The Neuroprotective Effects of Curcumin Nanoparticles on The Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in The Rats-The Roles of The Protein Kinase RNA-Like ER Kinase/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase and Transcription Factor EB proteins

OBJECTIVE

Reduction of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI)/re-oxygenation injury, is defined as the paradoxical exacerbation of the cellular dysfunction and death, following restoration of the blood flow to previously ischemic tissues. The re-establishment of blood flow is essential to salvage the ischemic tissues. As a result, the treatment of IRI with novel therapies, which have fewer side effects, are of great importance. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin nanoparticle (CN) pre-treatment on the cerebral I/R rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, CN was administered to rats orally five days before the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) and continued for three days. The intensity of oxidative stress, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione (GSH) content, the activity of mitochondrial enzymes, including succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), curcumin bioavailability, pERK/ERK expression ratio and TFEB protein were studied. Data analysis was performed using Graphpad Prism V.8 software, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS V.26 software).

RESULTS

Cerebral IRI-damage significantly increased the oxidative stress (P=0.0008) and decreased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT) (P<0.001), super oxide dismutase (SOD) (P<0.001), reduced GSH (P<0.001), mitochondrial enzymes, pERK/ERK expression ratio (P=0.002) and TEFB protein (P=0.005) in rats' brains. In addition, the pre-treatment of the rats with CN resulted in a decrease in the reactive oxygen species (ROS), and an increase in the activities of antioxidants and mitochondrial enzymes. This in turn up-regulated the pERK/ERK expression ratio and TEFB expression.

CONCLUSION

CN has neuroprotective effects on the cerebral IRI condition due to its antioxidant properties and is able to overexpress the pERK and TFEB proteins; thus, it can be considered as a suitable treatment option during and after the incidence of stroke.

Improvement the expression and purification of Loa22: a lipoprotein with OmpA domain from pathogenic Leptospira serovars

Background and Objectives

One of the highly conserved outer membrane proteins expressed only by pathogenic Leptospires is Loa22. The study aims is to achieve the optimum conditions for high expression of recombinant Loa22 (rLoa22) protein.

Materials and Methods

Complete coding sequence of loa22 gene sub-cloned into a pET32a (+) expression vector. BL21 competent E. coli (pLysS) used as expression host for transformation. The recombinant clones selected on ampicillin plates and subjected to PCR by using pET T7 primers. Then expression conditions optimized by adjusting parameters such as culture media, induction time, temperature, and IPTG concentration.

Results

SDS-PAGE analysis showed that high production of rLoa22 protein obtained when post induction incubation, IPTG concentration, and duration of induction were 37°C, 0.1 M and 5 h in 2×TY medium respectively. The purification of rLoa22 protein under native conditions using Ni-NTA pull-down was optimum in one hour binding at 37°C, five times washing process and elution buffer with a pH 7.4 and a 0.3 M imidazole concentration.

Conclusion

The findings of the study led to high production of pure Loa22 protein, which can form the basis for future investigation on the design of rapid diagnostic tests and more effective vaccine candidates for leptospirosis.

Effects of Adjuvant and Immunization Route on Antibody Responses against Naja Naja oxiana Venom

Naja naja oxiana (NNO) is one of the important venomous species in Iran. The current snakebite treatment is antivenom therapy that deals with hyper immunization of horses with crude or fractionated snake venom plus traditional adjuvants, like Freund's adjuvant. For improvement of antivenom production, it has been suggested to use different adjuvant systems or immunization procedures. In this study, humoral immune responses against immunogenic fractions of NNO venom (NNO3 and NNO4) and crude venom have been compared by usage of different adjuvant and immunization routes. Additionally, a new indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was set up for the detection of specific antivenom antibodies. This study was conducted on six different groups of female Dutch rabbits that were hyperimmunized using crude and fractionated NNO venom, along with Freund's and MF59 adjuvants through subcutaneous or intramuscular route. The immunization was performed four times with 10-day intervals and the levels of specific antibodiees were detected by indirect ELISA. The statistical analysis reveals a negligible variation in the antivenom titers among the venom-inoculated groups, regardless of the adjuvant type or the immunization route. Finally, it was concluded that the fractions are efficient for antivenom production, and it is possible to use MF59 adjuvant via subcutaneous routes as an alternative to Freund's adjuvants considering its fair immunopotentiation capacity and safety in animals.

Comparative Evaluation of Specific Antibody against Mycobacterium tuberculosis ESAT-6 Recombinant Antigen in Healthy Subject with Positive and Negative Skin Test

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). The laboratory diagnosis of the disease includes various bacteriologic and immunologic methods. Despite the effectiveness of many of these methods in diagnosing active TB, their high cost and time-consuming nature have led researchers to adopt more accurate and rapid screening methods based on specific antigens for M. tuberculosis. The present study aimed to measure specific antibody serum levels against the early secretory antigenic target 6 kDa (ESAT-6) recombinant protein in healthy people and compare it to TB patients. The target population included 27 TB patients and 87 healthy individuals with no clinical TB symptoms. The healthy population was divided into two groups, including positive purified protein derivative (PPD) and negative PPD (35 and 52 people, respectively), using the Tuberculin skin test. The specific antibody level against the ESAT-6 recombinant antigen and the PPD protein was measured using an indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test. The results of the study showed that the majority of the healthy population with no symptoms of clinical TB and having negative skin test results did not have antibodies against the recombinant ESAT-6 (98%) and PPD (96%) antigens. On the other hand, there was a high level of the specific antibody of the ESAT-6 recombinant and PPD antigens in TB patients (77%). It is notable that in people with positive skin test results, the level of the antibody against the ESAT-6 recombinant antigen and PPD antigen was 94%. The results demonstrated that the ELISA method based on the measurement of antibodies against the ESAT-6 recombinant antigen can be a proper diagnostic method for rapid and accurate screening of healthy from infected people.

Active immunotherapy against pathogenic Cis pT231-tau suppresses neurodegeneration in traumatic brain injury mouse models

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), characterized by acute neurological impairment, is associated with a higher incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), whose hallmarks include hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Recently, phosphorylated tau at Thr231 has been shown to exist in two distinct cis and trans conformations. Moreover, targeted elimination of cis P-tau by passive immunotherapy with an appropriate mAb that efficiently suppresses tau-mediated neurodegeneration in severe TBI mouse models has proven to be a useful tool to characterize the neurotoxic role of cis P-tau as an early driver of the tauopathy process after TBI. Here, we investigated whether active immunotherapy can develop sufficient neutralizing antibodies to specifically target and eliminate cis P-tau in the brain of TBI mouse models. First, we explored the therapeutic efficacy of two different vaccines. C57BL/6 J mice were immunized with either cis or trans P-tau conformational peptides plus adjuvant. After rmTBI in mice, we found that cis peptide administration developed a specific Ab that precisely targeted and neutralized cis P-tau, inhibited the development of neuropathology and brain dysfunction, and restored various structural and functional sequelae associated with TBI in chronic phases. In contrast, trans P-tau peptide application not only lacked neuroprotective properties, but also contributed to a number of neuropathological features, including progressive TBI-induced neuroinflammation, widespread tau-mediated neurodegeneration, worsening functional deficits, and brain atrophy. Taken together, our results suggest that active immunotherapy strategies against pathogenic cis P-tau can halt the process of tauopathy and would have profound clinical implications.

Designing of novel chimeric PvpA-pMGA protein of Mycoplasma gallisepticum, applicable for indirect ELISA

Background

Mycoplasma gallisepticum is the primary agent of chronic respiratory disease in chickens creating important economic losses in poultry industry. pMGA and pvpA genes encode major surface proteins in M. gallisepticum containing pathogenic, antigenic, and immune evasion characteristics. The objective of the present study was to design, express, and purify the recombinant chimeric PvpA-pMGA protein from M.gallisepticum for using in serological diagnostic test.

Methods

Antigenic regions of PvpA and pMGA proteins were predicted for designing chimeric pvpA-pMGA gene construct. The codon optimized sequence was cloned into the expression vector pET32a+ and transformed into the Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3). The pET32a-PvpA-pMGA recombinant plasmid was expressed and confirmed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. PvpA-pMGA recombinant protein (20μg and 50μg), ts-11 vaccine strain, and S6 strain that formulated by montanide adjuvant and two control groups (PBS and adjuvant) were injected subcutaneously to six groups of chickens.

Results

High yield of protein was purified amount 138 mg/L by affinity batch formation method. Indirect ELISA showed the levels of antibodies in rPvpA-pMGA was significantly higher than ts-11 and S6 groups (p<0.05). The results indicated that antigen-specific response was successfully elicited by the rpMGA-PvpA in chickens. The result of the ELISA with sera collected from ts-11 and S6 groups showed that indirect PvpA-pMGA-ELISA is appropriate candidate for detection of specific antibodies against M. gallisepticum with 100% sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

The rPvpA-pMGA is a highly candidate immunogenic protein which induced high amount of humoral immune response. Novel rPvpA-pMGA protein could be useful for evaluation of antibody level in vaccinated poultry flocks.

Modulation of Immune Responses Against HA1 Influenza Vaccine Candidate by B-lymphocyte Stimulator Cytokine in Mice

Utilizing subunit vaccines is one of the strategies to address influenza infection. Recent innovations have focused on high doses of vaccine antigens and immune enhancers or adjuvant to induce more robust and long-lasting immune responses. Here, an effect of the B cell-activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) to increase the magnitude and durability of immune responses of the recombinant HA1 (rHA1) protein against the H1N1 influenza virus was studied. The HA1 protein and the effector domain of BAFF-R were expressed in the pET-28a (+) vector. Eight-week-old BALB/c mice were equally grouped into five groups (n=20). The 15 and 25 μg/μL of rHA1 were mixed with 2 μg/μL of rBAFF-R and injected three times for vaccinated groups. Three control groups were received normal saline and two concentrations of rHA1. The ability of rBAFF-R in eliciting HA-specific antibody response and stimulating T lymphocyte proliferation to induce the cell-mediated immunity was assayed. Induction of protection was evaluated following the challenge with PR8 strain. Analysis of immune responses showed that the co-administration of rBAFF-R with rHA1 boosted HI responses to the antigen in mice, whilst it was not able to promote the T cell proliferation responses against influenza. Compared to rHA1alone, the rBAFF-R/rHA1 generated efficient protection for the animals. There were no significant differences in eliciting the immune responses in mice immunized with the lower dose of rHA1 than that with the higher dose. The data indicate the rBAFF-R can enhance the primary and memory immune responses to protect against influenza infection.

Development of an In-house Indirect ELISA Test as a Diagnostic Tool for Bovine Leptospirosis

Background: Leptospirosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases, which is caused by a Spiral shaped bacterium called Leptospira. The recommended diagnosis method is to perform microscopic agglutination test (MAT) which is both hazardous, due to using live bacteria, and time-consuming. As a result, many attempts have been recently made to develop other serological methods, such as ELISA. Objective: This study aimed to develop an indirect ELISA method using leptospiral whole antigens for diagnosing pathogenic Leptospira. Materials and Methods: In this study, four pathogenic serovars of Leptospira were used and cultured in selective culture medium. The cultured bacteria were sonicated and the extracted antigens were used as captured antigen in ELISA method. A total of 74 samples from bovine suspected to leptospirosis and 43 samples from healthy animals were examined by MAT method. Results: According to the study results, 42 samples (56.7%) out of 74 suspected ones were found positive while 32 ones (43.2%) were determined negative by MAT analysis. All of the 43 negative control samples were found negative after performing MAT. The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA, compared to those of MAT, were measured as 87.5% and 84.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Taking into account the high sensitivity and appropriate specificity of the developed indirect ELISA method, it was recommended that ELISA be employed as an accurate method for early and rapid diagnosis of bovine leptospirosis.

Bordetella pertussis antigens encapsulated into N-trimethyl chitosan nanoparticulate systems as a novel intranasal pertussis vaccine

The mucosal immune system serves as the first line of defense against Bordetella pertussis. Intranasal vaccination, due to its potential to induce systemic and mucosal immune responses, appears to prevent the initial adherence and colonization of the bacteria at the first point of contact. In the present study, two B. pertussis antigens, pertussis Toxoid (PTd) and Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), which play a very significant role in virulence and protection against pertussis, were encapsulate into N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC) nanoparticulate systems. After preparation of TMC nanoparticles (NPs), the NPs were characterized and their ability to induce efficient immune responses against B. pertussis was studied in a mouse model. Our findings showed that PTd + FHA-loaded TMC NPs have strong ability to induce IL-4, IL-17, IFN-γ, IgG, and IgA in the mouse model. Results from this study suggest that nasal administration of the PTd + FHA-loaded TMC NPs induced not only a systemic immune response but also a local mucosal response, which may improve the efficacy of pertussis prevention through respiratory tract transmission.

Novel Applications of Immuno-bioinformatics in Vaccine and Bio-product Developments at Research Institutes

There are many challenges in the field of public health sciences. Rational decisions are required in order to treat different diseases, gain knowledge and wealth regarding research, and produce biological or synthetic products. Various advances in the basic laboratory science, computer science, and the engineering of biological production processes can help solve the occurring problems. Bioinformatics is defined as a field of science combined of biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer sciences. Recently, bioinformatics has been extensively used in the designing of the epitope, vaccines, antibodies, adjuvants, diagnostic kits, and therapeutic purposes (e.g., proteins, peptides, or small molecules). Moreover, bioinformatics includes chemoinformatics that has been employed to produce various biological or chemical products to target and combat pathogens. Bioinformatics is involved in other areas of data analysis and prediction, such as structural biology, system biology, phylogeny, population genetics, and next-generation data sequencing. To the best of our knowledge, no published study coherently described the benefits of bioinformatics fields applied for medication development or diagnostic aims in bio-productive and pharmaceutical/vaccine companies. Therefore, in the current review, we attempted to present the available bioinformatics resources, practical experiences, and other findings in the mentioned field along with providing a harmonized and applied model(s). The key points presented in the current review may help to elevate production and reduce the costs for the development of novel vaccines, medicines, and antibodies. In addition, these methods can facilitate the identification of organisms and may guarantee the quality of biological products.

Physico-chemical and cytotoxic analysis of a novel large molecular weight bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus casei TA0021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Antimicrobial peptides produced by lactic acid bacteria have gained enormous attention owing to their health benefits. This study aimed to isolate, purify and characterize the antibacterial protein produced by autochthonous Lactobacillus casei TA0021 strain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antagonistic activity of L. casei TA0021 against a number of pathogenic bacteria was tested by agar well diffusion assay. The antimicrobial agent in the neutralized supernatant fluids was subjected to the action of proteolytic enzymes, catalase, lipase and lysozyme, and their tolerance to variable pH and temperature was estimated. The proteinaceous antagonistic compound was precipitated by 60% w/v ammonium sulphate, desalted and subjected to cation exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Approximate molecular weight of Lactocin was determined by SDS-PAGE and non-denaturing gel electrophoresis. Hemoglobin release assay and cytotoxicity effect of Lactocin TA0021 was determined. The results were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The antagonistic agent active against Salmonella Typhimurium and Shigella flexneri appeared resistant to catalase and lipase treatments, while sensitive to the tested proteolytic enzymes. Lactocin TA0021 resisted acidic pH values of 3.0, while alkaline pH values of >9 completely destroyed the activity. The antibacterial peptide was approximately 68 KDa and heat labile as lost its activity at 100°C after 5 minutes. The bacteriocin was non-toxic to MRC-5 cell lines and non-hemolytic. Purification method lead to increase in antibacterial activity while, subsequent decrease in recovery and yield was observed with increasing purification fold.

CONCLUSION

The purified antimicrobial protein from L. casei TA0021 might be used for application in medicinal and food products.

Comparison of different immunization routes on the immune responses induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis ESAT-6/CFP-10 recombinant protein

According to some difficulties against tuberculosis (TB) vaccination, development of new TB vaccines has been noted in recent years. Selection of proper route for vaccination is one of the most important factors for induction of good immune responses. Hence, in this study, the effects of different administration routes, including intranasal (I.N), subcutaneous (S.C) and intramuscular (I.M) on immune responses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis ESAT-6/CFP-10 recombinant protein has been considered. Recombinant ESAT-6/CFP-10 protein with or without adjuvant (MF59 or cholera toxin B (CTB)) was administered by three routes of I.M, I.N and S.C to mice for three times. Then, the levels of specific antibodies, lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ/IL-5 cytokine profile have been carried out to evaluate the humoral and cellular responses. The results showed that the titers of specific antibodies were quickly elevated in S.C and I.M groups after first immunization. Otherwise, the raise of antibody has delay in the I.N immunized animals. The levels of IFN-γ and lymphocyte proliferation have been increased in all of vaccinated groups. However, the I.N immunized mice have lower levels of IL-5 production. Based on our finding, the ESAT-6/CFP-10 recombinant protein is a potent stimulator of immune responses in all of three immunization strategies. However intranasal administration of this antigen has tended to reinforcement of cellular immune responses.

Nasal vaccination with r4M2e.HSP70c antigen encapsulated into N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC) nanoparticulate systems: Preparation and immunogenicity in a mouse model

In this study, the potential of N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC) nanoparticles as a carrier system for the nasal delivery of the r4M2e.HSP70c, as an M2e-based universal recombinant influenza virus vaccine candidate, was investigated in mice. The anti-M2e specific cellular and humoral immune responses were assessed and the protective efficacy against a 90% lethal dose (LD90) of influenza A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) in a mice model was evaluated. Our results showed that the intranasal immunization of mice with r4M2e.HSP70c+TMC rather than the control groups, r4M2e+TMC, r4M2e and PBS (Phosphate buffer saline), significantly elevated both longevity and serum level of the total M2e-specific IgG antibody with a significant shift in the IgG2a/IgG1 ratio toward IgG2a, induced a Th1 skewed humoral and cellular immune responses, increased IFN-γ, IgG, and IgA in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and promoted the proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes with lower morbidity and mortality rate against viral challenge. In conclusion, based on evidence to our finding, nasal vaccination with r4M2e.HSP70c antigen encapsulated into N-Trimethyl Chitosan (TMC) nanoparticulate system showed to induce a long lasting M2e-specific humoral and cellular immune responses and also provided full protection against a 90% lethal dose (LD90) of the influenza virus A/PR/8/34 (H1N1). It seems, protective immunity following intranasal administration of r4M2e could be resulted by the cooperation of both adjuvants, TMC and HSP70c.

Production of MPT-64 recombinant protein from virulent strain of Mycobacterium bovis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a zoonotic infectious disease common to humans and animals which has been caused by a rod shaped, acid fast bacterium, called Mycobacterium bovis. The rapid and sensitive detection is a great challenge for TB diagnosis. The virulent strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) have 16 different regions of difference (RD) in their genome which encode some important antigens. The major protein of M. bovis 64 (MPT-64) is one of the main immune-stimulating antigens which are encode by RD-2 region. The aim of the present study was cloning, expression and purification of MPT-64 as a protein antigen of M. bovis in a prokaryotic system for the usage in the future diagnostic studies. In this experimental study, the mpt-64 gene with 687 bp has been proliferated from M. bovis whole genome by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The PCR product has been digested by BamHI and HindIII restriction enzymes and cloned into pQE-30 plasmid. The recombinant protein has been expressed in the Escherichia coli M15 with induction by isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The expressed protein was analyzed on SDS-PAGE, and purified with Nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) column. Finally, its biological properties were confirmed in Western blotting method using specific antibodies. Data showed the successful cloning of mpt-64 gene (as a 687 bp segment) in expression vector. The MPT-64 recombinant protein was ideally expressed and purified as a 24 kDa protein. The result of this study indicated that MPT-64 recombinant protein (24 kDa) has been successfully expressed and purified in a prokaryotic system, so this protein could be used for differential diagnosis of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Mycobacterium, in suspected BTB cases.

Cloning, expression, and purification of recombinant protein MPT-64 from a virulent strain of Mycobacterium bovis in a prokaryotic system

OBJECTIVE

Tuberculosis (TB) is a zoonotic infectious disease common to humans and animals that is caused by the rod-shaped acid-fast bacterium Mycobacterium bovis. Rapid and sensitive detection of TB is promoted by specific antigens. Virulent strains of the TB complex from M. bovis contain 16 regions of difference (RD) in their genome that encode important proteins, including major protein of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis 64 (MBT-64, which is a primary immune-stimulating antigen encoded by RD-2. In this study, we cloned, expressed, and purified MPT-64 as a potent M. bovis antigen in a prokaryotic system for use in future diagnostic studies.

METHODS

The antigenic region of the Mpt64 gene was investigated by bioinformatics methods, cloned into the PQE-30 plasmid, and expressed in Escherichia coli M15 cells, followed by isopropyl β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside induction. The expressed protein was analyzed sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and purified using a nickel-affinity column. Biological activity was confirmed by western blot using specific antibodies.

RESULTS

Our data verified the successful cloning of the Mpt64 gene (687-bp segment) via the expression vector and purification of recombinant MPT-64 as a 24-kDa protein.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated successful expression and purification of recombinant MPT-64 protein in a prokaryotic system. This protein can be used for serological diagnosis, improved detection of pathogenicity and non-pathogenicity between infected cattle, and for verification of suspected cases of bovine TB.

Evaluation of specific antibodies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis recombinant antigens for detection of recent infection

INTRODUCTION

Since an accurate test for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis early infection is urgently needed, this study was designed for development of an efficient screening test in diagnosis of tuberculosis infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, two recombinant proteins CFP-10, ESAT-6 were tested as antigens for the diagnosis of recent tuberculosis. The proteins were produced in Escherichia coli, purified and tested in indirect ELISAs with sera from 63 subjects with positive clinical results. Also, 56 sera from healthy persons were tested as controls. The results were compared with molecular and culture.

RESULTS

The levels of antibodies against M. tuberculosis antigens in patients with tuberculosis were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects. Among 63 patients, 58 were positive for ESAT-6, 54 for CFP-10.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, the role of M. tuberculosis recombinant proteins, as a suitable candidate for early diagnosis of tuberculosis infection was supported in this study. However, these strongly offer the potential of mixture or fusion of these recombinant proteins for better sensitivity and specificity.

Higher Expression Level and Lower Toxicity of Genetically Spliced Rotavirus NSP4 in Comparison to the Full-Length Protein in E. coli

BACKGROUND

Rotavirus group A (RVA) is recognized as a major cause of severe gastroenteritis in children and new-born animals. Nonstructural protein 4 (NSP4) is responsible for the enterotoxic activity of these viruses in the villus epithelial cells. Amino acids 114-135 of NSP4 are known to form the diarrhea-inducing region of this viral enterotoxin. Therefore, developing an NSP4 lacking the enterotoxin domain could result in the introduction of a new subunit vaccine against rotaviruses in both humans and animals.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is the evaluation of rotavirus A NSP4 expression in E. coli expression system before and after removal of the diarrhea-inducing domain, which is the first step towards further immunological studies of the resulting protein.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Splicing by overlap extension (SOEing) PCR was used to remove the diarrhea-inducing sequence from the NSP4 cDNA. Both the full-length (FL-NSP4) and the spliced (S-NSP4) cDNA amplicons were cloned into pET-32c and pGEX-6P-2. Expression levels of the recombinant proteins were evaluated in E. coli BL21 (DE3) by Western blot analysis. In addition, the toxicity of pET plasmids bearing the S-NSP4 and FL-NSP4 fragments was investigated by plasmid stability test.

RESULTS

For FL-NSP4, protein expression was detected for the strain containing the pGEX:FL-NSP4 plasmid, but not for the strain carrying pET:FL-NSP4. Hourly sampling up to 3 h showed that the protein production decreased by time. In contrast, expression of S-NSP4 was detected for pET:S-NSP4 strain, but not for pGEX:S-NSP4. Plasmid stability test showed that pET:S-NSP4 recombinant plasmid was almost stable, while pET:FL-NSP4 was unstable.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of production of rotavirus NSP4 lacking the diarrhea-inducing domain (S-NSP4). SNSP4 shows less toxicity in this expression system and potentially could be a promising goal for rotavirus immunological and vaccine studies in the future.

Development of an effective delivery system for intranasal immunization against Mycobacterium tuberculosis ESAT-6 antigen

Introduction The early secreted antigenic target 6-kDa protein (ESAT-6) plays an important role in immune protection against Tuberculosis. Owing to its great potential to increase immune response, chitosan can be considered as a suitable biodegradable polymer for intranasal administration. Methods The physiochemical properties of the nanoparticle were measured in vitro. Two weeks after the last intranasal administration, blood samples were collected and specific IgG, IFN-gama, and IL-4 levels were measured by ELISA. Results Chitosan nanoparticles containing ESAT-6 demonstrated stronger ability to induce IFN-gama, IL-4, and IgG antibody level than the control groups. Conclusion Administration of chitosan nanoparticles can be a suitable method to induce more appropriate immune responses against low inherent immunogenic tuberculosis proteins through intranasal routs.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa flagellin as an adjuvant: superiority of a conjugated form of flagellin versus a mixture with a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 vaccine candidate in the induction of immune responses

In the present study, the adjuvant activity of flagellin was compared, in the conjugated and mixed forms, against a peptide vaccine from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) p24-Nef vaccine candidate. Mice were immunized with the HIV-1 p24-Nef peptide with flagellin in both conjugated and mixed forms. Lymphocyte proliferation, CTL activity, and IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines were evaluated by bromodeoxyuridine, carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester and ELISA methods, respectively. At the same time, the frequency of IFN-γ-producing T-lymphocytes, as well as total and isotype-specific antibodies, were assessed by ELISPOT and indirect ELISA, respectively. Our experimental results showed that the immunized mice with the HIV-1 p24-Nef conjugated or mixed forms of flagellin led to increases in the proliferative responses and Th1 cytokine pattern. The conjugated form of vaccine led to increased CTL activity and a Th1 cytokine pattern of immune responses, as well as an IgM isotype of humoral responses in comparison with the mixed form. The flagellin-conjugated vaccine seems to be more potent in increasing vaccine immunogenicity.

A truncated C-terminal fragment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis HSP70 enhances cell-mediated immune response and longevity of the total IgG to influenza A virus M2e protein in mice

As the importance of virus-specific IgG2a and strong induction of Th1 type immune response for virus clearance was reported, conventional influenza vaccines induce a highly humoral immune response and fail to induce cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) immunity. Hence, in agreement with heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) acting as Th1 cytokine-like adjuvant, an Escherichia coli-expressed r4M2e.HSP70c fusion protein comprising C-terminus of Mycobacterium tuberculosis HSP70 genetically fused to four tandem repeats of influenza A virus M2e was constructed. Then, the case-control study was carried out to evaluate the humoral and cellular responses elicited against M2e in Balb/C mice by intramuscular immunization with r4M2e.HSP70c alone. Our results showed that r4M2e.HSP70c rather than control groups, r4M2e, r4M2e+Alum, or rHSP70c, significantly elevated both longevity and serum level of the total M2e-specific IgG antibody, induced a Th1 skewed humoral and cellular immune responses, increased the level of IFN-γ in BALF, and promoted the proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes. Furthermore, a virus challenge experiment revealed that mice vaccinated with r4M2e.HSP70c limited the severity of influenza A disease by 100% survival rate, less sever body weight loss and delaying the onset of morbidity in mice for 2days rather than other control groups. Here, we used r4M2e.HSP70c to stimulate M2e-specific antibody and cellular immune responses in Balb/C mice. The mHSP70c in the fusion form induced a long lasting Th1 skewed humoral and cellular immune responses against its associated protein. It seems anti-M2e antibodies limit viral replication and ameliorate influenza infection that allows the immune system to induce sterilizing HA-antibody against whole virion that leads to full protection against virulent influenza infection.

Evaluation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Early Secreted Antigenic Target 6 Recombinant Protein as a Diagnostic Marker in Skin Test

Objectives

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading infectious disease in the developing world. Delayed-type hypersensitivity skin test diagnoses TB using tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD), but this test is incapable of distinguishing Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection from bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination or an infection caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). This study was performed to evaluate the use of recombinant early secretory antigenic target 6 (rESAT-6), a secretory protein found only in MTB, Mycobacterium bovis, and few other mycobacterial species, as a skin marker for MTB in guinea pigs.

Methods

We prepared recombinant MTB ESAT-6 and evaluated its use as a specific antigen for MTB in guinea pigs.

Results

Our results show that the purified MTB rESAT-6 antigen is capable of inducing a positive reaction only in guinea pigs sensitized to MTB. No such reaction was observed in the animals sensitized to M. bovis, BCG vaccination, or NTM (Mycobacterium avium).

Conclusion

Our study results confirm that the ESAT-6 antigen is more specific to MTB infection than PPD and could be used in more specific skin tests for detection of MTB in large animals and in humans.

A comparative approach to strategies for cloning, expression, and purification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis mycolyl transferase 85B and evaluation of immune responses in BALB/c mice

Protein antigens have drawn a lot of attention from investigators working on tuberculosis vaccines. These proteins can be used to improve the immunogenicity of the new generation BCG vaccines or even replace them completely. Recombinant technology is used to insure the production of pure mycobacterial antigens in high quantities. Mycolyl transferase 85B (Ag85B) is a potent, mycobacterial antigen that significantly stimulates immune responses. Since Ag85B is an apolar protein, production of the water-soluble antigen is of interest. In this work, we report a systematic optimization strategy concerning cloning systems and purification methods, aiming at increasing the yield of recombinant Ag85B. Our optimized method resulted in a yield of 8 mg of recombinant Ag85B from 1 liter of induced culture (400 μg/ml) by using pET32a(+), Escherichia coli Rosseta-gami™(DE3) pLysS and a Ni-NTA agarose-based procedure and on-column re-solubilization. The purified recombinant Ag85B showed strong immunostimulating properties by inducing high levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-12, and IgG2a in immunized mice, therefore it can effectively be applied in TB vaccine researches.

Circulating level of CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ T cells in patients with chronic urticaria

BACKGROUND

CD4+ CD25+ T-regulatory (Treg) cells play critical roles in maintaining peripheral tolerance and preventing autoimmunity. As characteristics of Treg cells have not been precisely investigated in chronic urticaria (CU) yet, this study was performed.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequencies of circulating CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ T cells and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and IL-17 in patients with chronic autoimmune urticaria and chronic idiopathic urticaria compared to healthy controls.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from patients with CU and healthy controls. The frequency of CD4+ CD25+ T cells in PBMCs and expression levels of FOXP3 were detected by flow cytometry. The serum levels of IL-10, TGF-β, and IL-17 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in the percentage of circulating CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ T cells was detected in patients with CU, compared to control subjects. However, no significant difference was detected on the serum levels of IL-10, TGF-β, and IL-17 between patients with CU and control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the frequency of Treg cells in PBMCs was decreased in patients with CU. Further studies are needed to clarify the exact role of Treg cells in the pathogenesis of CU and factors regulating their function.

Vaccination with recombinant 4 × M2e.HSP70c fusion protein as a universal vaccine candidate enhances both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses and decreases viral shedding against experimental challenge of H9N2 influenza in chickens

As cellular immunity is essential for virus clearance, it is commonly accepted that no adequate cellular immunity is achieved by all available inactivated HA-based influenza vaccines. Thus, an improved influenza vaccine to induce both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses is urgently required to control LPAI H9N2 outbreaks in poultry farms. M2e-based vaccines have been suggested and developed as a new generation of universal vaccine candidate against influenza A infection. Our previous study have shown that a prime-boost administration of recombinant 4×M2e.HSP70c (r4M2e/H70c) fusion protein compared to conventional HA-based influenza vaccines provided full protection against lethal dose of influenza A viruses in mice. In the present study, the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of (r4M2e/H70c) was examined in chickens. The data reported herein show that protection against H9N2 viral challenge was significantly increased in chickens by injection of r4M2e/H70c compared with injection of conventional HA-based influenza vaccine adjuvanted with MF59 or recombinant 4×M2e (r4M2e) without HSP70c. Oropharyngeal and cloacal shedding of the virus was detected in all of the r4M2e/H70c vaccinated birds at 2 days after challenge, but the titer was low and decreased rapidly to reach undetectable levels at 7 days after challenge. Moreover, comparison of protective efficacy against LPAI H9N2 in birds intramuscularly immunized with r4M2e/H70c likely represented the ability of the M2e-based vaccine in providing cross-protection against heterosubtypic H9N2 challenge and also allowed the host immune system to induce HA-homosubtype neutralizing antibody against H9N2 challenge. This protective immunity might be attributed to enhanced cell-mediated immunity, which is interpreted as increased lymphocytes proliferation, increased levels of Th1-type (IFN-γ) and Th2-type (IL-4) cytokines production and increased CD4(+) to CD8(+) ratios, resulting from the injection of four tandem repeats of the ectodomain of the conserved influenza matrix protein M2 (4×M2e) genetically fused to C-terminus of Mycobacterium tuberculosis HSP70 (mHSP70c).

Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of recombinant M2e.Hsp70c (Hsp70(359-610)) fusion protein against influenza virus infection in mice

New strategies in vaccine development are urgently needed to combat emerging influenza viruses and to reduce the risk of pandemic disease surfacing. Being conserved, the M2e protein, is a potential candidate for universal vaccine development against influenza A viruses. Mycobacterium tuberculosis Hsp70 (mHsp70) is known to cultivate the function of immunogenic antigenpresenting cells, stimulate a strong cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response, and stop the induction of tolerance. Thus, in this study, a recombinant protein from the extracellular domain of influenza A virus matrix protein 2 (M2e), was fused to the C-terminus of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Hsp70 (Hsp70c), to generate a vaccine candidate. Humoral immune responses, IFN-γ-producing lymphocyte, and strong CTL activity were all induced to confirm the immunogenicity of M2e.Hsp70c (Hsp70(359-610)). And challenge tests showed protection against H1N1 and H9N2 strains in vaccinated groups. Finally these results demonstrates M2e.Hsp70c fusion protein can be a candidate for a universal influenza A vaccine.

Study on camel IgG purification: a new approach to prepare Naja Naja Oxiana antivenom as passive immunization for therapy

A combined process of ammonium sulfate precipitation (salting out) and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B was used to prepare camel antivenom (IgG) against Naja Naja Oxiana for therapy. In the ammonium sulfate precipitation, the best condition for fractionation of IgG from the other proteins in camel serum was 55% precipitate. The camel IgG presented as 2 bands with molecular masses of 250 and 100 kDa, the latter corresponding to heavy chain IgG, on 10% gel electrophoresis. A trace amount of non-IgG proteins was not isolated and remained in this precipitate. Therefore in order to effectively separate albumin and the other nonspecific proteins from the IgG, the 25% precipitate of ammonium sulfate precipitation of serum was subjected to DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B column chromatography. A peak of antibody (IgG) could be obtained by elution with sodium phosphate buffer. In this stage, 2 bands of molecular masses of 150 and 75 kDa were observed on 7% gel electrophoresis. A comparative study was performed between camel IgG and conventional horse F(ab) 2 antivenoms in term of potency (serum neutralization test and ELISA). Our results showed that the potency of camel antivenom was 4-fold higher than that of horse. It is suggested the combined ammonium sulfate precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography process effectively removed residual proteins in the final camel IgG preparation and can be a suitable method for large-scale refinement of therapeutic camel antivenoms.

Evaluation of immunological parameters in purified protein derivative positive tuberculin workers

OBJECTIVE(S)

According to the occupationally risk of infection in staff workers who have direct contact with mycobacterium species, we investigated their immunological parameters and compared with healthy purified protein derivative (PPD) negative volunteers. Materials and Methods : We investigated 20 PPD positive volunteers working at Tuberculin Unit of Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute and PPD negative healthy controls with no exposure or history of active tuberculosis. The percentages of circulating lymphocyte subpopulations were detected by flowcytometry. IL-4 and IFN-γ production levels were measured by ELISA in supernatants of PPD-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) culture. Results : Tuberculin workers showed an increase in IFN-γ level and significant decrease of CD4+ T cells percentage and CD4/CD8 ratio compared to PPD negative normal individuals. However the IL-4 production and percentage of other lymphocyte population has been unchanged.

DISCUSSION

These observations suggest that the immunological parameters of tuberculin workers with PPD positive reaction, who are occupationally exposed to mycobacterium antigens, could be changed. Future studies will be directed towards cytokine networking and regulatory lymphocytes, which will help us validate the significant data presented in this study.

Induction of protective T-helper 1 immune responses against Echinococcus granulosus in mice by a multi-T-cell epitope antigen based on five proteins

In this study, we designed an experiment to predict a potential immunodominant T-cell epitope and evaluate the protectivity of this antigen in immunised mice. The T-cell epitopes of the candidate proteins (EgGST, EgA31, Eg95, EgTrp and P14-3-3) were detected using available web-based databases. The synthesised DNA was subcloned into the pET41a+ vector and expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion to glutathione-S-transferase protein (GST). The resulting chimeric protein was then purified by affinity chromatography. Twenty female C57BL/6 mice were immunised with the antigen emulsified in Freund's adjuvant. Mouse splenocytes were then cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium in the presence of the antigen. The production of interferon-γ was significantly higher in the immunised mice than in the control mice (> 1,300 pg/mL), but interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-4 production was not statistically different between the two groups. In a challenge study in which mice were infected with 500 live protoscolices, a high protectivity level (99.6%) was demonstrated in immunised BALB/C mice compared to the findings in the control groups [GST and adjuvant (Adj)]. These results demonstrate the successful application of the predicted T-cell epitope in designing a vaccine against Echinococcus granulosus in a mouse model.

In vivo electroporation enhances immunogenicity and protection against influenza A virus challenge of an M2e-HSP70c DNA vaccine

There is a growing concern regarding continuous risk of emerging a new influenza pandemic. It is highlighted the need for novel vaccination techniques that quickly and effectively employed to respond to such threats. Although, DNA vaccine is a simple and effective approach to induce antigen specific immune responses, their potency requires further improvement. DNA vaccine encoding conserved antigen of influenza virus could provide protection in various animal models. Therefore, we constructed a plasmid vector encoding M2e-HSP70c sequences, pcDNA/MHc, as a candidate for universal influenza vaccine. The expression of newly constructed vectors was verified by transient transfection of mammalian cells (HEK293T cell line) and western blot analysis using commercial antibodies. Mice were injected subcutaneously (s.c.) by the help of electroporation (IEP) in the footpad area and boosted without IEP with 100 μg of constructed vector. Furthermore, the potency of this construct to provoke humoral immune responses and its protectivity against lethal dose of viral challenge were evaluated. Based on our study, the fusion construct was immunogenic in mice and was able to confer both protection against lethal challenge of H1N1 virus and reduce viral load in lung homogenates of the infected mice.

Study of infection with an Iranian field-isolated H9N2 avian influenza virus in vaccinated and unvaccinated Japanese quail

In the present study, we examined the mortality rate, egg production, and clinical signs of quail experimentally infected with a field isolate of A/Chicken/Iran/339/02 (H9N2) avian influenza virus obtained from an infected commercial layer farm with severe morbidity and mortality. A total of 120 quail at 14 days old were randomly divided into four groups of vaccinated (B and C) and unvaccinated (A and D) birds. Vaccination was done on days 20 and 32, and viral inoculation of birds in groups C and D was then carried out on day 43. For evaluation of viral transmission, at 24 hr postinoculation additional unvaccinated birds were placed in direct contact with challenged birds. All the birds were evaluated for clinical signs, egg production, antibody production, viral titration in lung homogenates, and viral transmission following inoculation. All unvaccinated-challenged birds were infected and showed clinical signs, whereas the infection rate along with clinical signs of vaccinated-challenged birds reached 30%-40%. Although vaccination induced high antibody titers, reduction in food and water consumption was evident in this vaccinated-challenged group compared with the unchallenged control group. These results could indicate that inactivated vaccine did not fully prevent the infection, although it was capable of protecting birds against clinical signs and significantly decreased viral titers in lungs after intranasal challenge.

Invasive aspergillosis promotes tumor growth and severity in a tumor-bearing mouse model

Invasive aspergillosis increases in chronic immunosuppressive diseases such as cancer. There is little information about the mechanisms by which Aspergillus infection affects the immune regulation and microenvironment of cancer cells. Hence, this study was aimed at investigating the effect of invasive aspergillosis on immunosurveillance, metastasis, and prognosis of cancer in tumor-bearing mice. After implantation of mouse mammary tumor in BALB/c mice, they were infected with Aspergillus conidia intravenously. For comparison, groups of mice were experimentally infected with Aspergillus conidia or implanted with tumor cells separately. Seven days after Aspergillus infection, the serum levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were measured by ELISA, and subsequently regulatory T lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. The survival of animals and mean tumor size were then determined. Our results indicated that tumor sizes in mice increased significantly after infection with Aspergillus conidia. Moreover, invasive aspergillosis enhanced the population of regulatory lymphocytes and level of TIMP-1. This study supports the idea that massive Aspergillus infection could stimulate tumor growth and increases the possibility of a bad prognosis. As a result, treatment of Aspergillus infection could be considered an important issue for efficient cancer therapy.

Heterologous expression, purification and characterization of the influenza A virus M2e gene fused to Mycobacterium tuberculosis HSP70(359-610) in prokaryotic system as a fusion protein

One of the concerns about influenza A vaccine based on M2e protein is their limited potency; hence, optimal approaches to enhance immunogenicity of M2e protein immunization remain to be established. It seems by linking this M2e-peptide to an appropriate carrier such as mycobacterium tuberculosis C-terminal 28-kDa domain of HSP70 (HSP70(359-610)), we can render it very immunogenic. According to previous reports, this study was designed to produce a novel influenza A virus recombinant fusion protein consisted of M2e, a potent immunogenic protein from influenza A virus, fused to C-terminal domain of mycobacterium tuberculosis HSP70, HSP70(359-610), as a carrier and adjuvant. We fused the genes of M2e and HSP70 ( 359-610 ) then inserted in pQE-60, prokaryotic expression vector. This recombinant fusion protein with a 6xHis-tag was successfully over expressed in Escherichia coli M-15. The recombinant fusion protein was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography under denaturing conditions, followed by urea gradient dialysis. The purified fusion protein was analyzed on SDS-PAGE. Western blot assay was used to examine the immunoreaction of the expressed protein using commercial penta-His HRP conjugate antibody. The antigenicity and biological activity of the recombinant protein was also qualitatively detected on the infected MDCK cells surface by immunofluorescence and cell-ELISA assay using rabbit's immunized antiserum. This observation suggest that the expressed fusion protein is useful as a universal recombinant vaccine for overcoming highly mutational influenza virus, but more immunological study in animal lab remains to be evaluated.

Prokaryotic expression and characterization of avian influenza A virus M2 gene as a candidate for universal recombinant vaccine against influenza A subtypes; specially H5N1 and H9N2

The conserved M2 protein of influenza A virus is considered as a promising candidate target for a broad-spectrum, recombinant influenza A vaccine. In the present study, the open reading frame (ORF) of avian influenza A/chicken/Iran/101/1998 (H9N2) M2 gene was amplified then cloned in pAED4, prokaryotic expression vector. M2 protein was produced through the expression of this recombinant expression vector (pAED4-M2) in E. coli BL21 (DE3) strain. The expressed M2 protein was analyzed on SDS-PAGE. Western blot assay was used to examine the immunoreaction of the expressed protein using commercial polyclonal anti-M2 antibody. The antigenicity and biological activity of the recombinant protein was also qualitatively detected on infected MDCK cells surface by immunofluorescence assay using rabbit's immunized antiserum. So, according to the sequence alignment based on the mentioned isolate and the result of immunoassay reaction, it seems recombinant vaccine based on A/chicken/Iran/101/1998(H9N2) M2 protein isolate might cover majority of influenza A virus strains specially H5 and H9 circulating in Iran and neighbor regions significantly.

Leukemia markers expression of peripheral blood vs bone marrow blasts using flow cytometry

BACKGROUND

Flow cytometric techniques are widely used in clinical hematology. Characterization of leukemias by immunotyping is particularly helpful when the morphology is difficult to interpret. The major advantage of using immune markers by flow cytometry is the identification of particular leukemia subtype, not recognized by morphologic criteria, which may have prognostic significance. Current literature suggests when peripheral blood (PB) is consisted of 30% blasts or higher diagnosis of acute leukemia is most likely. However, bone marrow aspiration may also be performed as a confirmatory diagnosis. Immunotyping of PB and BM in leukemias not only determine the decision making for a specific therapeutic regimen, but also is a practical prognostic indicator.

MATERIAL/METHODS

We evaluated 18 patients with acute myeloid Leukemia (AML) and 13 patients with acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). In all cases, the amount of blasts in PB was 30% or higher. Two ml PB and BM samples from each patient was collected. Following the preparation process, expression of markers was detected by using flow cytometry. The panel of monoclonal antibodies used in this study were consisted of CD3, CD7, CD5 (for T lymphocytes lineage); CD19, CD22, CD20, CD10 (for B lymphocytes lineage); CD13, CD14, CD33 (for myeloid subsets); and TDT, HLA-DR, CD45 (non lineage restricted). Expression levels of PB and BM markers were compared by using statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed apparent discrepancies for some markers in ALL group. However, in AML patients most of the selected markers have shown considerable correlation between PB and BM samples. Only four markers (CD13, CD14, CD45, and HLA-DR) showed positive correlation. In contrast, most markers (CD3, CD5, CD13, CD14, CD19, CD45, HLA-DR, and TdT) showed strong correlation between PB and BM samples in AML group.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggests that targeted gating strategy for blast population as well as selection of a suitable panel of monoclonal antibodies may be essential for diagnosis of leukemia resulting in similar immunotyping pattern in PB and BM. Although our results are preliminary, this can minimize the necessity of BM aspiration for leukemia patients.