Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to nucleoprotein of Marburg virus

Laboratory detection and diagnosis of filoviruses

Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV), belonging to the Filoviridae family, emerged four decades ago and caused severe viral hemorrhagic fever in human and other primates. As high as 50-90% mortality, filoviruses can cause significant threats to public health. However, so far no specific and efficient vaccine has been available, nor have other treatment methods proved to be effective. It is of great importance to detect these pathogens specific, rapidly and sensitively in order to control future filovirus outbreaks. Here, recent progresses in the development of detection and diagnosis methods for EBOV and MARV are summarized.

Production and characterization of a monoclonal antibody against spike protein of transmissible gastroenteritis virus

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is a member of coronaviruses. The viral spike (S) protein mediates the interaction between TGEV and its susceptible cells. Here, we expressed a truncated gene encoding the N terminal half of TGEV S gene (designated S1 gene) in a prokaryotic system. The resulting S1 protein was used to immunize BALB/c mice followed by the generation of a monoclonal antibody (MAb). A generated MAb (7F9) was identified by ELISA and the chromosome number of the hybridoma cell was analyzed. The immunoreactivity of the MAb to TGEV S protein was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Moreover, immunofluorescence assays showed that the MAb is able to detect cell infection by TGEV. The MAb achieved in this study can be used as a specific diagnostic reagent for detecting TGEV S protein.

West nile virus: characteristics of an african virus adapting to the third millennium world

The emergence and spread of West Nile Virus (WNV) from North through South America during the last decade, and the recent outbreaks of disease in both humans and horses in Europe suggest that the epidemiology of this infection is evolving. WNV is now considered among the emerging threats for both human and veterinary public health in areas like Europe where it was previously regarded to as an exotic agent. Further knowledge has built up from studies investigating the characteristics of the virus and its genome evolution capacity, the adaptation to new avian host species, the changes in vector competence and biology, and the host-pathogen interactions, including the immune response. Also, the new needs for preparedness to future major outbursts of disease have stimulated research on virus detection and characterization, filling the gaps in both specialized diagnostic technology and the need for field rapid assays. This review will present an overview of WNV virology, remarking the impact of virus diversity and evolution on theoretical and practical aspects involved in both risk definition, detection and control of infection.

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase protein expression in renal cell cancer

OBJECTIVE

To understand the function of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) protein as tumor biomarker in renal carcinoma.

METHODS

Recombinant NNMT protein was used to prepare monoclonal antibodies by hybridoma technique. The diagnostic and prognostic function of NNMT protein in renal carcinoma was evaluated by analyzing 74 renal cancer tissues through immunohistochemical staining for NNMT by using the prepared antibodies.

RESULTS

Two hybridomas named 2F8 and 1E7 stably secreting the monoclonal antibodies were isolated successfully, and characters such as isotypes and specificity were determined. NNMT protein was significantly up-regulated in renal cancer and significantly associated with tumor histology and ages. The univariate survival analysis demonstrated that the pT-status, high levels of NNMT, and distant metastasis were significant prognosticators.

CONCLUSION

NNMT is over-expressed in a large proportion in renal cell cancers. High NNMT expression is significantly associated with unfavorable prognosis. However, the prognostic value of NNMT needs further verification in larger sample sizes.