chinese rhesus MHC alleles are reported, we decided to explore potential HIV vaccine epitopes in this model. We immunized forty Chinese rhesus macaques with three different HIV vaccine candidates either individually or following a prime/boost strategy. We used ELISPOT to measure immune response in vitro to HIV-1 p24C and HIV-1 gp160 peptide libraries. We identified five putative epitopes with associations to HLA-I alleles including HLA*B-2705 and HL...

Aluminum as an adjuvant in Crohn's disease induction.

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

Authors: Lerner A Abstract Alum (AlK(SO(4))(2)) is an adjuvant commonly utilized in vaccines, and is a ubiquitous element used extensively in contemporary life. Food, air, water, waste, the earth's surface, and pharmaceuticals all represent pathways of aluminum (Al) exposure. Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic relapsing intestinal inflammation in genetically susceptible individuals and is caused by yet unidentified environmental factors. Al is a potential factor for the induction of inflammation in CD, and its immune activities share many characteristics with the immune pathology of CD: many luminal bacterial or dietary compounds can be adsorbed to the metal surface and induce Th1 profile cytokines, shared cytokines/chemokines, co-stimulatory molecules, and intracellular pathways an...

Oily adjuvants and autoimmunity: now time for reconsideration?

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

Authors: Whitehouse M Abstract Immunologists have relied heavily on oil-based adjuvants to generate antibodies or induce auto-allergic responses in experimental animals. These are rarely used today for human vaccination because of their persistent irritancies and propensity to cause ulcers at sites of injection. However oily materials with adjuvant properties abound in our modern environment, both personal and extraneous. Their inadvertent impact as cryptotoxins may contribute to the rising incidence of auto-allergic diseases in recent times. Experimentally, the potential adjuvanticity of various oils, fats and other lipids can be evaluated by their ability (or otherwise) to induce auto-allergic disease(s) in rats and mice with, or even without, the addition of a mycobacterial immu...

Macrophagic myofasciitis: characterization and pathophysiology.

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

Authors: Gherardi R, Authier F Abstract Aluminium oxyhydroxide (alum), a nanocrystalline compound forming agglomerates, has been used in vaccines for its immunological adjuvant effect since 1927. Alum is the most commonly used adjuvant in human and veterinary vaccines, but the mechanisms by which it stimulates immune responses remain incompletely understood. Although generally well tolerated, alum may occasionally cause disabling health problems in presumably susceptible individuals. A small proportion of vaccinated people present with delayed onset of diffuse myalgia, chronic fatigue and cognitive dysfunction, and exhibit very long-term persistence of alum-loaded macrophages at the site of previous intramuscular (i.m.) immunization, forming a granulomatous lesion called macrophagi...

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Long‐term persistence of BCG Pasteur in lungs of C57BL/6 mice following intranasal infection

Scandinavian Journal of Immunology — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:13:28 +0100

AbstractDifferent Mycobacterium bovis BCG (BCG) vaccine substrains may vary in their efficacy. Here we describe differences in disease progression and pathology in the lungs of female C57BL/6‐mice infected intranasally with,BCG Russia or BCG Pasteur and followed for 17 months. The lungs were investigated for bacillary load, histopathology, and expression of cytosolic and secreted proteins by immunohistochemistry. BCG Russia was cleared from the lungs by 8 months. BCG Pasteur reached a low level persistence at 8 months and remained at this level until the end of the experiment. BCG Pasteur induced greater pathology than BCG Russia, and there were more macrophage‐ and lymphocyte infiltrates in animals infected with BCG Pasteur (p < 0.05). Bacterial growth correlated with cellular infi...

Novel immune-modulator identified by a rapid, functional screen of the Parapoxvirus ovis (Orf virus) genome

Proteome Science — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: A streamlined, functional approach to genome-wide screening of a biological activity in vivo is presented. Its application to screening in mice for an immune activity elicited by the pathogen genome of Parapoxvirus ovis yielded a novel immunomodulator. In this inverted discovery method, it was possible to identify the adjuvant responsible for a function of interest prior to a mechanistic study of the adjuvant. The non-specific immune activity of this modulator, B2, is similar to that associated with administration of inactivated particles to a host or to a live viral infection. Administration of B2 may provide the opportunity to significantly impact host immunity while being itself only weakly recognized. The functional genomics method used to pinpoint B2 within an ORFeome may ...

Obtaining of three recombinant antigens of Entamoeba histolytica and evaluation of their immunogenic ability without adjuvant in a hamster model of immunoprotection.

Acta Tropica — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: González-Vázquez MC, Carabarin-Lima A, Baylon-Pacheco L, Talamás-Rohana P, Rosales-Encina JL Abstract A 30-kDa surface collagen binding protein peroxiredoxin of Entamoeba histolytica (EhCBP30) was evaluated either alone or fused to the chaperone (CHP) or ATPase (ATP) domains of heat shock protein 70 of Trypanosoma cruzi (TcHSP70) as a vaccine candidate in a hamster model of experimental amoebic liver abscess (ALA) development. Three constructs were produced containing the EhCBP30 DNA sequence, one expressing EhCBP30 and two expressing EhCBP30 fused to either CHP or ATP domains of TcHSP70. High purity recombinant proteins rEhCBP30, rEhCBP30-CHP and rEhCBP30-ATP with N-terminal His tag were obtained by single step affinity purification. Hamsters were immunized without adj...

Inactivated PCV2 one shot vaccine applied in 3-week-old piglets: Improvement of production parameters and interaction with maternally derived immunity.

Vaccine — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Fraile L, Grau-Roma L, Sarasola P, Sinovas N, Nofrarías M, López-Jimenez R, López-Soria S, Sibila M, Segalés J Abstract The present study describes the effects of a commercially available vaccine against Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) on clinical, pathological and virological outcomes of 3-week-old piglets from two farms with a clinical history of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). The study was a controlled, double-blinded, parallel group (1:1) and randomized trial (with a negative control) involving a total of 1239 animals. The study period comprised from weaning age (time of vaccination or PBS inoculation) until the first shipment of pigs to the slaughterhouse. The vaccine product was able to reduce clinical signs, PCV2 viral load in sera and faece...

A novel tick antigen shows high vaccine efficacy against the dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus.

Vaccine — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rodríguez-Mallon A, Fernández E, Encinosa PE, Bello Y, Méndez-Pérez L, Ruiz LC, Pérez D, González M, Garay H, Reyes O, Méndez L, Estrada MP Abstract Ticks are acaridae ectoparasites that, while taking a blood meal, can transmit viruses, bacteria, protozoa and filarial nematodes, which cause a variety of human and animal illnesses. The use of chemical pesticides constitutes the primary measure for control of these ectoparasites. However, the intensive use of these chemicals has drawbacks such as the contamination of food, environmental pollution and development of resistance by ectoparasites. Vaccination is considered a promising alternative for controlling infestations by ectoparasites. Although emerging tick proteins have been identified recently, and have been pro...

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Acellular Vaccines for Ovine BrucellosisAcellular Vaccines for Ovine Brucellosis

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0100

The importance of vaccination in the control of animal brucellosis diseases is unquestionable; however, there are many concerns with this practice. Expert Review of Vaccines (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

The Effects of North American Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV)-Based Modified Live Vaccines in Preimmunized Sows Artificially Inseminated with European PRRSV Spiked Semen.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The objective of the present study was to determine if the European porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) can be transmitted via spiked semen to preimmunized sows and induce reproductive failure. Sows were immunized with the North American PRRSV-based modified live vaccine (Ingelvac PRRS MLV, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, St. Joseph, MO, USA) and were artificially inseminated. The sows were randomly divided into three groups. The vaccinated (group 2) and non-vaccinated (group 3) sows developed a PRRSV viremia 7 to 28 days post insemination with the European PRRSV spiked semen. The number of genomic copies of the European PRRSV in serum samples was not significantly different between vaccinated and non-vaccinated sows. All negative control sows in group 1 farrowe...

Drug treatment combined with BCG vaccination reduces disease reactivation in guinea pigs infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Vaccine — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to determine if reducing disease severity by BCG vaccination of guinea pigs prior to M. tuberculosis challenge enhanced the efficacy of combination drug therapy. At 20 days of infection, treatment of vaccinated and non-vaccinated animals with rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrizinamide (RHZ) was initiated for 4 or 8 weeks. On days 50, 80 and 190 of infection (10 weeks after drug were withdrawn), treatment efficacy was evaluated by quantifying clinical condition, bacterial loads, lesion severity, and dynamic changes in peripheral blood and lung leukocyte numbers by flow cytometry. In a separate, long-term survival study, treatment efficacy was evaluated by determining disease reactivation frequency post-mortem. BCG vaccination alone delayed pulmonary and extra-pulm...

Transmission of Influenza A Virus in Pigs

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:23:55 +0100

SummaryInfluenza A virus infections cause respiratory disease in pigs and are a risk to public health. The pig plays an important role in influenza ecology because of its ability to support replication of influenza viruses from avian, swine and human species. Influenza A virus is widespread in pigs worldwide, and influenza A virus interspecies transmission has been documented in many events. Influenza A virus is mostly transmitted through direct pig‐to‐pig contact and aerosols although other indirect routes of transmission may also exist. Several factors contribute to differences in the transmission dynamics within populations including among others vaccination, pig flow, animal movement and animal introduction which highlights the complexity of influenza A transmission in pigs. In add...

Influenza in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients (February).

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The solid organ transplant population is at an increased risk of severe complications from influenza infection. Identifying risks, preventing illness, and appropriately treating active infection is essential in this patient population. PMID: 22234989 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy)

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Toxoplasma gondii: Protective immunity against toxoplasmosis with recombinant actin depolymerizing factor protein in BALB/c mice.

Experimental Parasitology — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Huang X, Li J, Zhang G, Gong P, Yang J, Zhang X Abstract Toxoplasmosis is one of the most world-wide spread zoonosis representing a very serious clinical and veterinary problem. There is still need for vaccines for toxoplasmosis. In the present study, we evaluated the protective efficacy of a recombinant actin depolymerizing factor (ADF) subunit vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii infection in BALB/c mice. The recombinant T. gondii ADF protein (rADF) was expressed in Escherichia coli and used as antigens for BALB/c mice immunization. The results indicated that specific antibody and the increased percentage of CD4(+) T lymphocyte were found in vaccinated BALB/c mice with rADF, when compared with adjuvant or PBS groups. After challenged with T. gondii (RH strain) tachyzoites, ...

African Swine Fever: An Epidemiological Update

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryAfrican swine fever (ASF) is one of the most important swine diseases, mainly because of its significant sanitary and socioeconomic consequences. This review gives an update on the epidemiology of the disease and reviews key issues and strategies to improve control of the disease and promote its eradication. Several characteristics of ASF virus (ASFV) make its control and eradication difficult, including the absence of available vaccines, marked virus resistance in infected material and contaminated animal products, and a complex epidemiology and transmission involving tick reservoir virus interactions. The incidence of ASF has not only increased on the African continent over the last 15 years, so that it now affects West African countries, Mauritius and Madagascar, but it has als...

CIGB-247: A VEGF-based therapeutic vaccine that reduces experimental and spontaneous lung metastasis of C57Bl/6 and BALB/c mouse tumors.

Vaccine — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bequet-Romero M, Morera Y, Ayala-Ávila M, Ancizar J, Soria Y, Blanco A, Suárez-Alba J, Gavilondo JV Abstract CIGB-247 is a novel cancer therapeutic vaccine that uses a mutated form of human VEGF as antigen. Being metastatic disease the most dramatic factor of tumor biology affecting patient survival and cure, preclinical evaluation of the impact of CIGB-247 vaccination on experimental metastasis mouse models is highly relevant, and constitutes the focus of this work. CIGB-247 was administered in a weekly schedule known to effectively reduce primary tumor growth. The vaccine was tested in experimental and spontaneous metastasis models of colon (CT26), lung (3LL-D122) and breast (F3II) carcinomas growing in C57Bl/6 or BALB/c mice. Primary tumor growth parameters, metastati...

CD205 antigen targeting combined with dendritic cell recruitment factors and antigen-linked CD40L activation primes and expands significant antigen-specific antibody and CD4(+) T cell responses following DNA vaccination of outbred animals.

Vaccine — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Njongmeta LM, Bray J, Davies CJ, Davis WC, Howard CJ, Hope JC, Palmer GH, Brown WC, Mwangi W Abstract Dendritic cell antigen targeting primes robust immune responses in mouse models. Optimizing this immunization strategy in the actual hosts that require protection will advance development of efficacious contemporary vaccines. In a proof-of-concept study, we tested the immunogenicity of a single, low dose of a novel multi-component DNA construct expressing a CD205-targeted antigen fused to a CD40L minimal functional domain for linked DC activation. The DNA construct was formulated with DNA-encoded Flt3L and GM-CSF for DC recruitment and the formulation was evaluated in MHC class II-matched calves. Immunization of the calves with the CD205 antigen-targeting construct mixed w...

Heparanase DNA vaccine delivered by electroporation induces humoral immunity and cytoimmunity in animal models.

Vaccine — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, humoral immunity was elicited using genetic vaccinations between C57BL/6J mice and Macaca fascicularis. The immunized serum neutralized HPA activity and attenuated the invasion of B16 cells in vitro. In addition, T lymphocytes from the splenic cells of the immunized mice induced HPA-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs), which verified cytoimmunity. Prophylactic vaccination significantly suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo and prolonged the survival rate in tumor-bearing murine models. In addition, RT-PCR and Western blot analyses of the primary tumors indicated less proliferation and angiogenesis and more apoptosis in the HPA-immunization immunotherapy groups. Simultaneously, the levels of IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ were not significantly greater in the HPA-immunized...

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A Survey on the Frequency of Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Virus Carriers in Cattle in North–East of Iran by RT‐PCR: Implications for Revising Disease Control Strategy

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 10:52:33 +0100

SummaryFoot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Iran. It is essential to timely evaluate the current disease control programme in Iran. Here, we report the frequency of FMD virus (FMDV) carrier state in cattle slaughtered in Mashhad abattoir, Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi, north–east of Iran, which contains long common borders with Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. Soft palate samples were collected immediately after slaughter for the detection of FMDV by RT‐PCR. The results show that 37.7% of cattle (96 of 255) were carriers of the virus. Among positive samples (96), 58 (60.4%) belonged to serotype O. No evidence was detected for the presence of Asia 1 and A serotypes. Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenic dendogram showed close similarity and common lineage between our samples and viruse...

[Correspondence] The new decade of vaccines

LANCET — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Lancet's Series on vaccines overlooked the extensive evidence from animal and human studies that vaccines and infections strongly affect the response to subsequent exposure to unrelated (heterologous) vaccines and infections. (Source: LANCET)

Implementing a probabilistic definition of freedom from infection to facilitate trade of livestock: Putting theory into praxis for the example of bovine herpes virus-1.

Herpes — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schuppers ME, Stegeman JA, Kramps JA, Stärk KD Abstract International trade of livestock and livestock products poses a significant potential threat for spread of diseases, and importing countries therefore often require that imported animals and products are free from certain pathogens. However, absolute freedom from infection cannot be documented, since all test protocols are imperfect and can lead to false-negative results. It is possible instead to estimate the "probability of freedom from infection" and its opposite, the probability of infection despite having a negative test result. These probabilities can be estimated based on a pre-defined target prevalence, known surveillance efforts in the target population and known test characteristics of any pre-export test. ...

Recombinant outer membrane secretin PilQ(406-770) as a vaccine candidate for serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis.

Vaccine — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Haghi F, Peerayeh SN, Siadat SD, Zeighami H Abstract Secretin PilQ is an antigenically conserved outer membrane protein which is present on most meningococci. This protein naturally expressed at high levels and is essential for meningococcal pilus expression at the cell surface. A 1095bp fragment of C-terminal of secretin pilQ from serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis was cloned into prokaryotic expression vector pET-28a. Recombinant protein was overexpressed with IPTG and affinity-purified by Ni-NTA agarose. BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously with purified rPilQ(406-770) mixed with Freund's adjuvant. Serum antibody responses to serogroups A and B N. meningitidis whole cells or purified rPilQ(406-770) and functional activity of antibodies were determined by ELISA and ...

Evaluation of Lassa virus vaccine immunogenicity in a CBA/J-ML29 mouse model.

Vaccine — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Goicochea MA, Zapata JC, Bryant J, Davis H, Salvato MS, Lukashevich IS Abstract Lassa fever (LF) is one of the most prevalent viral hemorrhagic fevers in West Africa responsible for thousands of deaths annually. The BSL-4 containment requirement and lack of small animal model to evaluate Lassa virus (LASV)-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) complicate development of effective LF vaccines. Here we have described a CBA/J-ML29 model allowing evaluation of LASV-specific CMI responses in mice. This model is based on Mopeia virus reassortant clone ML29, an attractive immunogenic surrogate for LASV. A single intraperitoneal (i.p.) immunization of CBA/J mice with ML29 protected animals against a lethal homologous intracerebral (i.c.) challenge with 588 LD(50). The ML29-immunize...

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Angola: Over 160,000 Cattle Immunised in Namibe

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:51:27 +0100

ANGOP (Luanda)-At least 162.646 heads of cattle were vaccinated by the Veterinary Services of Namibe province, during a vaccination campaign in 2011. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Effect of challenge of pigs previously immunised with inactivated vaccines containing homologous and heterologous Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae strains

BMC Veterinary Research - Latest articles — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The bacterins did not induce a clear overall protection against challenge infection, and there were no significant differences in protective efficacy between bacterins containing homologous and heterologous M. hyopneumoniae strains. Further research is necessary to better characterize the antigens involved in protection and to elucidate the protective immunity responses following M. hyopneumoniae vaccination and/or infection. (Source: BMC Veterinary Research - Latest articles)

Clinical study of transcutaneous vaccination using a hydrogel patch for tetanus and diphtheria.

Vaccine — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hirobe S, Matsuo K, Quan YS, Kamiyama F, Morito H, Asada H, Takaya Y, Mukai Y, Okada N, Nakagawa S Abstract Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) is a non-invasive and easy-to-use vaccination method. We demonstrated the efficacy and safety of a transcutaneous vaccine formulation using a hydrogel patch in animal experiments. In the present study, we performed a clinical study to apply our TCI formulation for vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria in human. The TCI device was a hydrogel patch (antigen-free) applied to the left brachial medial skin of 22 healthy volunteers for 48h. Next, the hydrogel patch, containing 2mg tetanus toxoid (TT) and 2mg diphtheria toxoid (DT) as the TCI formulation, was applied to 27 healthy volunteers for 24h and some volunteers were vaccinated ...

Antigen delivery for cross priming via the emulsion vaccine adjuvants.

Vaccine — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Shen SS, Yang YW Abstract The function of emulsion adjuvants in vaccine antigen delivery remains unclear. To investigate the roles of emulsion adjuvants in cross presentation of exogenous antigens, a series of emulsions were prepared for both in vitro and in vivo studies. Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were treated with the adjuvants and analyzed by flow cytometry for the expression of costimulatory molecules. The activation of antigen-specific T cells in vitro was determined with B3Z cells. Antibody secretion in the draining lymph nodes of emulsion adjuvant-treated animals was measured by enzyme-linked immuno-spot (ELISPOT) assays, and antigen-specific proliferation of cells was conducted to examine the roles of emulsion adjuvants in antigen delivery. Data on...

Vaccination of healthy and diseased koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) with a Chlamydia pecorum multi-subunit vaccine: Evaluation of immunity and pathology.

Vaccine — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kollipara A, George C, Hanger J, Loader J, Polkinghorne A, Beagley K, Timms P Abstract Chlamydial infections represent a major threat to the long-term survival of the koala and a successful vaccine would provide a valuable management tool. Vaccination however has the potential to enhance inflammatory disease in animals exposed to a natural infection prior to vaccination, a finding in early human and primate trials of whole cell vaccines to prevent trachoma. In the present study, we vaccinated both healthy koalas as well as clinically diseased koalas with a multi-subunit vaccine consisting of Chlamydia pecorum MOMP and NrdB mixed with immune stimulating complex as adjuvant. Following vaccination, there was no increase in inflammatory pathological changes in animals previous...

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Early detection and visualization of human adenovirus serotype 5-viral vectors carrying foot-and-mouth disease virus or luciferase transgenes in cell lines and bovine tissues.

Vaccine — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Montiel N, Smoliga G, Arzt J Abstract Recombinant replication-defective human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) vaccines containing capsid-coding regions from foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) have been demonstrated to induce effective immune responses and provide homologous protective immunity against FMDV in cattle. However, basic mechanisms of Ad5-FMDV vaccine function including virus tropism, transgene expression, and antigen presentation, remain incompletely understood. The current study characterized the dynamics of Ad5 viral vector (Ad5-FMDV-A24 and Ad5-luciferase) infection in cell lines and early post-inoculation vector-host interactions in cattle. Adenovirus dissemination was described utilizing novel rPCR, rRT-PCR, luminometry, and immunomicroscopy techniques. In vitro ...

Sequencing and analysis of the complete genome of Newcastle disease virus isolated from a commercial poultry farm in 2010

Archives of Virology — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:49:38 +0100

Abstract Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infects wild and domestic birds but causes contagious and lethal disease in domestic poultry. ND is currently endemic in Pakistan, but no complete genome sequence of a Pakistani NDV isolate has been reported. An NDV strain isolated from a commercial poultry farm was completely sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate is closely related to genotype VII and, more specifically, to subgenotype VIIb, yet with substantial enough differences to be regarded as new subgenotype (VIIf). These findings provide insight into the genetic nature of NDV circulating in Pakistan and are useful for both laboratory diagnosis and vaccine development for NDV. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Annotated Sequence RecordPages 1-4DOI 10...

Promising results of novel combination HIV vaccine

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases) Results from a recent study show that novel vaccine combinations can provide partial protection against infection by simian immunodeficiency virus in rhesus monkeys. In addition, in the animals that became infected, the optimal vaccine combinations also substantially reduced the amount of virus in the blood. Results from the studies were published online today in the journal Nature. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Intrinsic adjuvanting of a novel single-cycle flavivirus vaccine in the absence of type I interferon receptor signaling.

Vaccine — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We examined the influence of type I IFNs on these parameters following immunization with RepliVAX WN, a single-cycle flavivirus vaccine (SCFV) against West Nile virus (WNV) disease. RepliVAX WN-immunized mice produced IFN-α and displayed increased IFN-stimulated gene transcription in draining lymph nodes (LN). SCFV gene expression was over 100 fold-higher on days 1-3 post-infection in type I IFN receptor knockout mice (IFNAR(-/-)) compared to wild-type (wt) mice indicating a profound IFN-mediated suppression of SCFV gene expression in the wt animals. IFNAR(-/-) mice produced nearly equivalent levels of WNV-specific serum IgG and WNV-specific CD4(+) T cell responses compared to wt mice. However, significantly higher numbers of WNV-specific CD8(+) T cells were produced by IFNAR(-/-) mice an...

A CpG oligodeoxynucleotide potentiates the anti-tumor effect of HSP65-Her2 fusion protein against Her2 positive B16 melanoma in mice.

International Immunopharmacology — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we investigated whether a B-class CpG ODN (BW006), a TLR9 agonist, could facilitate HSP65-Her2, a recombinant protein between mycobacterial HSP65 and Her2-dervied peptide, to induce vigorous anti-tumor activity against Her2 positive tumors in mice both prophylactically and therapeutically. It was found that BW006 could enhance prophylactic and therapeutic effect of HSP65-Her2 with improved survival of the mice bearing Her2(+) B16 melanoma and HSP65-Her2 specific Th1 response. PMID: 22222115 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Immunopharmacology)

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Oral immunization of mice with recombinant Lactococcus lactis expressing Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase of Brucella abortus triggers protective immunity.

Vaccine — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sáez D, Fernández P, Rivera A, Andrews E, Oñate A Abstract Brucella infections mainly occur through mucosal surfaces. Thus, the development of mucosal administered vaccines could be instrumental for the control of brucellosis. Here, we evaluated the usefulness of recombinant Lactococcus lactis secreting Brucella abortus Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) as oral antigen delivery system, when administered alone or in combination with L. lactis expressing IL-12. To this end, mice were vaccinated by oral route with L. lactis NZ9000 transformed with pSEC derivatives encoding for SOD (pSEC:SOD) and IL-12 (pSEC:scIL-12). In animals receiving L. lactis pSEC:SOD alone, anti-SOD-specific IgM antibodies were detected in sera at day 28 post-vaccination, together with an IgG2a domina...

Evaluation of attenuated VSVs with mutated M or/and G proteins as vaccine vectors.

Vaccine — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, among different attenuated VSVs with mutated M and/or G proteins, recombinant VSV with only truncated G protein (VSV-GΔ28) demonstrated ideal balance between pathogenesis and stimulating a protective immune response. These properties make VSV-GΔ28 a promising vaccine vector and vaccine candidate for preventing vesicular stomatitis disease. PMID: 22222871 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Evaluation of homologous and heterologous protection induced by a virulent field strain of orf virus and an orf vaccine in goats.

American Journal of Veterinary Research — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Vaccination did not result in cross protection for the 2 strains of orf virus. This may have been attributable to antigenic differences and may be a factor in outbreaks of contagious ecthyma in vaccinated goats. PMID: 22204292 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Veterinary Research)

Rabies in captive deer, pennsylvania, USA, 2007-2010.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Petersen BW, Tack DM, Longenberger A, Simeone A, Moll ME, Deasy MP, Blanton JD, Rupprecht CE Abstract Since January 2007, a total of 11 rabid deer from 4 deer farms have been identified in 2 neighboring Pennsylvania counties. Vaccination of deer against rabies, decreasing wildlife animal contact with deer, and education of deer farmers may prevent further cases of rabies in captive deer and exposures to humans. PMID: 22260956 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Seroprevalence of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection in dairy cattle in Isfahan Province, Iran

Tropical Animal Health and Production — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:42:11 +0100

Abstract Bovine leukemia virus (BLV), the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) is an exogenous C-type oncovirus in the Retroviridae family. It causes significant economic losses associated with the costs of control and eradication programs due to carcass condemnation at slaughter and restrictions of export of cattle and semen to importing countries. The main objective of this research was to determine the seroprevalence of BLV infection in cattle herds in central region of Iran (Isfahan province) using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect serum antibodies against BLV. Samples of blood serum were collected from 403 female dairy cattle (Holstein–Friesian) from 21 livestock farms and 303 animals (81.9%) were BLV seropositive. A signi...

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Seroprevalence and risk factors of Q fever in goats on commercial dairy goat farms in the Netherlands, 2009-2010

BMC Veterinary Research - Latest articles — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In 2009-2010, the seroprevalence in dairy goats in the Netherlands increased on animal and farm level compared to a previous study in 2008. Risk factors suggest spread from relatively closely located bulk milk-infected small ruminant farms, next to introduction and spread from companion animals, imported straw and use of artificial insemination. In-depth studies investigating the role of artificial insemination and bedding material are needed, while simultaneously general biosecurity measures should be updated, such as avoiding companion animals and vermin entering the stables, next to advice on farm stable constructions on how to prevent introduction and minimize airborne transmission from affected dairy goat farms to prevent further spread to the near environment. (Source: B...

An ELISA based on the repeated foot-and-mouth disease virus 3B epitope peptide can distinguish infected and vaccinated cattle.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gao M, Zhang R, Li M, Li S, Cao Y, Ma B, Wang J Abstract To develop a strategy of differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA) with foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), a short (27aa) peptide containing three conserved linear B cell epitopes of the FMDV 3B nonstructural protein was designed. This novel BF peptide was synthesized using a gene splicing by overlap extension protocol with preferred codons for Escherichia coli. The resultant eight tandem repeat multimer (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 24, and 32BF) were expressed as soluble fusion proteins in E. coli. An indirect ELISA was developed based on the recombinant 8BF protein with the aim of specifically distinguishing antibodies induced by FMDV infection but not those induced by vaccination. Using the cut-off value of...

2011's best health news

NHS News Feed — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:43:00 +0100

Although Behind the Headlines often spends time explaining mistaken or misguided news reports, the joy of this service is when there are genuinely exciting medical advances to report. Over the past year there have been many important and fascinating stories, and it is a credit to the national press that so many of them have been so well understood and so well reported. Here’s our pick of some of the best stories from the many brilliant health articles and impressive studies published in 2011. Heartwarming gene therapy By far the most heartwarming breakthrough in medical science involves the story of seven-year-old Jack Crick (presumably no relation to the co-discoverer of the DNA double helix). Jack was born with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) – an inherited genetic mutati...

New challenges for vaccination to prevent chlamydial abortion in sheep.

Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases. — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Entrican G, Wheelhouse N, Wattegedera SR, Longbottom D Abstract Ovine enzootic abortion (OEA) is caused by the obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium Chlamydia abortus. OEA remains a common cause of infectious abortion in many sheep-rearing countries despite the existence of commercially available vaccines that protect against the disease. There are a number of confounding factors that influence the uptake and use of these vaccines, which includes an inability to discriminate between infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA) using conventional serological diagnostic techniques. This suggests that the immunity elicited by current vaccines is similar to that observed in convalescent, immune sheep that have experienced OEA. The existence of these vaccines provides an opp...

Animal bites and rabies exposure in Australian travellers. - Mills DJ, Lau CL, Weinstein P.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:51:29 +0100

OBJECTIVES: To examine the circumstances of animal exposure in a case series of Australian travellers who required rabies postexposure prophylaxis, and to assess the appropriateness of current guidelines for rabies pre-exposure vaccination. DESIGN, PARTICI... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

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Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Red Cross Chat — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:07:53 +0100

This Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up is courtesy of Scott Waggoner, from Cross Blog: Award-winning Red Cross news and views from Oregon and beyond Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It’s a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work… PHILIPPINES: Relief continues to pour in for Typhoon Washi, that killed well over 1,000 people and devastated the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Teams of Red Cross volunteers are supporting doctors in treating survivors that received wounds nearly a week ago. In addition to typical first aid, the Red Cross is using psychological first aid for the extensive suffering many...

Immunological correlates of vaccination and infection for equine herpesvirus type 1.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Goodman LB, Wimer C, Dubovi EJ, Gold C, Wagner B Abstract Equine herpesvirus type I (EHV-1) induces a variety of disease manifestations including respiratory disease, abortions and myeloencephalopathy. Several vaccines are commercially available but could not previously be distinguished by serologic testing from infection with EHV-1 (or the closely related EHV-4). Currently available vaccines are not reliably protective from the severe manifestations of the disease, including fatal myeloencephalopathy. We determined immunological parameters that can differentiate vaccinated from previously infected animals by comparing humoral and cellular EHV-1-specific responses in clinically healthy horses 10 months after vaccination. Forty-seven horses with known histories of vaccinati...

Neutralizing Antibodies and Control of HIV: Moves and Countermoves

Current HIV/AIDS Reports — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:04:34 +0100

Abstract It is now evident that powerful antibodies directed to conserved regions of HIV-1 envelope protein develop during chronic infection in some individuals and that these antibodies can neutralize a broad array of diverse isolates in vitro, so termed broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). A great deal of effort is directed internationally at understanding the ontogeny of NAbs during infection as well as in designing and testing immunogens that can elicit bNAbs in animal models and in humans. Given the parrying tactics of Env, multiple approaches, along with high-resolution structural studies, will be needed to reach a degree of understanding sufficient to design an effective vaccine. We discuss and note here some of the most important recent advances in our knowledg...

Efficacy of a heterologous vaccine and adjuvant in ferrets challenged with influenza virus H5N1

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:08:22 +0100

Conclusions Altogether, the data suggest that the heterologous vaccine in combination with the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant offers maximum protection against challenge with A/Vietnam/1203/04 when compared to the unvaccinated control animals or animals vaccinated without any adjuvant. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

Strong Does Of Momentum In Merck Stock, Next Stop $42

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:22:46 +0100

Merck is currently the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical company. The company is a global health care provider that delivers innovative health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, animal health and consumer care products. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

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Animal models for IgE-meditated cancer immunotherapy

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:50:00 +0100

This article describes the advantages and disadvantages of these models and their use in evaluating the in vivo properties of IgE antibodies for cancer therapy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Symposium-in-writing paperPages 1-12DOI 10.1007/s00262-011-1169-1Authors Tracy R. Daniels, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, CHS 54-140, Box 951782, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USAOtoniel Martínez-Maza, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USAManuel L. Penichet, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of Cal...

Generation of recombinant Orf virus using an enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter gene as a selectable marker

BMC Veterinary Research - Latest articles — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This approach shortens the time needed to generate recombinant ORFVs (rORFVs). Thus, the pSPV-EGFP vector provides a direct, fast, and convenient way to manipulate the recombinant viruses, indicating that it is highly suited for its designed purpose. (Source: BMC Veterinary Research - Latest articles)

Adaptive immune stimulation is required to obtain high protection with fatty acid binding protein vaccine candidate against fasciola hepatica in balb/c mice.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ADAPTIVE IMMUNE STIMULATION IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN HIGH PROTECTION WITH FATTY ACID BINDING PROTEIN VACCINE CANDIDATE AGAINST FASCIOLA HEPATICA IN BALB/C MICE. J Parasitol. 2011 Dec 22; Authors: López-Abán J, Esteban A, Vicente B, Rojas-Caraballo J, Del Olmo E, Martínez-Fernández AR, Hillyer GV, Muro A Abstract Abstract Fascioliasis is a parasitic disease that mainly affects cattle and sheep, causing significant economic losses with a great impact in developing countries. Human fascioliasis is becoming more important, with high endemicity in some countries of the world. Previous studies have shown the importance of Fasciola hepatica fatty acid binding proteins (FABP) as protective molecules against fascioliasis in various animal models, including mice, rabbits, and sheep...

Antibody breadth and protective efficacy is increased by vaccination with computationally optimized hemagglutinin but not with polyvalent hemagglutinin based h5n1 vlp vaccines.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this report, the immune responses elicited by the COBRA HA virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine were compared to responses elicited by a mixture of VLPs expressing representative HA molecules from clade 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 primary H5N1 isolates (polyvalent). COBRA HA VLP elicited higher titer antibodies to a panel of H5N1 HA proteins. Both COBRA and polyvalent vaccines protected vaccinated mice and ferrets from experimental infection with highly lethal H5N1 influenza viruses, but COBRA vaccinated animals had decreased viral replication, less inflammation in the lungs of mice, and reduced virus recovery in ferret nasal washes. Both vaccines had similar cellular responses post-challenge indicating that higher titer serum antibody likely restricts the duration of viral replication. Furthermore,...

Malaria Vaccine A Game Changer

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0100

Scientists at Oxford University say they have developed a vaccine against the malaria parasite, and shown it to be effective against all the most deadly strains. Lead researcher Dr Sandy Douglas of the University of Oxford says: 'We have created a vaccine that confirms the recent discovery relating to the biology of RH5, given it can generate an immune response in animal models capable of neutralising many ... and potentially all strains of the P. falciparum parasite, the deadliest species of malaria parasite... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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New approach to malaria vaccine

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:00:08 +0100

A potential new malaria vaccine has shown promise in animal studies, according to research. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

NIH Suspends New Chimp Research

Public Policy Reports — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:27:32 +0100

On 15 December, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that it temporarily suspended funding for new biomedical and behavioral research on chimpanzees. The announcement was a response to a report released the same day by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). The IOM report concluded that most current medical research on chimpanzees is not necessary. The report does not endorse a ban on chimp research; rather it recommends a set of uniform criteria for determining when use of chimpanzees in research is necessary. The IOM report was produced at the request of the NIH. In biomedical research, the use of chimpanzees could be warranted if not conducting the research would “significantly slow or prevent important advancement to prevent, control and/or treat life-threatening or debil...

A nonreplicating subunit vaccine protects mice against lethal Ebola virus challenge [Immunology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is an acute and often deadly disease caused by Ebola virus (EBOV). The possible intentional use of this virus against human populations has led to design of vaccines that could be incorporated into a national stockpile for biological threat reduction. We have evaluated the immunogenicity and efficacy of an EBOV vaccine candidate in which the viral surface glycoprotein is biomanufactured as a fusion to a monoclonal antibody that recognizes an epitope in glycoprotein, resulting in the production of Ebola immune complexes (EICs). Although antigen–antibody immune complexes are known to be efficiently processed and presented to immune effector cells, we found that codelivery of the EIC with Toll-like receptor agonists elicited a more robust antibody response in mice th...

Effects of Recent Leptospira Vaccination on Whole Blood Real‐Time PCR Testing in Healthy Client‐Owned Dogs

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceRecent vaccination with 2 commercially available vaccines does not interfere with the use of real‐time PCR for the identification of acute Leptospira infection in dogs. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine)

Chimps to be spared from use in US medical experiments

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:08:22 +0100

American scientific group urges strict limits on laboratory research using chimpanzeesChimpanzees should hardly ever be used for medical research, a prestigious scientific group told the US government on Thursday – advice that means days in the laboratory may be numbered for humans' closest relatives.The Institute of Medicine stopped short of recommending the outright ban that animal rights activists had pushed for.Instead, it urged strict limits that would make invasive experiments with chimps essentially a last resort, saying today's more advanced research tools mean the primates' use only rarely would be necessary enough to outweigh the moral costs.Chimp research was already dwindling fast as scientists turned to less costly and less ethically charged alternatives.The US government ag...

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Slaughtering badgers is not the answer to bovine TB | Patrick Barkham

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:30:01 +0100

Bovine TB causes farmers real misery. But shooting badgers is just a cheap way to spread the diseaseWhen journalists were summoned to a stuffy room in Whitehall to hear Defra's scientists explain why a cull of badgers was a necessary step to combat bovine TB in cattle, we were given a formidable array of statistics. There were 3,622 new outbreaks of TB in cattle in 2010, a 7.5% increase on the previous year, leading to the slaughter of 25,000 cattle. Over the next decade, TB in cattle is projected to cost £1bn. Nearly one in four cattle farms in the south-west is currently restricted (farmers are not free to sell or move their cattle) because of the disease.Behind these figures is genuine misery. Farmers have seen herds they have tended for generations destroyed. They are desperate for so...

Comparative full genome analysis of four infectious laryngotracheitis virus (Gallid herpesvirus-1) virulent isolates from the United States

Virus Genes — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:48:13 +0100

Abstract Gallid herpesvirus-1 (GaHV-1), commonly named infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) virus, causes the respiratory disease in chickens known as ILT. The molecular determinants associated with differences in pathogenicity of GaHV-1 strains are not completely understood, and a comparison of genomic sequences of isolates that belong to different genotypes could help identify genes involved in virulence. Dideoxy sequencing, 454 pyrosequencing and Illumina sequencing-by-synthesis were used to determine the nucleotide sequences of four genotypes of virulent strains from GaHV-1 groups I–VI. Three hundred and twenty-five open reading frames (ORFs) were compared with those of the recently sequenced genome of the Serva vaccine strain. Only four ORFs, ORF C, UL37, ICP4 and US...

Extended safety and efficacy studies of the attenuated Brucella vaccine candidates 16M{Delta}vjbR and S19{Delta}vjbR in the immunocompromised IRF-1-/- mouse model.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Arenas-Gamboa AM, Rice-Ficht AC, Fan Y, Kahl-McDonagh MM, Ficht TA Abstract The global distribution of brucellosis and high incidence in certain areas of the world warrants the development of a safer and efficacious vaccine. For the past ten years, we have focused our attention on the development of a safer, but still highly protective, live-attenuated vaccine for human and animal use. We have demonstrated the safety and protective efficacy of the vaccine candidates 16MΔvjbR and S19ΔvjbR against homologous and heterologous challenge in multiple immunocompetent animal models including mice and deer. In the present study, we conducted a series of experiments to determine the safety of the vaccine candidates in the Interferon regulatory factor (IRF(-/-)) knockout mice. IRF-...

Spread like a wildfire-The omnipresence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and its ever-expanding association with diseases in pigs.

Virus Research — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Meng XJ Abstract The discovery of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in 1998 initiated intensive research on arguably the most economically important pathogen facing the global swine industry today. PCV2 infection is now widespread worldwide, and increasing numbers of disease conditions have been linked to PCV2 infection in pigs. In this special issue of Virus Research, leading experts in the field review the history, epidemiology, transmission, clinical and pathological features, immunology, pathogenesis, molecular biology and vaccine development of PCV2 and porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD). In addition, circovirus-like DNA sequences recently identified from humans and other animal species and their biological significances are also reviewed. The articles in th...

Cancer Vaccine Significantly Reduces Tumor Size

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0100

An experimental cancer vaccine has been found to reduce tumor size by an average of 80%, researchers from the Mayo Clinic and the University of Georgia reported in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In their animal experiment, mouse models that mimic most human pancreatic and breast cancer cases had dramatic reductions in tumor size - even among those that had not responded to standard treatments. Tumors that share the same distinct carbohydrate signature may be especially treatable with this new vaccine, say the authors... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Q Fever: Current State of Knowledge and Perspectives of Research of a Neglected Zoonosis

Experimental Diabetes Research — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:23:24 +0100

Q fever is an ubiquitous zoonosis caused by an resistant intracellular bacterium, Coxiella burnetii. In certain areas, Q fever can be a severe public health problem, and awareness of the disease must be promoted worldwide. Nevertheless, knowledge of Coxiella burnetii remains limited to this day. Its resistant (intracellular and environmental) and infectious properties have been poorly investigated. Further understanding of the interactions between the infected host and the bacteria is necessary. Domestic ruminants are considered as the main reservoir of bacteria. Infected animals shed highly infectious organisms in milk, feces, urine, vaginal mucus, and, very importantly, birth products. Inhalation is the main route of infection. Frequently asymptomatic in humans and animals, Q fever can c...

Rapid development of glycan-specific, broad, and potent anti-HIV-1 gp120 neutralizing antibodies in an R5 SIV/HIV chimeric virus infected macaque [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

It is widely believed that the induction of a broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) response will be a critical component of a successful vaccine against HIV. A significant fraction of HIV-infected individuals mount bNAb responses, providing support for the notion that such responses could be elicited through vaccination. Infection of macaques with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) or SIV/HIV chimeric virus (SHIV) has been widely used to model aspects of HIV infection, but to date, only limited bNAb responses have been described. Here, we screened plasma from 14 R5-tropic SHIV-infected macaques for broadly neutralizing activity and identified a macaque with highly potent cross-clade plasma NAb response. Longitudinal studies showed that the development of broad and autologous NAb responses...

Idiopathic Immune‐Mediated Thrombocytopenia and Recent Vaccination in Dogs

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis study failed to confirm the presence of an association between presumptive idiopathic ITP in dogs and recent vaccination; however, the possibility of an association cannot be completely ruled out based on the small sample populations and requires further investigation. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine)

BCG vaccination of neonatal calves: Potential roles for innate immune cells in the induction of protective immunity.

Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases. — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Siddiqui N, Price S, Hope J Abstract Bovine tuberculosis is a disease of increasing incidence in the UK causing major economic losses and with significant impact on bovine and, potentially human health: the causative agent Mycobacterium bovis is a zoonotic pathogen. Neonatal vaccination with the attenuated M. bovis Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine confers a significant degree of protection in cattle, and is a widely used control strategy for human TB. The adaptive immune system is relatively immature in neonates and increased numbers of innate effector cells present in young animals and human infants may compensate for this, enabling effective immune responses to vaccination. Natural killer cells and subsets of γδ TCR(+) T lymphocytes secrete high levels of interfer...

Animal bites and rabies exposure in Australian travellers.

Med J Aust — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Most travellers had difficulty obtaining rabies postexposure prophylaxis overseas, resulting in significant delays in appropriate treatment. We recommend that current National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines for at-risk persons be broadened, and that the risk of rabies and the option of pre-exposure vaccination be discussed with all travellers to rabies-endemic areas. PMID: 22171863 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Med J Aust)

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Epidemiology and transmission of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2).

Virus Research — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rose N, Opriessnig T, Grasland B, Jestin A Abstract PCV2 has been highly prevalent in the pig population for decades, prior to the emergence of associated clinical disease manifestations that severely affected the pig production worldwide in the late 90s. PCV2 can be further subdivided into several genotypes. From descriptive epidemiologic data, there is evidence of a global shift of the main PCV2 genotypes in different countries from PCV2a to PCV2b, which is generally associated with more severe disease. In addition, from analytic epidemiologic studies, the modified within-herd PCV2 dynamics of infection is strongly related to the increased incidence of clinical disorders associated with PCV2 infection. Because PCV2 is shed for a long time by an extremely large variety of...

Ovine leptospirosis in Brazil

Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:39:20 +0100

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis distributed worldwide, endemic mainly in humid subtropical and tropical countries, with epidemic potential. It affects a range of both wild and domestic animals, including sheep, which transport leptospires in their urine and, therefore, can infect other animals and humans who deal with them. Therefore, leptospirosis is characterized as an occupational zoonosis. In individual herds leptospirosis can cause severe economic loss due to miscarriages and outbreaks of mastitis with a significant reduction of milk production. The disease is caused by Leptospira interrogans, which was reclassified into 13 pathogenic species, and distributed into more than 260 serovars classified into 23 serogroups. The clinical signs of infection may vary depending on the serovar and ho...

Destruction of immunobiologicals and their disposal

Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:39:20 +0100

This study comprises a descriptive, exploratory and retrospective work that employed search of bibliographic data, collection of secondary data from forms of immunobiologicals disposal and interview of the agent responsible for the disposal of these products in the municipality. It was observed that the total numbers of unused vaccines in 2008 and 2009 were similar (4523 and 4395, respectively), being the most discarded: the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine in 2008 and DTP, BCG and influenza in 2009. It was found that the amount of discarded vaccines could be reduced since the reasons for that were predictable. Moreover, the current study emphasized that although there is a municipal regulation for the disposal of immunobiologicals, the city still requires a better structure...

Development of a fluorescent microsphere immunoassay for detection of antibodies against PRRSV using oral fluid samples as an alternative to serum-based assays.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study provides a framework from which a more robust assay could be developed to profile the immune response to multiple PRRSV antigens in a single test. The development of oral fluid-based diagnostic tests will change the way we survey for diseases in swine herds and improve our ability to cheaply and efficiently track PRRSV infections in both population and individual animals. PMID: 22155765 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical and Vaccine Immunology)

Representative Seroprevalences of Brucellosis in Humans and Livestock in Kyrgyzstan

EcoHealth — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:01:13 +0100

In conclusion, this study confirms the high seroprevalence of brucellosis in Kyrgyzstan and warrants rapid effective intervention, among others, by mass vaccination of sheep and goats but also of cattle. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ContributionPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s10393-011-0722-xAuthors Bassirou Bonfoh, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, 01 BP 1303 Abidjan01, Côte d’Ivoire, Ivory CoastJoldoshbek Kasymbekov, Kyrgyz Research Institute of Veterinary (KRIV), 60 Togolok Moldo Street, Bishkek, KyrgyzstanSalome Dürr, Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstr 155, 3097 Liebefeld, SwitzerlandNurjan Toktobaev, Kyrgyz-Swiss-Swedish Health Project, Swiss Red Cross, 187/1 Sydykova Street, Bish...

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The pig: a model for human infectious diseases.

Trends in Microbiology — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Meurens F, Summerfield A, Nauwynck H, Saif L, Gerdts V Abstract An animal model to study human infectious diseases should accurately reproduce the various aspects of disease. Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) are closely related to humans in terms of anatomy, genetics and physiology, and represent an excellent animal model to study various microbial infectious diseases. Indeed, experiments in pigs are much more likely to be predictive of therapeutic treatments in humans than experiments in rodents. In this review, we highlight the numerous advantages of the pig model for infectious disease research and vaccine development and document a few examples of human microbial infectious diseases for which the use of pigs as animal models has contributed to the acquisition of n...

The multistage vaccine H56 boosts the effects of BCG to protect cynomolgus macaques against active tuberculosis and reactivation of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:01:27 +0100

It is estimated that one-third of the world’s population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Infection typically remains latent, but it can reactivate to cause clinical disease. The only vaccine, Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), is largely ineffective, and ways to enhance its efficacy are being developed. Of note, the candidate booster vaccines currently under clinical development have been designed to improve BCG efficacy but not prevent reactivation of latent infection. Here, we demonstrate that administering a multistage vaccine that we term H56 in the adjuvant IC31 as a boost to vaccination with BCG delays and reduces clinical disease in cynomolgus macaques challenged with M. tuberculosis and prevents reactivation of latent infection. H56 con...

Sialidases play a key role in infection and anaemia in Trypanosoma congolense animal trypanosomiasis

Cellular Microbiology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SUMMARYAnimal African trypanosomiasis is a major constraint to livestock productivity and has an important impact on millions of people in developing African countries. This parasitic disease, caused mainly by Trypanosoma congolense, results in severe anaemia leading to animal death. In order to characterise potential targets for an anti‐disease vaccine, we investigated a multigenic trans‐sialidase family (TcoTS) in T. congolense. Sialidase and trans‐sialidase activities were quantified for the first time, as well as the tightly regulated TcoTS expression pattern throughout the life cycle. Active enzymes were expressed in bloodstream form parasites and released into the blood during infection. Using genetic tools, we demonstrated a significant correlation between TcoTS silencing and ...

Safety and efficacy of a xenogeneic DNA vaccine encoding for human tyrosinase as adjunctive treatment for oral malignant melanoma in dogs following surgical excision of the primary tumor.

American Journal of Veterinary Research — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results support the safety and efficacy of the huTyr DNA vaccine in dogs as adjunctive treatment for oral MM. Impact for Human Medicine-Response to DNA vaccination in dogs with oral MM may be useful in development of plasmid DNA vaccination protocols for human patients with similar disease. PMID: 22126691 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Veterinary Research)

Risk of Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease for the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryThe paper discusses the risk for an outbreak of foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) in the Pacific NortWest Economic Region (PNWER). Topics examined throughout the paper include: why PNWER is vulnerable to FMD, risks to Canada and the U.S. for the introduction of FMD, response strategies, and preventative measures. These topics will identify a number of challenges that region will face if an outbreak were to occur including illegal trade, movement of people, livestock movements, vaccination, and zoning. There is also a discussion in these topics around potential strategies that could be used on both sides of the border to minimize the impact of an outbreak both from an animal welfare perspective and from a trade and economic perspective. (Source: Transboundary and Emerging Diseases)

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Future prospects and challenges of vaccines against filariasis

Parasite Immunology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractFilarial infections remain a major public health and socio‐economic problem across the tropics, despite considerable effort to reduce disease burden or regionally eliminate the infection with mass drug administration programs. The sustainability of these programs is now open to question due to a range of issues, not least of which is emerging evidence for drug resistance. Vaccination, if developed appropriately, remains the most cost‐effective means of long term disease control. The rationale for the feasibility of vaccination against filarial parasites including onchocerciasis (river blindness, Onchocerca volvulus) and lymphatic filariasis (Wuchereria bancrofti or Brugia malayi) is founded on evidence both from humans and animal models for the development of protecti...

Outbreaks of Attacks by Hematophagous Bats in Isolated Riverine Communities in the Brazilian Amazon: A Challenge to Rabies Control

Zoonoses and Public Health — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We present data related to attacks by hematophagous bats in three riverine communities in the Rio Negro basin, Brazilian Amazon. A cross‐sectional survey was carried out to obtain demographic and epidemiological data through interviews with 201 inhabitants. A total of 721 bat attacks with bites took place from 2004 to 2006, 238 (33%) reported by residents in Campinas do Rio Preto, 329 (46%) in Águas Vivas and 154 (21%) in the community of Malalahá. Incidence density among surveyed inhabitants was 84 attacks/100 persons‐years in Campinas do Rio Preto, 249 attacks/100 persons‐years in Águas Vivas and 81 attacks/100 persons‐years in Malalahá. The proportion of surveyed inhabitants bled by bats at least once was 67% (63/94) in Campinas do Rio Preto, 96% (42/44) in Águas Vivas and ...

Molecular epidemiology of rift valley Fever virus.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Grobbelaar AA, Weyer J, Leman PA, Kemp A, Paweska JT, Swanepoel R Abstract Phylogenetic relationships were examined for 198 Rift Valley fever virus isolates and 5 derived strains obtained from various sources in Saudi Arabia and 16 countries in Africa during a 67-year period (1944-2010). A maximum-likelihood tree prepared with sequence data for a 490-nt section of the Gn glycoprotein gene showed that 95 unique sequences sorted into 15 lineages. A 2010 isolate from a patient in South Africa potentially exposed to co-infection with live animal vaccine and wild virus was a reassortant. The potential influence of large-scale use of live animal vaccine on evolution of Rift Valley fever virus is discussed. PMID: 22172568 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Dis...

Candidate cell substrates, vaccine production, and transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to determine the potential susceptibility to infection of 5 cell lines used or proposed for manufacture of biological products, as well as other lines. Cell lines were exposed to the infectious agents of sporadic and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Exposed cultures were tested for TSE-associated prion protein (PrP(TSE)) and TSE infectivity by assay in rodents and nonhuman primates. No PrP(TSE) or infectivity has been detected in any exposed cell line under study so far. Animals inoculated with BSE brain homogenate developed typical spongiform encephalopathy. In contrast, animals inoculated with cells exposed to the BSE agent remained asymptomatic. All cell lines we studied resisted infection with 3 TSE agents, in...

Secretory Expression and Purification of the Recombinant Duck Interleukin-2 in Pichia pastoris.

Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, the recombinant duck IL-2 (rduIL-2) was secretory expressed in Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris). The recombinant P. pastoris strain was cultured in shake flasks and then scaled up in a 5.0-l bioreactor. The result showed that the maximal fresh-cell-weight of 594.1 g/l and the maximal OD600 of 408 were achieved in the bioreactor. The rduIL-2 was purified by two steps of purification procedures, and approximately 311 mg of rduIL-2/L fermentation supernatant was obtained. SDS-PAGE showed that the purified rduIL-2 constituted a homogeneous band of ~16 kDa or ~14 kDa corresponding to the glycosylated or non-glycosylated duIL-2 protein in size, respectively. The bioactivity of rduIL-2 was determined by lymphocyte proliferation assay. The result indicated that the rduIL-2 greatly prom...

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Lessons from Chimpanzee-based Research on Human Disease: The Implications of Genetic Differences.

Alternatives to Laboratory Animals : ATLA — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bailey J Abstract Assertions that the use of chimpanzees to investigate human diseases is valid scientifically are frequently based on a reported 98-99% genetic similarity between the species. Critical analyses of the relevance of chimpanzee studies to human biology, however, indicate that this genetic similarity does not result in sufficient physiological similarity for the chimpanzee to constitute a good model for research, and furthermore, that chimpanzee data do not translate well to progress in clinical practice for humans. Leading examples include the minimal citations of chimpanzee research that is relevant to human medicine, the highly different pathology of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C virus infection in the two species, the lack of correlation in the efficacy of vacc...

Mechanisms of sex disparities in influenza pathogenesis.

Journal of Leukocyte Biology — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Klein SL, Hodgson A, Robinson DP Abstract Epidemiological evidence from influenza outbreaks and pandemics reveals that morbidity and mortality are often higher for women than men. Sex differences in the outcome of influenza are age-dependent, often being most pronounced among adults of reproductive ages (18-49 years of age) and sometimes reflecting the unique state of pregnancy in females, which is a risk factor for severe disease. Small animal models of influenza virus infection illustrate that inflammatory immune responses also differ between the sexes and impact the outcome of infection, with females generating higher proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine responses and experiencing greater morbidity and mortality than males. Males and females also respond differently t...

Evaluation of Needle-free Injection Devices for Intramuscular Vaccination in Horses

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:29:28 +0100

This article compares the use of two such devices (VitaJet-3 and Biojector2000) at typical vaccination sites in a cohort of six horses. After identifying the optimal device and vaccination site, a second cohort of five horses was used to document the biologic activity of a DNA plasmid vector delivered with the selected injector. Injector characteristics, including the amount of intramuscular drug deposition, residual skin dose, and pain responses, were evaluated following vaccination, with colored saline in the pectoral muscles and cervical region in six horses. The optimal device was then selected and used for intramuscular vaccination with the pING/tyrosinase plasmid vector in a group of five horses. Biological activity was measured through antibody response to the protein encoded by the...

Production of native flagellin from Salmonella Typhimurium in a bioreactor and purification by tangential ultrafiltration

Brazilian Journal of Chemical Engineering — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:48:12 +0100

Flagellin is the structural protein and most abundant component of bacterial flagella. The flagellum filament contains around 20,000 - 100,000 subunits of 50 kDa flagellin that can have diverse biotechnological applications such as vaccine adjuvant and cellular protector during chemo- and radiotherapy. The main aim of this work was to study a production process of purified native FliC flagellin of Salmonella Typhimurium. The culture conditions in shakers were established with medium devoid of animal-derived components. In bioreactors, culture conditions were established in order to obtain flagellin from the culture supernatant by tangential ultrafiltration (TUF). The concentrated 750 kDa cut-off TUF fraction had a purification factor of 1.5 and a recovery yield of 52.2% for flagellin. The ...

Yeast expressed recombinant Hemagglutinin protein of Novel H1N1 elicits neutralising antibodies in rabbits and mice

Virology Journal — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Currently available vaccines for the pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 produced in chicken eggs have serious impediments viz limited availability, risk of allergic reactions and the possible selection of sub-populations differing from the naturally occurring virus, whereas the cell culture derived vaccines are time consuming and may not meet the demands of rapid global vaccination required to combat the present/future pandemic. Hemagglutinin (HA) based subunit vaccine for H1N1 requires the HA protein in glycosylated form, which is impossible with the commonly used bacterial expression platform. Additionally, bacterial derived protein requires extensive purification and refolding steps for vaccine applications. For these reasons an alternative heterologous system for rapid, easy and economic...

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Vaccine protects domestic animals against Chagas disease

SciDev.Net — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:02:05 +0100

Argentinian researchers have produced a veterinary vaccine against Chagas disease, which has the potential to reduce transmission to humans. (Source: SciDev.Net)

Structure of a Potential Vaccine Target from N. meningitidis [Protein Structure and Folding]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Neisseria heparin binding antigen (NHBA), also known as GNA2132 (genome-derived Neisseria antigen 2132), is a surface-exposed lipoprotein from Neisseria meningitidis that was originally identified by reverse vaccinology. It is one the three main antigens of a multicomponent vaccine against serogroup B meningitis (4CMenB), which has just completed phase III clinical trials in infants. In contrast to the other two main vaccine components, little is known about the origin of the immunogenicity of this antigen, and about its ability to induce a strong cross-bactericidal response in animals and humans. To characterize NHBA in terms of its structural/immunogenic properties, we have analyzed its sequence and identified a C-terminal region that is highly conserved in all strains. We demonstrate ex...

SIV infection of rhesus macaques results in dysfunctional T- and B-cell responses to neo and recall Leishmania major vaccination

Blood — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

HIV infection is characterized by immune system dysregulation, including depletion of CD4+ T cells, immune activation, and abnormal B- and T-cell responses. However, the immunologic mechanisms underlying lymphocytic dysfunctionality and whether it is restricted to immune responses against neo antigens, recall antigens, or both is unclear. Here, we immunized SIV-infected and uninfected rhesus macaques to induce immune responses against neo and recall antigens using a Leishmania major polyprotein (MML) vaccine given with poly-ICLC adjuvant. We found that vaccinated SIVuninfected animals induced high frequencies of polyfunctional MML-specific CD4+ T cells. However, in SIV-infected animals, CD4+ T-cell functionality decreased after both neo (P = .0025) and recall (P = .0080) MML vaccination. F...

Evaluation and Management of the Recumbent Adult Horse

Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:50:51 +0100

Initial evaluation of a recumbent horse involves assessment of the entire situation, including the location of the horse and safety of the horse and all involved personnel. A recumbent horse often results in a stressed environment, for both the horse and client, and it is important for the veterinarian to be observant, directive and methodical during the evaluation. Obtaining a good history can provide critical information for reaching a diagnosis as to the cause of recumbency. Signalment and a history of recent health or performance problems should be obtained. Any treatments that the horse has received should also be recorded. Onset (acute vs chronic) of the recumbency, and activity prior to the onset of recumbency should be determined. Knowledge of diet and management practices may also...

10 outlandish things the 'scientific' controllers have in mind for you in the near future

NaturalNews.com — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) What corporate-driven "science" has in mind for the future of humanity is far different from the dreamy utopian landscape that's been portrayed by the mainstream media. To hear the corporate-run media tell it, science is always "good" for humanity. Scientific achievements are always called "advances" and not "setbacks," even though many of them have proven to be disastrous for humanity (atomic bombs, for example, or GMOs).While pure science is, indeed, a necessary component of any civilization which seeks to expand its understanding of the universe, what we see dominating the landscape today isn't pure science but corporate-driven "science" that only seeks to accelerate corporate profits, not human understanding. And with that corporate-slanted science comes a whole new era o...

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Enhanced control of sheep ticks in upland sheep flocks: repercussions for red grouse co‐hosts

Medical and Veterinary Entomology — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Sheep ticks Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) and tick‐borne diseases cause major economic losses in both upland sheep farming and moorland shoots of red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus. Sheep were treated with acaricide four times between March and October and double‐vaccinated against louping ill virus (LIV), instead of the conventional regime of two acaricide treatments and no vaccinations, on two moors in northern England. Enhanced treatment started at Westerdale Moor in 1995 and at Danby Moor in 2000; the latter had previously represented a spatial control site. From 1992 to 2003, grouse chick condition, tick burdens, reproductive success, shooting bags and LIV seroprevalence were measured. A total of 1297 grouse chicks from 398 broods were examined for ticks. Enhanced acaricide tr...

Physicochemical and biological characterization of 1E10 Anti-Idiotype vaccine

BMC Biotechnology - Latest articles — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Changes in 1E10 primary structure like glycosylation; asparagine deamidation and oxidation affected 1E10 structural stability but do not affect the immune response elicited in mice and chickens when compared to 1E10 produced in mice.. (Source: BMC Biotechnology - Latest articles)

Protective immunity afforded by attenuated, PhoP‐deficient Mycobacterium tuberculosis is associated with sustained generation of CD4+ T‐cell memory

European Journal of Immunology — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study defines a mechanism for the protective effect of the SO2 vaccine and suggests that deletion of defined virulence networks may provide vaccine strains with potent immuno‐stimulatory properties. (Source: European Journal of Immunology)

Generation of immunogenic and tolerogenic clinical-grade dendritic cells

Immunologic Research — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:09:01 +0100

Abstract Immunotherapy with dendritic cells (DCs), which have been manipulated ex vivo to become immunogenic or tolerogenic, has been tested in clinical trials for disease therapy. DCs are sentinels of the immune system, which after exposure to antigenic or inflammatory signals and crosstalk with effector CD4+ T cells express high levels of costimulatory molecules and cytokines. Upregulation of either costimulatory molecules or cytokines promotes immunologic DCs, whereas their downregulation generates tolerogenic DCs (TDCs), which induce T regulatory cells (Tregs) and a state of tolerance. Immunogenic DCs are used for the therapy of infectious diseases such as HIV-1 and cancer, whereas tolerogenic DCs are used in treating various autoimmune diseases and in transplantation. ...

Cloning, expression in Escherichia coli, and purification of soluble recombinant duck interleukin-2

World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:07:03 +0100

In this study, a gene encoding duck IL-2 was cloned and the soluble recombinant duck IL-2 (rDuIL-2) was expressed in Escherichia coli via fusion with glutathione S-transferase (GST). The results indicated that the GST-rDuIL-2 fusion protein expressed in E. coli Origami (DE3) was confirmed to be of about 40 kDa molecular mass by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. In order to produce soluble rDuIL-2 in a low-cost, nontoxic and high-level expression process, lactose was used as a substitute for Isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) to induce the above recombinant strain Origami (pGEX-DuIL-2). By optimizing the expression conditions, the production of soluble GST-rDuIL-2 fusion protein was about 29% of total cellular soluble proteins, which was similar with IPTG used as inducer. Th...

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Eritrea: Vaccination Program Underway in Gash-Barka Region

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 06:42:57 +0100

A vaccination program is underway in Gash-Barka region aimed at promoting the health situation of livestock, according to Dr. Tekelezgi Tekie, from the Agricultural Ministry's animal health unit. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Induction of protective immunity in a syrian hamster model against a cytopathogenic strain of andes virus

Journal of Medical Virology — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:58:43 +0100

AbstractAndes virus (ANDV) is responsible for the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome cases in Argentina and neighboring countries, with moderate to high case‐fatality rates. ANDV has some particular features, which make it unique among other members of the Hantavirus genus such as person‐to‐person transmission and causing a disease similar to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in the hamster as an animal model. The kinetics of replication in Vero E6 cells of an ANDV strain isolated in Argentina, called Andes/ARG, was studied. Cytopathic effect and the formation of clear plaques were observed and therefore Andes/ARG could be quantified by classic plaque assay. The Andes/ARG strain was found to be highly lethal in Syrian hamsters allowing experiments to demonstrate the protective potential of va...

CAF05: cationic liposomes that incorporate synthetic cord factor and poly(I:C) induce CTL immunity and reduce tumor burden in mice

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:58:22 +0100

Abstract Considerable effort has been put into targeting tumors through therapeutic vaccination using dendritic cell-, DNA-, protein-, or peptide-based vaccines. Purified peptides and proteins are generally not immunogenic and need to be administered with an adjuvant that will trigger an appropriate immune response. Safe adjuvants that favor induction of tumor reactive CD8+ T cells with the capacity to directly kill tumor cells are therefore a high priority. We have previously reported on the effect and mechanism of a cationic adjuvant formulation, CAF01, which incorporates synthetic mycobacterial cord factor and primes protective Th1, Th17, and antibody responses in animal models of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. The CAF01 adjuvant is currently in clinical tri...

Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis attenuated mutants against challenge in a mouse model.

Vaccine — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chen JW, Faisal SM, Chandra S, McDonough SP, Moreira MA, Scaria J, Chang CF, Bannantine JP, Akey B, Chang YF Abstract Johne's disease (JD), caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), results in serious economic losses worldwide especially in cattle, sheep and goats. To control the impact of JD on the animal industry, an effective vaccine with minimal adverse effects is urgently required. In order to develop an effective vaccine, we used allelic exchange to construct three mutant MAP strains, leuD, mpt64 and secA2. The mutants were attenuated in a murine model and induced cytokine responses in J774A.1 cell. The leuD mutant was the most obviously attenuated of the three constructed mutant strains. Our preliminary vaccine trial in mice demonstrated different...

Effect of vaccination with an inactivated vaccine on transplacental transmission of BTV-8 in mid term pregnant ewes and heifers.

Vaccine — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: van der Sluijs MT, Schroer-Joosten DP, Fid-Fourkour A, Vrijenhoek MP, Debyser I, Gregg DA, Dufe DM, Moulin V, Moormann RJ, de Smit AJ Abstract The effect of vaccination with a commercial inactivated Bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8) vaccine on the ability of BTV-8 to cross the ruminant placenta was investigated in two experiments. Ten pregnant ewes (Experiment 1) or heifers (Experiment 2) were vaccinated according to the manufacturer's instructions. Three weeks after the completion of the vaccination schedule, all vaccinated animals were infected with BTV-8 together with ten non-vaccinated pregnant animals that served as challenged controls. Four additional pregnant animals received a mock challenge at the same time point. Three weeks after the challenge, the foetuses we...

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Development of a combined canine distemper virus specific RT-PCR protocol for the differentiation of infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA) and genetic characterization of the hemagglutinin gene of seven Chinese strains demonstrated in dogs.

Journal of Virological Methods — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yi L, Cheng S, Xu H, Wang J, Cheng Y, Yang S, Luo B Abstract A combined reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was developed for the detection and differentiation of wild-type and vaccine strains of the canine distemper virus (CDV). A pair of primers (P1/P2) was used to detect both CDV wild-type strains and vaccines. Another pair (P3/P4) was used to detect only CDV wild-type strains. A 335bp fragment was amplified from the genomic RNA of the vaccine and wild-type strains. A 555bp fragment was amplified specifically from the genomic RNA of the wild-type strains. No amplification was achieved for the uninfected cells, cells infected with canine parvovirus, canine coronavirus, or canine adenovirus. The combined RT-PCR method detected effectively and d...

The contribution of Plasmodium chabaudi to our understanding of malaria.

Trends in Parasitology — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Stephens R, Culleton RL, Lamb TJ Abstract Malaria kills close to a million people every year, mostly children under the age of five. In the drive towards the development of an effective vaccine and new chemotherapeutic targets for malaria, field-based studies on human malaria infection and laboratory-based studies using animal models of malaria offer complementary opportunities to further our understanding of the mechanisms behind malaria infection and pathology. We outline here the parallels between the Plasmodium chabaudi mouse model of malaria and human malaria. We will highlight the contribution of P. chabaudi to our understanding of malaria in particular, how the immune response in malaria infection is initiated and regulated, its role in pathology, and how immunologi...

Identification and characterization of Borrelia antigens as potential vaccine candidates against Lyme borreliosis.

Vaccine — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Poljak A, Comstedt P, Hanner M, Schüler W, Meinke A, Wizel B, Lundberg U Abstract The three Borrelia species, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia garinii are the main species causing the most common tick-borne zoonosis, Lyme borreliosis. By applying a genomic approach relying on human antibodies we have identified 122 antigenic Borrelia proteins associated with Lyme borreliosis, including already known and published protective antigens. The heterogeneity of the Borrelia species causing Lyme borreliosis makes the search for conserved antigens providing broad protection challenging. Using several in vitro assays we narrowed down the selection to 15 vaccine candidates. These antigens were further analyzed for antigenicity and cross-reactivity using sera from ...

Fatal Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X sepsis in immunocompromised patients in Spain. Virulence of clinical isolates

Journal of Infection — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: NmX isolates in the north of Spain can cause severe disease in humans, despite their low prevalence. The in vivo animal study showed that virulence of isolates was more closely associated with the genotype than with the serogroup. (Source: Journal of Infection)

Optimized Adenovirus-Antibody Complexes Stimulate Strong Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses Against an Encoded Antigen in Naive Mice and Those with Pre-Existing Immunity.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Choi JH, Dekker J, Schafer SC, John J, Whitfil CE, Petty CS, Haddad EE, Croyle MA Abstract The immune response elicited by recombinant adenoviruses is the most significant impediment to their clinical use for immunization. We test the hypothesis that specific virus-antibody combinations dictate the type of immune response generated against the adenovirus and its transgene cassette under certain physiological conditions while minimizing vector-induced toxicity. In vitro and in vivo assays were used to characterize the transduction efficiency, T and B cell responses to the encoded transgene and toxicity of 1 × 10(11) adenovirus particles mixed with different concentrations of neutralizing antibodies. Complexes formed at concentrations of 500-0.05 N.D.(50) elicited strong vi...

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Anthrax Vaccine Antigen-Adjuvant Formulations Completely Protect New Zealand White Rabbits against Challenge with Bacillus anthracis Ames Strain Spores.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Peachman KK, Li Q, Matyas GR, Shivachandra SB, Lovchik J, Lyons RC, Alving CR, Rao VB, Rao M Abstract In an effort to develop an improved anthrax vaccine that shows high potency, five different anthrax protective antigen (PA)-adjuvant vaccine formulations that were previously found to be efficacious in a nonhuman primate model were evaluated for their efficacy in a rabbit pulmonary challenge model using Bacillus anthracis Ames strain spores. The vaccine formulations include: PA adsorbed to Alhydrogel®, PA encapsulated in liposomes containing monophosphoryl lipid A, stable liposomal PA oil-in-water emulsion, and PA displayed on bacteriophage T4 by the intramuscular route and PA mixed with E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin administered by the needle-free transcutaneous route....

Measurement of antibody responses to Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) and Dryvax(®) using proteome microarrays and development of recombinant protein ELISAs.

Vaccine — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hermanson G, Chun S, Felgner J, Tan X, Pablo J, Nakajima-Sasaki R, Molina DM, Felgner PL, Liang X, Davies DH Abstract Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) is an attenuated strain of vaccinia virus that is being considered as a safer alternative to replicating vaccinia vaccine strains such as Dryvax(®) and ACAM2000. Its excellent safety profile and large genome also make it an attractive vector for the delivery of heterologous genes from other pathogens. MVA was attenuated by prolonged passage through chick embryonic fibroblasts in vitro. In human and most mammalian cells, production of infectious progeny is aborted in the late stage of infection. Despite this, MVA provides high-level gene expression and is immunogenic in humans and other animals. A key issue for vaccine d...

Mechanisms underlying allergy vaccination with recombinant hypoallergenic allergen derivatives.

Vaccine — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Linhart B, Valenta R Abstract Hundred years ago therapeutic vaccination with allergen-containing extracts has been introduced as a clinically effective, disease-modifying, allergen-specific and long-lasting form of therapy for allergy, a hypersensitivity disease affecting more than 25% of the population. Today, the structures of most of the disease-causing allergens have been elucidated and recombinant hypoallergenic allergen derivatives with reduced allergenic activity have been engineered to reduce side effects during allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT). These recombinant hypoallergens have been characterized in vitro, in experimental animal models and in clinical trials in allergic patients. This review provides a summary of the molecular, immunological and preclinica...

Implementation of herd health program to improve survival of Boer goats in Malaysia

Tropical Animal Health and Production — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:18:25 +0100

Abstract A Boer goat breeding farm with 800 heads of breeder females, 50 breeder males, and 400 growing goats of various ages in Sabah, Malaysia was selected to study the effect of implementing herd health program. This included vaccination program against pneumonic mannheimiosis; fecal monitoring for helminthiasis, coccidiosis, and colibacillosis; and introduction of modified feeding regime comprised of day-time grazing and feeding of cut grass and supplemented feed. The herd health program was implemented in September 2007 and the impact was observed on body weight gains, body scoring, and annual mortality among adults and kids. It was found that implementation of herd health program significantly (p < 0.05) increased the average body weight gains in both adults an...