Cellular immune response studies in bancroftian filariasis

An attempt was made to identify the filarial specific antigens that are capable of inducing immune response in human filariasis. Lymphocytes were taken from three clinically defined groups living in an endemic area in Madras, namely microfilaraemic (MF) subjects with microfilariae in their blood smear without any clinical symptoms, chronic pathology (CP) individuals with lymphangitis or lymphadenitis in combination with a history of recurrent filarial fevers or lymphoedema, and endemic normals (EN) subjects without microfilariae nor any clinical symptoms of pathology. Lymphocytes from the three groups responded with no significant difference (P = 0.21) in their proliferative index to PPD and PHA, although lymphocytes from MF individuals showed significantly (P < 0.001) less proliferative index to Brugia malayi antigen (BMA) than the CP and EN subjects. This antigen specific cellular unresponsiveness seen in MF patients was not reversed by the addition of recombinant IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and IFN-gamma, but the addition of sera from EN individuals seemed to restore this unresponsiveness (P < 0.001). The peripheral blood mononuclear cells from MF patients secreted more IL-1 in response to BMA induction than the same from CP and EN individuals. A 58 kDa recombinant protein isolated from a Wuchereria bancrofti genomic library (58 kDa) had mounted a higher proliferative response to lymphocytes from all three groups compared to BMA (P < 0.001) indicating the possible use of recombinant filarial protein to mount immunological responses in filarial patients.

Regulation of parasite antigen-driven immune responses by interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-12 in lymphatic filariasis

We investigated the mechanisms by which interleukin-10 (IL-10) regulates antigen-specific hyporesponsiveness in asymptomatic microfilaremic (MF) individuals. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from MF individuals (n = 11) were stimulated in vitro with Brugia malayi antigen (BMA) or mycobacterial purified protein derivative (PPD) in the presence of neutralizing anti-IL-10 or isotype control monoclonal antibodies. As expected, BMA stimulated little or no gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) secretion in MF individuals, whereas PPD stimulated IFN-gamma in all but one. Neutralization of endogenous BMA-driven IL-10 secretion led to augmentation of IFN-gamma in seven of nine MF individuals (1.5- to 10-fold) and did so in a BMA-specific manner (PPD-driven IFN-gamma was augmented in only two of eight MF individuals and only 1.5- to 2-fold), indicating that IL-10 downregulates type 1 responses in these individuals. Type 2 responses (IL-5 secretion) were unaffected by the IL-10 blockade. To assess whether IL-12 could reverse the type 1 downregulation observed, the effect of recombinant human IL-12 (rhIL-12) on BMA-driven IL-5 and IFN-gamma production was also evaluated. rhIL-12 augmented both BMA- and PPD-driven IFN-gamma production 5- to 10-fold in six of nine MF individuals. These data demonstrate that IL-10 downregulates BMA-driven type 1 responses and that IL-12 can overcome downregulation of Th1 responses associated with MF but does so in a non-antigen-specific manner.

Necrosis of lung epithelial cells by filarial parasitic protein via an early induction of c-H-ras and TNF alpha expression

The direct interaction of filarial proteins with lung epithelial cells was examined to determine the possible mechanism of inducing cell death, an event that is observed in patients with tropical pulmonary eosinophilia. Exposure of lung epithelial cells to filarial parasitic proteins, Brugia malayi (BmA), Setaria digitata (Sd), and recombinant filarial protein (pGT 7) in vitro for more than 2 days, causes the appearance of DNA fragments both in the cytoplasm and culture supernatants, while no fragmentation was observed in the untreated controls. The release of DNA fragments both in the cytoplasm and the culture supernatants simultaneously, indicates that cell death is induced by a necrotic event rather than apoptosis. Fluorescent-labelled studies also indicate the fragmentation of DNA increasing in a time-dependent manner. Normal cellular function is controlled through several oncogenes. The modulation of specific proto-oncogenes like myc, ras and TNF alpha during exposure to filarial parasitic proteins reveal elevated levels of expression of ras and TNF alpha as early as 2 hours, implicating their involvement prior to DNA fragmentation leading to pathogenesis.

Elevated IL-10 mRNA expression and downregulation of Th1-type cytokines in microfilaraemic individuals with Wuchereria bancrofti infection

To understand the molecular basis of parasite-specific anergy in human lymphatic filariasis caused by the nematode Wuchereria bancrofti, parasite antigen-dependent cellular proliferation and cytokine gene expression were investigated. By reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the levels of cytokine mRNA were determined in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of different clinical groups of filariasis patients. This includes individuals with circulating microfilariae (MF), patients with chronic lymphatic obstruction (CP), and exposed but uninfected individuals (EN). Those with CP exhibited both a Th2 and a Th1 parasite antigen-driven response. In PBMCs from those with MF, there was a marked downregulation of cellular response to parasite antigens, with lowered expression of Th1-specific cytokines (IFN-gamma and IL-2) and this was paralleled by increased IL-10 expression. The EN individuals had a purely Th1-type pattern with absence of IL-4 and IL-5 expression. Further, the mRNA expression of the costimulatory surface marker, CD80 (B7-1), was not associated with either disease status or IL-10 expression. There was a significant negative correlation between IL-10 mRNA expression and PBMC proliferation in the MF individuals, thus indicating the possible role of IL-10 in antigen-specific hyporesponsiveness.

High levels of spontaneous and parasite antigen-driven interleukin-10 production are associated with antigen-specific hyporesponsiveness in human lymphatic filariasis

To determine whether counterregulation by interleukin (IL)-10 plays a role in the generation or maintenance of the antigen-specific hyporesponsiveness seen in asymptomatic microfilaremic (MF) patients, parasite antigen (PAg)- and nonparasite antigen (NPAg)-driven IL-10 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was studied in 10 MF patients and in ll patients with chronic lymphatic pathology (CP). PBMC from MF patients spontaneously secreted 10-fold more IL-10 than did PBMC from patients with CP. PAg also induced significantly more IL-10 production by PBMC from CP patients. There was a negative correlation between PAg driven IL-10 production by PBMC and PAg-specific T cell proliferation in the MF group. IL-10 secretion by plastic adherent cells from MF persons was higher in response to PAg than NPAg, whereas IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion were equivalent for PAg and NPAg, suggesting that PAg preferentially induces IL-10 secretion in these cells. Thus, PAg-induced IL-10 likely plays an important role in down-regulating antigen-specific proliferative responses in MF patients.

Novel polyaminolipids enhance the cellular uptake of oligonucleotides

Two new polyaminolipids have been synthesized for the purpose of improving cellular uptake of oligonucleotides. The amphipathic compounds are conjugates of spermidine or spermine linked through a carbamate bond to cholesterol. The polyaminolipids are relatively nontoxic to mammalian cells. In tissue culture assays, using fluorescent-tagged or radiolabeled triple helix-forming oligonucleotides, spermine-cholesterol and spermidine-cholesterol significantly enhance cellular uptake of the oligomers in the presence of serum. Spermine-cholesterol is comparable with DOTMA/DOPE (a 1:1 (w/w) formulation of the cationic lipid N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)-propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA) and the neutral lipid dioleylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE)) in increasing cellular uptake of oligonucleotides, while spermidine-cholesterol is more efficient. The internalized oligonucleotides are routed to the nucleus as early as 20 min after treatment, suggesting that the polyaminolipids increase the permeability of cellular membranes to oligonucleotides. At later times, much of the incoming oligonucleotides are sequestered within punctate cytoplasmic granules, presumably compartments of endosomal origin. Coadministration with polyaminolipids markedly improves the cellular stability of the oligonucleotides; more than 80% of the material can be recovered intact up to 24 h after addition to cells. In the absence of the polyaminolipids, nearly all of the material is degraded within 6 h. These data suggest that the new polyaminolipids may be useful for the delivery of nucleic acid-based therapeutics into cells.

New efficient sulfurizing reagents for the preparation of oligodeoxyribonucleotide phosphorothioate analogues

A set of new sulfurizing agents representing disulfides of arylsulfonic acids has been developed for the automated synthesis of phosphorothioate oligonucleotide analogues via the phosphoramidite method. These reagents, such as bis(benzenesulfonyl)disulfide, bis(p-toluenesulfonyl)disulfide, bis(p-methoxybenzensulfonyl)disulfide, and bis (p-chlorobenzenesulfonyl) disulfide, are easily prepared crystalline solid compounds. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to handle, and efficiently convert internucleotide cyanoethyl phosphite to the phosphorothioate triester within 1-2 min. The efficiency of phosphorothioate oligonucleotide synthesis with the use of these reagents is comparable to that of phosphodiester oligonucleotides.

Use of phthaloyl protecting group for the automated synthesis of 3'-[(hydroxypropyl)amino] and 3'-[(hydroxypropyl)triglycyl] oligonucleotide conjugates

The chemical stability of oligonucleotides (ODNs) containing 3'-propanolamine was investigated. Invariably, all the ODNs synthesized from Fmoc-protected 3-aminopropane-1,2-diol-CPG support gave a mixture of three compounds at the end of automated synthesis as analyzed by denaturing PAGE and HPLC. On the basis of analytical procedures, these compounds were identified to be 3'-[N-acetyl-N-(hydroxypropyl)amino],3'-[(hydroxypropyl)amino], and 3'-hydroxyl ODNs. The instability of the amino protecting group under the synthesis conditions was responsible for this observed heterogeneity. In order to evaluate the stability, a comparative study on the chemical stability of the ODN containing amino-protecting groups such as [(9-fluorenylmethyl)oxy]carbonyl (Fmoc), trifluoroacetyl (TFA), and phthaloyl was undertaken. The results indicate that the phthaloyl group provided the best stability for the synthesis of 3' amine-modified ODNs, and the protecting group is cleaved and deprotected in concentrated ammonium hydroxide:40% aqueous methylamine, 1:1, for 5-10 min, at 56 degrees C. The 3'-hydroxypropyl)triglycyl] ODN conjugates were also synthesized from Fmoc- and phthaloyl-protected (hydroxypropyl)triglycine-CPG supports.

Selective binding of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine 2'-deoxyribonucleoside to AT base pairs in antiparallel triple helices

Triple helix-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) offer the potential to specifically modulate expression of gene in a sequence dependent manner. TFOs containing G and T residues that bind to duplex DNA, forming a series of GGC and TAT base triplets, have been well studied. It has been observed that T is relatively nonspecific in that it binds with similar affinity to AT, GC, and CG base pairs. This may significantly reduce the specificity of a given TFO, leading to undesired effects on the expression of genes unrelated to the intended target. We have now prepared 3-(2-deoxy-beta-D-erythro-pentofuranosyl)-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,7(8H )- dione (P) and incorporated it into TFOs using the solid-support, phosphoramidite chemistry. It has been demonstrated that a limited substitution of P for T in a G-rich 26-mer TFO can improve binding specificity for AT base pairs in antiparallel motif under certain conditions. The specificity exhibited by P is suggestive of base pair specific interactions that influence the binding strength and consequently enhance the potential therapeutic application of TFOs. However, the effect of substitution of P for T is dependent on the binding conditions, as well as the number of position of substitutions.

Polymerase chain reaction and non-radioactive gene probe based identification of mosquito larvicidal strains of Bacillus sphaericus and monitoring of B. sphaericus 1593M, released in the environment

In attempts towards an accurate monitoring in the environment, the status of the deliberate release of Bacillus sphaericus, a powerful mosquito larvicidal agent, as well as to evolve a rapid method of screening for potent isolates of B. sphaericus, we have developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method of analysis. Using specific primers spanning the 5' and 3' ends of the coding sequences of these two mosquito larvicidal genes, a 1.3 and a 1.1 kb product from gene A and a 2.6 kb product from gene B have been amplified by PCR. The primers and the products amplified from them in PCR are highly specific for B. sphaericus. We used digoxigenin based non-radioactive chemiluminescence method for the detection of PCR products and the sensitivity of the method was high enough to detect the presence of 1 to 5 cells of B. sphaericus. A simple and inexpensive sample processing procedure has also been developed for direct PCR amplification of B. sphaericus DNA from field samples collected from areas where it had been applied. Several highly toxic to non-toxic strains of B. sphaericus were screened with these primers by PCR for the presence of either or both of these toxin genes. The results indicate that there is a good correlation between the presence of both genes with higher toxicity of the strains.

Interaction of filarial proteins on growth regulation of normal lung epithelial cells in vitro

An in vitro model to examine the effects of filarial proteins on lung epithelial cells has been developed. Several of these proteins appear in circulation of infected individuals. A close association between tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) and filariasis has been reported by several workers. [3H]-thymidine studies do indicate that when optimum concentration of these filarial proteins were added to lung cultures in proliferating and basal/maintenance media a further increase in growth stimulation was observed early in culture. However, on longer exposures and at higher concentrations an inhibitory effect with distinct morphological changes were noted. The dual role of these proteins on lung epithelial cells in vitro may highlight the possibility of a direct interaction of these proteins with lung cells during disease also contributing to tissue damage.

Azole substituted oligonucleotides promote antiparallel triplex formation at non-homopurine duplex targets

The ability of certain azole substituted oligodeoxy-ribonucleotides to promote antiparallel triple helix formation with duplex targets having CG or TA interruptions in the otherwise homopurine sequence was examined. 2'-Deoxyribonucleosides of the azoles, which include pyrazole, imidazole, 1,2,4-triazole and 1,2,3,4-tetrazole were synthesized using the stereo-specific sodium salt glycosylation procedure. These nucleosides were successfully incorporated using solid-support, phosphoramidite chemistry, into oligonucleotides designed to interact with the non-homopurine duplex targets. The interaction of these modified oligonucleotides with all four possible base pairs was evaluated and compared to similar data for a series of natural oligonucleotides. The oligonucleotides containing simple azoles enhanced the triplex forming ability considerably at non-homopurine targets. Binding of these modified oligonucleotides to duplex targets containing TA inversion sites was particularly noteworthy, and compare favorably to unmodified oligonucleotides for binding to duplex targets containing CG as well as TA base pairs. The selectivity exhibited by certain azoles is suggestive of base pair specific interactions. Thus, the azoles evaluated during this study show considerable promise for efforts to develop generalized triplex formation at non-homopurine duplex sequences.

Brugia malayi: the diagnostic potential of recombinant excretory/secretory antigens

The diagnostic potential of recombinant E/S antigens of the lymphatic filaria Brugia malayi was investigated by Western blot. A cDNA expression library was constructed using B. malayi male adult worm mRNA, and E/S recombinants were identified with a rabbit antiserum raised against E/S products collected in vitro from B. malayi male and female adult worms. Two of these recombinants, Bm12 and Bm14L, were studied after subcloning the cDNA inserts in an Escherichia coli plasmid expression and purification vector, obtaining the inserts' nucleotide sequence, and purifying the expressed proteins. By homology of their deduced amino acid sequence with that of previously identified proteins, Bm12 was identified as the B. malayi gp 15/400 antigen, and Bm14 as a member of the hsp90 family of heat shock proteins. The antigenic cross-reactivity of the purified recombinant proteins was assessed with 28 serum samples from patients infected with Ascaris, Trichuris, or hookworm, and also with a few samples from patients with onchocerciasis and loiasis. For Bm12, the specificity for all of the intestinal helminthiasis together was 75%. Bm14L, on the other hand, cross-reacted with all of the ascariasis serum samples with which it was tested. Presence of antibodies cross-reactive with B. malayi was confirmed in all of these serum samples by examining their antibody reactivity with Western blots of extracts of whole B. malayi adult worms. A semiquantitative (+ or -) assessment of the sensitivity of Bm12 for antibody detection was performed using 6 serum samples from patients with chronic filariasis and 24 samples from patients with microfilaremia. All of these serum samples contained anti-Bm12 antibody (sensitivity of 100%). Finally, the ability of Bm12 to detect antibody before the onset of patency was established with a longitudinal collection of serum samples obtained from 2 African green vervets (Cercopithecus aethiops) and 3 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), all of which were infected with B. malayi. Anti-Bm12 antibodies were detectable in all animals between 4 and 11 weeks before patency.

Synthesis and properties of cholesteryl-modified triple-helix forming oligonucleotides containing a triglycyl linker

In order to enhance the nuclear uptake of triple-helix forming oligonucleotides (TFOs), a triglycylcholesterol group was attached to the 3' end. The peptide unit was introduced as a "labile" linker with the aim of releasing the oligonucleotide from the endosomes by the action of peptidases after crossing the cell membrane. Cholesteryl-CPG (8) and -TentaGel (9) supports containing 2-[N-(glycylglycylglycyl)amino]propane-1,3-diol (GAP-3) linker were prepared and used for automated oligonucleotide synthesis. The synthesis, characterization, and stability of these compounds are described.

Binding of T and T analogs to CG base pairs in antiparallel triplexes

The goal of this study was to address antiparallel triplex formation at duplex targets that do not conform to a strict oligopurine.oligopyrimidine motif. We focused on the ability of natural bases and base analogs incorporated into oligonucleotide third strands to bind to so-called CG inversions. These are sites where a cytosine base is present in an otherwise purine-rich strand of a duplex target. Using a 26-base-triplet test system, we found that of the standard bases, only thymine (T) shows substantial binding to CG inversions. This is quantitatively similar to the report of Beal and Dervan [Science (1991), 251, 1360-1363]. Binding to CG inversions was only slightly weaker than binding to AT base pairs. Binding of T to CG inversions was also evaluated in two other sequences, with qualitatively similar results. Six different analogs of thymine were also tested for binding to CG inversions and AT base pairs. Significant changes in affinity were observed. In particular, 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine was found to increase affinity for CG inversions as well as for AT base pairs. Studies with oligonucleotides containing pyridin-2-one or pyridin-4-one suggest that thymine O4 plays a critical role in the T.CG interaction. Possible models to account for these observations are discussed.

Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 activity in vitro by oligonucleotides composed entirely of guanosine and thymidine

Oligonucleotide compounds composed of only deoxyguanosine and deoxythymidine were able to significantly inhibit human immunodeficiency virus type -1 (HIV-1)-induced syncytium formation and virus production (as measured by p24 core antigen expression) in an acute infection assay system. The oligonucleotides did not share any homology with or possess any complementary (antisense) sequence motifs to the HIV-1 genome. The guanosine/thymidine-containing oligonucleotides (GTOs) that showed this anti-HIV activity contained natural phosphodiester (PD) linkages (backbones) between the nucleosides. One of the PD oligonucleotide sequence motifs tested was capable of inhibiting HIV-1-induced syncytium formation and p24 production with a median effective dose in culture (ED50) in the submicromolar range. In addition, oligonucleotides tested were able to significantly suppress HIV-1 p24 levels > or = 7 days after removal of the drug from the infected cell culture medium. The growth inhibition properties (toxicity) of this genre of oligonucleotides was determined to be well above the ED50 values yielding high selective indexes. In vitro results showed that GTOs with PD backbones were potent competitive inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. These same molecules were capable of blocking the interaction between gp120 and CD4. All measured activities of these molecules were increased by factors of 10-500 when the PD backbone was replaced with a PT backbone in a sequence-dependent manner. The enhanced antiviral activity displayed by the sulfur group on the oligonucleotide backbone and the lack of any sequence-specific interactions suggest that a percentage of antiviral activity of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics is due to mechanisms other than those originally postulated for oligonucleotides. The good selective index of GTOs coupled with the prolonged suppression of HIV-1 in culture after removal of oligonucleotides from the infected cell culture make this a class of compounds that warrant investigation as therapeutic agents to be used against HIV-1.

Inhibition of T7 and T3 RNA polymerase directed transcription elongation in vitro

A class of oligonucleotides which binds to naturally-occurring duplex DNA sites at physiologic pH to form triple helical structures was used as transcription attenuators in an in vitro transcription assay. Oligonucleotides were designed to form triple helices with a purine-rich, double-stranded target by binding in the major groove in an orientation anti-parallel to the most purine-rich strand of the target. A 45 base-pair purine-rich region located within the gag gene of Friend Murine Leukemia Virus (FMLV) was used as the duplex target. The target DNA was inserted by molecular cloning downstream of either the bacterial T7- or T3 promoter. The sequence-specific interaction of the triple helix-forming oligonucleotide (TFO) with the FMLV target was confirmed by DNAse I footprint analysis. The affinity of the TFO, as measured by the equilibrium dissociation constant of the TFO for the duplex, was determined by band shift analysis. When a TFO was allowed to form a triple helix with the target duplex in well-defined buffer conditions before the transcription reaction, truncated transcripts of a predicted size were observed. Attenuation of transcription was observed only when buffer conditions favorable to triple helix formation were used. In addition, oligonucleotides containing a high percentage of guanosine residues were able to inhibit mRNA production of the bacterial T7 polymerase by a mechanism independent of transcription attenuation. The ability of an oligonucleotide-directed triple helical structure to slow down, or even completely stop, RNA chain elongation may expand the utility of triple helix technology in the area of gene regulation.

Transposon Tn5 mutagenesis of pseudomonas fluorescens to isolate mutants deficient in antibacterial activity

Pseudomonas fluorescens was subjected to insertion mutagenesis studies using the transposon Tn5-GM to generate mutants deficient in antibacterial activity minus mutants. The transposon located on the temperature-sensitive plasmid pCHR84 was conjugally transferred into the non-pathogenic pseudomonad using the triparental mating procedure. Random integration of Tn5-GM into the chromosome of P. fluorescens was achieved by heat treatment of the transformed cells at 42 degrees C. Approximately 2% of transconjugants revealed an auxotrophic phenotype indicating efficient integration of the employed transposon into the chromosome of P. fluorescens. One transposon insertion mutant was obtained showing an antibacterial activity minus phenotype. This mutant (MM-7) was found to be defective in the production of an unidentified antibacterial compound against B. subtilis. These results introduce Tn5 transposon mutagenesis as a new useful tool for the molecular analysis of P. fluorescens.

Dot blot hybridization assay for the detection of duck hepatitis B virus DNA among healthy Indian country ducks

A DNA molecular hybridization technique employing Duck Hepatitis B Virus (DHBV) DNA of 3.0 kilobase pairs as a probe was used to screen for the presence of DHBV DNA in blood samples, collected from 90 apparently healthy Indian country ducks. Six out of 90 ducks showed positivity for DHBV DNA in serum (5.4%) and only 4 out of 6 DHBV DNA positive ducks answered in Counter Immuno Electrophoresis (CIEP) using specific antibody against DHBV surface antigen raised in Guinea pig. The results indicate the pilot observation that (a) DHBV carrier status exists to a tune of 5.4% among apparently healthy Indian country ducks also and (b) DHBV probe can be employed as a sensitive and reliable assay for DHBV DNA detection in DHBV infected ducks.

Large-scale synthesis of triple helix forming oligonucleotides using a controlled-pore glass support

Triple helix forming oligonucleotides that involve purine:purine:pyrimidine interactions are purine-rich oligonucleotides containing 60%-90% G and are usually 25-40 bases long. Synthesis and purification of G-rich oligonucleotides of this length can be difficult even at small scales. Procedures to synthesize these compounds at 200 to 400 mumol scales with high coupling efficiency have been developed using a controlled-pore glass support.

Duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infection in Indian domestic ducks: a pilot study

One hundred and two apparently healthy Indian domestic ducks from the Poultry Research Station, Madras were screened for duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infection by; 1. screening for the duck hepatitis B virus surface antigen (DHBsAg) in their sera using hepatitis B virus (HBV) reagents, 2. screening for DHBsAg using specific duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) reagents and 3. demonstration of DHBV DNA using DHBV DNA probe by dot blot hybridisation. While 5 ducks (4.9%) were consistently positive with HBV reagents, use of DHBV reagents showed a total of 4 ducks (including 3 of the above 5) to be positive for DHBsAg. DNA hybridisation showed 6 ducks to be positive for DHBV DNA. On clinical examination, 5 out of these 6 ducks did not reveal abnormalities, the other one showed hepatomegaly and ascites. Post-mortem studies showed the presence of nodules on the surface of the liver in all 5 which were positive with HBV reagents including the one with hepatomegaly. On histopathological evaluation, they were found to be hepatocellular carcinoma with or without bile duct carcinoma. The present study is a pilot report on the occurrence of DHBV infection in Indian domestic ducks and the possibility of antigenic cross reactivity between human HBV and duck hepatitis B virus antigens.

Triple helix formation at distant sites: hybrid oligonucleotides containing a polymeric linker

An oligonucleotide hybrid is described which possesses two triple helix forming oligonucleotides which have been connected by a flexible polymeric linker chain. As a prototype, binding of this class of oligonucleotide to duplex DNA has been studied using a segment of the HSV-1 D-glycoprotein promoter, which possesses a pair of 12bp target sites for stable triple helix formation, separated by a duplex spacer region which is one helical turn long. Band shift and footprinting analysis show that such hybrids can bind to both 12bp elements simultaneously, if flexible linkers are included which are longer than 20-25 rotatable bonds. Molecular modeling confirms that a flexible polymeric linker as short as 22 rotatable bonds is enough to link the two distant segments of triple helix, providing that the linker element travels a path which is external to the helix grooves and parallel to the long helix axis.