Interleukin-17 enhances the removal of respiratory syncytial virus in mice by promoting neutrophil migration and reducing interferon-gamma expression

The aim of this study was to observe the effect of interleukin (IL)-17 on early immune response and inflammation in the lungs of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-infected mice. Specific pathogen-free BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to control, RSV-infected, RSV-infected with phosphate-buffered saline, and RSV-infected + IL-17 intervention groups. The RSV infection model was set up by nasal mucosa immunization. The intervention group was provided with restructured IL-17 (intranasal). The viral load and cytokine concentrations in the lung tissues and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined by real-time-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RSV caused acute lung inflammation in mice with a significantly higher number of neutrophils and cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IL-1β, IL-6, and G-CSF in the BALF than that in the control group. IL-17 intervention led to a significant increase in the number of neutrophilic granulocytes in the BALF. Alternately, IL-17 intervention led to a significant decrease in the IFN-γ concentration and a significant increase in the IL-1β, IL-6 and G-CSF levels in the BALF. IL-17 induced a reduction in the viral load and an increase in the survival rate of mice on the third day of infection. IL- 17 mucosal immunity enhances the removal of RSV and strengthens the immune defense by promoting neutrophil migration and reducing the IFN-γ levels in mouse lungs.

A safety study of inactivated Enterovirus 71 vaccine

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is one of the major causative agents for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in childhood. Nowadays, HFMD or EV71 infections have already become an important public health issue throughout the world. Vaccination may be the most effective measure to control the transmission of the virus. Therefore, to pave EV71 vaccine into human clinical trial, in the present study a comprehensive preclinical safety assessment of inactivated EV71 vaccine including single- and repeat-dose toxicity studies were conducted in rats and cynomolgus monkeys. No abnormal findings were observed in rats following single intramuscular administration with EV71 vaccine (640 U). The results also showed no obvious systemic toxicities from four repetitive intramuscular injections, with a 14-d interval, of two dosages of EV71 vaccine in the two animal species. Antinuclear antibody response was not detected after the repeated administrations. Histopathological examination demonstrated the minimal to severe inflammatory changes in muscle tissues of the injection sites in EV71 vaccine-injected animals and most of findings have been improved over time. Furthermore, test article could induce highly EV71-specfic neutralizing antibody response in both animal species. Taken together, these data suggested a favorable safety profile for inactivated EV71 vaccine and supported this product to enter human phase I clinical trial.

[Preliminary study on RT-PCR-ELISA method for virus titer testing of live attenuated hepatitis A vaccine]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the RT-PCR-ELISA method applied for testing live attenuated hepatitis A vaccine titer.

METHODS

A solid phase hybridization-enzyme colorimetric detection method was used for detecting specific nucleic acid. Primer labeled with biotin was used to amplify viral gene fragment, then the product was quickly hybridized with the specific probe covalently coupled on DNA-binding microplate wells. Finally, peroxidase-labeled streptavidin was used in colorimetric detection. The results were judged by reading A value. Eleven batches of live attenuated hepatitis A vaccine titer were tested by this method. The results were compared with that of routine cell culture method (CCID50).

RESULTS

The sensitivity was similar to routine cell culture method (P>0.05). This method was convenient, fast and specific.

CONCLUSION

CCID50 method may be replaced by the RT-PCR-ELISA method in evaluating the titer of live attenuated hepatitis A vaccine.

[Determination of esculetin in semen Euphorbiae lathyridis L. by TLCS and comparison on the quality in different areas]

A TLC-densitometric method for the determination of oesculetin in Semen Euphorbia lathyridis (Euphorbiae lathyrdis) was established, and esculetin content in Semen Euphorbia lathyridis from three different producing areas (Zhengzhou, Chengdu and Chongqing) was determined. The method is accurate, sensitive and simple. The recovery is 98.63% and the coefficient of variation is 1.59% (n = 5). The esculetin average contents in the three samples are 0.3013%, 0.2046% and 0.2094% respectively.