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Luo H, Liang Z, Lin J, Wang Y, Liu Y, Mei K, Zhao M, Huang S. Research progress of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus S protein. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1396894. [PMID: 38873162 PMCID: PMC11169810 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1396894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a single-stranded RNA virus with a capsid membrane that causes acute infectious gastrointestinal disease characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration in swine. Piglets are more susceptible to PEDV than adults, with an infection rate reaching 90% and a fatality rate as high as 100%. Moreover, PEDV has a rapid transmission rate and broad transmission range. Consequently, PEDV has caused considerable economic losses and negatively impacted the sustainability of the pig industry. The surface spike (S) glycoprotein is the largest structural protein in PEDV virions and is closely associated with host cell fusion and virus invasion. As such, the S protein is an important target for vaccine development. In this article, we review the genetic variation, immunity, apoptosis-induction function, virulence, vaccine potential, and other aspects of the PEDV S protein. This review provides a theoretical foundation for preventing and controlling PEDV infection and serves as a valuable resource for further research and development of PEDV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojian Luo
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Zhaoping Liang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junjie Lin
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Yiqiao Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Kun Mei
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Shujian Huang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
- Guangdong Hua Sheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
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Yang D, Su M, Guo D, Zhao F, Wang M, Liu J, Zhou J, Sun Y, Yang X, Qi S, Li Z, Zhu Q, Xing X, Li C, Cao Y, Feng L, Sun D. Combination of S1-N-Terminal and S1-C-Terminal Domain Antigens Targeting Double Receptor-Binding Domains Bolsters Protective Immunity of a Nanoparticle Vaccine against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus. ACS NANO 2024; 18:12235-12260. [PMID: 38696217 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
Variants of coronavirus porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) frequently emerge, causing an incomplete match between the vaccine and variant strains, which affects vaccine efficacy. Designing vaccines with rapidly replaceable antigens and high efficacy is a promising strategy for the prevention of infection with PEDV variant strains. In our study, three different types of self-assembled nanoparticles (nps) targeting receptor-binding N-terminal domain (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD) of S1 protein, named NTDnps, CTDnps, and NTD/CTDnps, were constructed and evaluated as vaccine candidates against PEDV. NTDnps and CTDnps vaccines mediated significantly higher neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers than NTD and CTD recombinant proteins in mice. The NTD/CTDnps in varying ratios elicited significantly higher NAb titers when compared with NTDnps and CTDnps alone. The NTD/CTDnps (3:1) elicited NAb with titers up to 92.92% of those induced by the commercial vaccine. Piglets immunized with NTD/CTDnps (3:1) achieved a passive immune protection rate of 83.33% of that induced by the commercial vaccine. NTD/CTDnps (3:1) enhanced the capacity of mononuclear macrophages and dendritic cells to take up and present antigens by activating major histocompatibility complex I and II molecules to stimulate humoral and cellular immunity. These data reveal that a combination of S1-NTD and S1-CTD antigens targeting double receptor-binding domains strengthens the protective immunity of nanoparticle vaccines against PEDV. Our findings will provide a promising vaccine candidate against PEDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
| | - Mingjun Su
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
| | - Donghua Guo
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
| | - Feiyu Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
| | - Meijiao Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
| | - Jiaying Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
| | - Jingxuan Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
| | - Ying Sun
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
| | - Shanshan Qi
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
| | - Qinghe Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxu Xing
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
| | - Chunqiu Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
| | - Yang Cao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
| | - Li Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, P. R. China
| | - Dongbo Sun
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, P. R. China
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Wei MZ, Chen L, Zhang R, Chen Z, Shen YJ, Zhou BJ, Wang KG, Shan CL, Zhu EP, Cheng ZT. Overview of the recent advances in porcine epidemic diarrhea vaccines. Vet J 2024; 304:106097. [PMID: 38479492 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing and controlling porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED). Conventional vaccines developed from porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) GI-a subtypes (CV777 and SM98) have played a vital role in preventing classical PED. However, with the emergence of PEDV mutants in 2010, conventional PEDV GI-a subtype-targeting vaccines no longer provide adequate protection against PEDV GII mutants, thereby making novel-type PED vaccine development an urgent concern to be addressed. Novel vaccines, including nucleic acid vaccines, genetically engineered subunit vaccines, and live vector vaccines, are associated with several advantages, such as high safety and stability, clear targeting, high yield, low cost, and convenient usage. These vaccines can be combined with corresponding ELISA kits to differentiate infected from vaccinated animals, which is beneficial for disease confirmation. This review provides a detailed overview of the recent advancements in PED vaccines, emphasizing on the research and application evaluation of novel PED vaccines. It also considers the future directions and challenges in advancing these vaccines to widespread use in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Zhan Wei
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Lan Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ze Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yan-Juan Shen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Bi-Jun Zhou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Veterinary Public Health of Guizhou Province, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Kai-Gong Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Veterinary Public Health of Guizhou Province, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Chun-Lan Shan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Veterinary Public Health of Guizhou Province, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Er-Peng Zhu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Veterinary Public Health of Guizhou Province, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Zhen-Tao Cheng
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Veterinary Public Health of Guizhou Province, College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
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Mahdizade Ari M, Dadgar L, Elahi Z, Ghanavati R, Taheri B. Genetically Engineered Microorganisms and Their Impact on Human Health. Int J Clin Pract 2024; 2024:6638269. [PMID: 38495751 PMCID: PMC10944348 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6638269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, the decreased effectiveness of conventional therapies, and the side effects have led researchers to seek a safer, more cost-effective, patient-friendly, and effective method that does not develop antibiotic resistance. With progress in synthetic biology and genetic engineering, genetically engineered microorganisms effective in treatment, prophylaxis, drug delivery, and diagnosis have been developed. The present study reviews the types of genetically engineered bacteria and phages, their impacts on diseases, cancer, and metabolic and inflammatory disorders, the biosynthesis of these modified strains, the route of administration, and their effects on the environment. We conclude that genetically engineered microorganisms can be considered promising candidates for adjunctive treatment of diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzie Mahdizade Ari
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Dadgar
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Elahi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Behrouz Taheri
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapour University of medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Park JE. Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea: Insights and Progress on Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:212. [PMID: 38400195 PMCID: PMC10892315 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is a swine-wasting disease caused by coronavirus infection. It causes great economic damage to the swine industry worldwide. Despite the continued use of vaccines, PED outbreaks continue, highlighting the need to review the effectiveness of current vaccines and develop additional vaccines based on new platforms. Here, we review existing vaccine technologies for preventing PED and highlight promising technologies that may help control PED virus in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Eun Park
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
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Li H, Zhou C, Zhang M, Yuan N, Huang X, Xiang J, Wang L, Shi L. Transcriptomics yields valuable information regarding the response mechanisms of Chinese Min pigs infected with PEDV. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1295723. [PMID: 38192721 PMCID: PMC10773921 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1295723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), a highly infectious disease, which has resulted in huge economic losses for the pig industry. To date, the pathogenic and immune response mechanism was not particularly clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pathogenic and immune responses of pigs infected with PEDV.In this study, 12 Min pigs were randomly selected without taking colostrum. At 3 days old, eight piglets were infected with 1 mL of PEDV solution (10 TCID50/ml), and the remaining four piglets were handled by 1 mL of 0.9% normal saline. Within the age of 7 days old, four piglets died and were considered as the death group. Correspondingly, four alive individuals were classified into the resistance group. Tissues of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, cecum, and rectum of piglets in the three groups were collected to measure the PEDV content. Additionally, the jejunum was used for the measurements and analyses of Hematoxylin-eosinstaining (HE), immunohistochemical sections, and transcriptomics. The phenotypes of Min piglets infected with PEDV showed that the viral copy numbers and jejunal damage had significant differences between the death and resistance groups. We also observed the transcriptome of the jejunum, and the differentially expressed (DE) analysis observed 6,585 DE protein-coding genes (PCGs), 3,188 DE long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and 350 DE microRNAs (miRNAs), which were mainly involved in immune response and metabolic pathways. Furthermore, the specific expressed molecules for each group were identified, and 97 PCGs,108 lncRNAs, and 51 miRNAs were included in the ceRNA-regulated networks. By weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and transcription factor (TF) prediction, 27 significant modules and 32 significant motifs (E-value < 0.05) annotated with 519 TFs were detected. Of these TFs, 53 were DE PCGs. In summary, the promising key PCGs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs related to the pathogenic and immunological response of pigs infected with PEDV were detected and provided new insights into the pathogenesis of PEDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Li
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunxiang Zhou
- Huanghe Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Meimei Zhang
- Beijing Vica Biotechnology Co., LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Na Yuan
- Beijing Vica Biotechnology Co., LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaojiao Xiang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lixian Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Shi
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Gao Y, Wang H, Wang S, Sun M, Fang Z, Liu X, Cai X, Tu Y. Self-Assembly of Porcine Parvovirus Virus-like Particles and Their Application in Serological Assay. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081828. [PMID: 36016450 PMCID: PMC9413485 DOI: 10.3390/v14081828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is widely prevalent in pig farms. PPV is closely related to porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) and porcine circovirus disease (PCVD), which seriously threatens the healthy development of the pig industry. Although commercial antibody detection kits are available, they are expensive and unsuitable for large-scale clinical practice. Here, a soluble VP2 protein of PPV is efficiently expressed in the E. coli expression system. The VP2 protein can be self-assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs) in vitro. After multiple steps of chromatography purification, PPV-VLPs with a purity of about 95% were obtained. An indirect, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA), comparable to a commercial PPV kit, was developed based on the purified PPV-VLPs and was used to detect 487 clinical pig serum samples. The results showed that the I-ELISA is a simple, cost-effective, and efficient method for the diagnosis of clinical pig serum and plasma samples. In summary, high-purity, tag-free PPV-VLPs were prepared, and the established VLP-based I-ELISA is of great significance for the sero-monitoring of antibodies against PPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Haiwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Shanghui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Mingxia Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Zheng Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Xinran Liu
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, New York, NY 10591, USA
| | - Xuehui Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
- Correspondence: (X.C.); (Y.T.); Tel.: +86-451-51051768 (Y.T.); Fax: +86-451-51997166 (X.C. & Y.T.)
| | - Yabin Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
- Correspondence: (X.C.); (Y.T.); Tel.: +86-451-51051768 (Y.T.); Fax: +86-451-51997166 (X.C. & Y.T.)
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Abstract
Coronaviruses have caused devastation in both human and animal populations, affecting both health and the economy. Amidst the emergence and re-emergence of coronaviruses, humans need to surmount the health and economic threat of coronaviruses through science and evidence-based approaches. One of these approaches is through biotechnology, particularly the heterologous production of biopharmaceutical proteins. This review article briefly describes the genome, general virion morphology, and key structural proteins of different coronaviruses affecting animals and humans. In addition, this review paper also presents the different systems in recombinant protein technology such as bacteria, yeasts, plants, mammalian cells, and insect/insect cells systems used to express key structural proteins in the development of countermeasures such as diagnostics, prophylaxis, and therapeutics in the challenging era of coronaviruses.
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Production of Bivalent Subunit Vaccine for Porcine via 2A-Like Sequence in Baculovirus Expression Vector System. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10050895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) have caused severe diseases in swine populations worldwide. Here, a polycistronic baculovirus vector was developed to express a bivalent vaccine, consisting of the CSFV-E2 and PCV2-Cap protein, and an immunomodulator protein derived from the Flammulina velutipes, FVE-FIP, as well as the selection marker, green fluorescent protein. The simultaneous expression of the CSFV-E2 and PCV2-Cap protein was mediated by the 2A-like sequence derived from the Perina nuda virus (PnV), while the expression of the FVE-FIP was driven by the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) element derived from the Rhophalosipum padi virus (RhPV). The Western blot analysis result suggested that the CSFV-E2, PCV2-Cap, and FVE-FIP protein were successfully co-expressed by the infected Spodoptera frugiperda IPBL-Sf21 (Sf21) cell line. The extracted cell lysate containing all three recombinant proteins was administered to Balb/C mice with or without the supplementation of Freund’s adjuvant. The ELISA analysis of the serum collected from all the immunized groups showed detectable antibodies against CSFV-E2 and PCV2-Cap. Furthermore, the immunized group without the adjuvant supplementation demonstrated a similar level of antibodies to the group with adjuvant supplementation, suggesting the efficiency of the FVE-FIP in enhancing the immune response. These results demonstrated the polycistronic baculovirus vector could be employed to develop bivalent vaccines for pigs.
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Varanda C, Félix MDR, Campos MD, Materatski P. An Overview of the Application of Viruses to Biotechnology. Viruses 2021; 13:2073. [PMID: 34696503 PMCID: PMC8541484 DOI: 10.3390/v13102073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses may cause devastating diseases in several organisms; however, they are simple systems that can be manipulated to be beneficial and useful for many purposes in different areas. In medicine, viruses have been used for a long time in vaccines and are now being used as vectors to carry materials for the treatment of diseases, such as cancer, being able to target specific cells. In agriculture, viruses are being studied to introduce desirable characteristics in plants or render resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Viruses have been exploited in nanotechnology for the deposition of specific metals and have been shown to be of great benefit to nanomaterial production. They can also be used for different applications in pharmacology, cosmetics, electronics, and other industries. Thus, viruses are no longer only seen as enemies. They have shown enormous potential, covering several important areas in our lives, and they are making our lives easier and better. Although viruses have already proven their potential, there is still a long road ahead. This prompt us to propose this theme in the Special Issue "The application of viruses to biotechnology". We believe that the articles gathered here highlight recent significant advances in the use of viruses in several fields, contributing to the current knowledge on virus applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Varanda
- MED–Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal;
| | - Maria do Rosário Félix
- MED–Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & Departamento de Fitotecnia, Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal;
| | - Maria Doroteia Campos
- MED–Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal;
| | - Patrick Materatski
- MED–Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal;
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