Molecular cloning and expression profile analysis of interleukin-10 and interleukin-18 cDNA of Indian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Cloning and characterization of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) interleukin-10

The function of cytokines in cetaceans has so far only been determined for the proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, we cloned bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) interleukin-10 (IL-10) cDNA from concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and investigated the mRNA expression levels in various tissues and the bioactivity of recombinant dolphin (rd) IL-10. The gene encodes a polypeptide of 178 amino acids which encompasses the mature protein sequence of 158 amino acids. Quantitative expression analysis of dolphin IL-10 revealed that the highest mRNA levels are found in the spleen. To assess its function, rdIL-10 was produced in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and its bioactivity was demonstrated through IL-10-induced inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine mRNA expression IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 of Con A-stimulated PBMC. These results indicated that the structure and function of bottlenose dolphin IL-10 is similar to that of other animals. This is the first report of the characterization of an anti-inflammatory cytokine in cetaceans.

Comparative assessment of Th1 and Th2 cytokines of swamp type buffalo and other bubaline breeds by molecular cloning, sequencing and phylogenetics

Comparative assessment of Th1 and Th2 cytokines of three bubaline breeds namely swamp buffalo, its crossbreed with riverine buffalo (CB), and the improved breed of Bulgarian Murrah buffalo (BMB), was done by molecular cloning, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The Th1 cytokines analyzed included IL-2, IL-12p35, IL-12p40, and IFN-gamma while Th2 cytokines included IL-4 and IL-10. Both groups showed strict conservation in the putative secondary structures and amino acid residues within the tribe Bovini, which indicated functional cross-reactivity. Nucleotide sequence homology ranged from 98.6 to 100.0% and was lowest for IL-12p35. With regard to amino acid sequence, the lowest homology was observed in IL-4 with 97.8%. This substitution was mainly due to differences in mRNA splicing. The phylogenetic relationship of the buffalo breeds was analyzed and showed them as a cluster comprised mainly of species belonging to the order Artiodactyla, including cattle and pigs. A deeper knowledge of these cytokine structures will favor understanding of water buffalo immunology and how much it differs from its closest subspecies and other animals.

Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) interleukin-12: Analysis of expression profiles and functional cross-reactivity with bovine system

Interleukin-12, a heterodimeric pro-inflammatory cytokine, from water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) was analyzed for its for its tissue specific expression and functionality. Concanavalin A stimulated splenocytes displayed an up-regulation of the IL-12 p40 subunit 8-24h post-stimulation, whereas the p35 subunit did not show any quantitative variation at different time intervals. Basal level expressions of both the subunits were observed by RT-PCR in spleen. In addition p40 transcripts could be detected in liver and p35 in brain and muscle tissues as well in very low levels. Functional recombinant buffalo IL-12 was expressed in HEK 293T cells as a heterodimer using foot-and-mouth disease virus 2A polypeptide as a linker. Culture supernatants from transfected cells contained a hetero-dimeric p70 subunit as revealed in western blot of the proteins separated by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) using a monoclonal antibody against bovine IL-12 p40. IL-12 containing culture supernatant induced production of nitric oxide in cultured splenocytes of both buffalo and bovine origin. Our study reveals that buffalo IL-12, which shares a high-level sequence identity with bovine IL-12, also has functional cross-reactivity with the bovine immune cells.