Footpad Route Research Articles

Resistance To Poxvirus Lethality Does Not Require the Necroptosis Proteins RIPK3 or MLKL.

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase (MLKL) are proteins that are critical for necroptosis, a mechanism of programmed cell death that is both activated when apoptosis is inhibited and thought to be antiviral. Here, we investigated the role of RIPK3 and MLKL in controlling the Orthopoxvirus ectromelia virus (ECTV), a natural pathogen of the mouse. We found that C57BL/6 (B6) mice deficient in RIPK3 (Ripk3-/-) or MLKL (Mlkl-/-) were as susceptible as wild-type (WT) B6 mice to ECTV lethality after low-dose intraperitoneal infection and were as resistant as WT B6 mice after ECTV infection through the natural footpad route. Additionally, after footpad infection, Mlkl-/- mice, but not Ripk3-/- mice, endured lower viral titers than WT mice in the draining lymph node (dLN) at three days postinfection and in the spleen or in the liver at seven days postinfection. Despite the improved viral control, Mlkl-/- mice did not differ from WT mice in the expression of interferons or interferon-stimulated genes or in the recruitment of natural killer (NK) cells and inflammatory monocytes (iMOs) to the dLN. Additionally, the CD8 T-cell responses in Mlkl-/- and WT mice were similar, even though in the dLNs of Mlkl-/- mice, professional antigen-presenting cells were more heavily infected. Finally, the histopathology in the livers of Mlkl-/- and WT mice at 7 dpi did not differ. Thus, the mechanism of the increased virus control by Mlkl-/- mice remains to be defined. IMPORTANCE The molecules RIPK3 and MLKL are required for necroptotic cell death, which is widely thought of as an antiviral mechanism. Here we show that C57BL/6 (B6) mice deficient in RIPK3 or MLKL are as susceptible as WT B6 mice to ECTV lethality after a low-dose intraperitoneal infection and are as resistant as WT B6 mice after ECTV infection through the natural footpad route. Mice deficient in MLKL are more efficient than WT mice at controlling virus loads in various organs. This improved viral control is not due to enhanced interferon, natural killer cell, or CD8 T-cell responses. Overall, the data indicate that deficiencies in the molecules that are critical to necroptosis do not necessarily result in worse outcomes following viral infection and may improve virus control.

Genetic diversity of collaborative cross mice enables identification of novel rift valley fever virus encephalitis model.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an arboviral disease of humans and livestock responsible for severe economic and human health impacts. In humans, RVF spans a variety of clinical manifestations, ranging from an acute flu-like illness to severe forms of disease, including late-onset encephalitis. The large variations in human RVF disease are inadequately represented by current murine models, which overwhelmingly die of early-onset hepatitis. Existing mouse models of RVF encephalitis are either immunosuppressed, display an inconsistent phenotype, or develop encephalitis only when challenged via intranasal or aerosol exposure. In this study, the genetically defined recombinant inbred mouse resource known as the Collaborative Cross (CC) was used to identify mice with additional RVF disease phenotypes when challenged via a peripheral foot-pad route to mimic mosquito-bite exposure. Wild-type Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) challenge of 20 CC strains revealed three distinct disease phenotypes: early-onset hepatitis, mixed phenotype, and late-onset encephalitis. Strain CC057/Unc, with the most divergent phenotype, which died of late-onset encephalitis at a median of 11 days post-infection, is the first mouse strain to develop consistent encephalitis following peripheral challenge. CC057/Unc mice were directly compared to C57BL/6 mice, which uniformly succumb to hepatitis within 2–4 days of infection. Encephalitic disease in CC057/Unc mice was characterized by high viral RNA loads in brain tissue, accompanied by clearance of viral RNA from the periphery, low ALT levels, lymphopenia, and neutrophilia. In contrast, C57BL/6 mice succumbed from hepatitis at 3 days post-infection with high viral RNA loads in the liver, viremia, high ALT levels, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia. The identification of a strain of CC mice as an RVFV encephalitis model will allow for future investigation into the pathogenesis and treatment of RVF encephalitic disease and indicates that genetic background makes a major contribution to RVF disease variation.

Avian Reoviruses From Wild Birds Exhibit Pathogenicity to Specific Pathogen Free Chickens by Footpad Route.

Avian reoviruses (ARVs) are ubiquitous in domestic poultry with 80% of them being non-pathogenic and they are frequently found in clinically healthy birds. ARVs have also been known to be the etiological agents of viral arthritis (VA), tenosynovitis, myocarditis, runting-stunting syndrome (RSS), and respiratory and enteric disease in chickens. Significant economic losses during the process of poultry husbandry are due, in part, to unmitigated ARV infections throughout the poultry industry. Recently, many isolates shared genetic similarities between those recovered from wild birds and those recovered from poultry. One explanation may be that there is a degree of spillover and spillback of ARVs between the two groups. However, studies on the role of wild birds in the epidemiology and pathogenicity of ARVs are insufficient. Here, we describe the pathogenicity in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens of ARV originating from wild birds. The challenge experiment was conducted in six groups including a negative control group, a positive control group (reference strain of S1133), and four groups (A15-157, A18-13, A18-205, A19-106) infected with ARVs from wild birds. The 7-day-old SPF chickens were inoculated with 106TCID50 ARV to evaluate the clinical signs, changes in weight gain, gross lesions, histological changes, virus replication, and serum antibody levels. The peak of clinical signs was from 3 to 5 days post infection (dpi). In addition, the death of one chicken was found in the group infected with the A18-13 isolate. Reduced body weight was also found in chickens infected with ARVs from wild birds compared to the negative control group. All the ARVs infection groups showed noticeable swelling of the footpad. In addition, ARVs were detected in the bursa, tendon, and hock joint by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in all infected groups at 5 and 15 dpi. Histopathological observations revealed acute inflammatory responses on the synovium covering the joint surfaces (arthritis) and tendon sheaths (tenosynovitis), as well as bursa atrophy and lymphocyte depletion. The analysis of the humoral response was performed by ELISA assay, and chickens infected with ARVs showed seroconverted. In conclusion, this study described the typical severe disease of acute VA and tenosynovitis in SPF chickens infected with ARVs derived from wild birds. This study confirmed the pathogenicity of ARVs infection in SPF chickens for the first time, and these results enrich our understanding of the pathogenicity of ARVs derived from wild birds.

Indispensable Role of CX3CR1+ Dendritic Cells in Regulation of Virus-Induced Neuroinflammation Through Rapid Development of Antiviral Immunity in Peripheral Lymphoid Tissues.

A coordinated host immune response mediated via chemokine network plays a crucial role in boosting defense mechanisms against pathogenic infections. The speed of Ag presentation and delivery by CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs) to cognate T cells in lymphoid tissues may decide the pathological severity of the infection. Here, we investigated the role of CX3CR1 in the neuroinflammation induced by infection with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a neurotrophic virus. Interestingly, CX3CR1 deficiency strongly enhanced susceptibility to JEV only after peripheral inoculation via footpad. By contrast, both CX3CR1+/+ and CX3CR1−/− mice showed comparable susceptibility to JEV following inoculation via intranasal and intraperitoneal routes. CX3CR1−/− mice exhibited lethal neuroinflammation after JEV inoculation via footpad route, showing high mortality, morbidity, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and uncontrolled CNS-infiltration of peripheral leukocytes including Ly-6Chi monocytes and Ly-6Ghi granulocytes. Furthermore, the absence of CX3CR1+CD11c+ DCs appeared to enhance susceptibility of CX3CR1−/− mice to JE after peripheral JEV inoculation. CX3CR1 ablation impaired the migration of CX3CR1+CD11c+ DCs from JEV-inoculated sites to draining lymph nodes (dLNs), resulting in decreased NK cell activation and JEV-specific CD4+/CD8+ T-cell responses. However, CX3CR1-competent mice showed rapid temporal expression of viral Ags in dLNs. Subsequently, JEV was rapidly cleared, with concomitant generation of antiviral NK cell activation and T-cell responses mediated by rapid migration of JEV Ag+CX3CR1+CD11c+ DCs. Using biallelic functional CX3CR1 expression system, the functional expression of CX3CR1 on CD11chi DCs appeared to be essentially required for inducing rapid and effective responses of NK cell activation and Ag-specific CD4+ T cells in dLNs. Strikingly, adoptive transfer of CX3CR1+CD11c+ DCs was found to completely restore the resistance of CX3CR1−/− recipients to JEV, as corroborated by the rapid delivery of JEV Ags in dLNs and attenuation of neuroinflammation in the CNS. Collectively, these results indicate that CX3CR1+CD11c+ DCs play an important role in generating rapid and effective responses of antiviral NK cell activation and Ag-specific T cells after peripheral inoculation with the virus, thereby resulting in conferring resistance to viral infection by reducing the peripheral viral burden.

Effect of Avian Reovirus Infection on Antibody Response, Footpad Thickness and Body Weight in SPF Chicken

Avian reoviruses (ARVs) are designated to be non-pathogenic to virulent viruses and cause asymptomatic to severe infections in poultry. Particularly in broiler breeder flocks, infection results in huge economic losses to farmers due to virulent ARV strain. Hence, this study was designed to isolate the reovirus from field outbreaks and to study the pathogenicity of ARV isolate in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. The isolated ARV strain was inoculated by footpad (FP) route at the dose rate of 0.1 ml (104 TCID/0.1 ml) per bird into 30 specific pathogen-free (SPF) birds (inoculated group). Thirty (30) SPF birds were used as control group (uninoculated group). The antibody response to ARV infection from six birds per group and FP thickness in all the birds was measured on Days 7, 14, 21 and 28. Body weights were recorded on Days 1 and 28 of the study. The study indicated that the orthotropic ARV virus infection showed decreased body weights in SPF birds. A significant increase in FP thickness at virus inoculation site and progressive increase in percent positive birds for ARV antibodies with mean titre was observed in ARV infected birds.

Pathogenicity of newly emergent turkey arthritis reoviruses in chickens

Turkey arthritis reoviruses (TARVs) were isolated recently from gastrocnemius and digital flexor tendons of lame turkeys with swollen joints and tenosynovitis. These TARVs were genetically different from chicken arthritis reoviruses (CARVs) and produced gastrocnemius tenosynovitis when inoculated into turkey poults. The purpose of this study was to determine the pathogenicity of TARVs in chickens. One-week-old, specific-pathogen-free chicks were inoculated with either a TARV (TARV-MN2 or TARV-O'Neil) or CARV via oral, intratracheal, or footpad routes. At 2 and 3 weeks post inoculation (PI), a subset of chicks from each group was euthanized followed by collection of tissues for real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR), virus isolation, and histopathology. Chickens inoculated with CARV via intratracheal and footpad routes developed gastrocnemius lymphocytic tenosynovitis at 2 and 3 weeks PI. Both TARV-MN2 and TARV-O'Neil induced gastrocnemius lymphocytic tenosynovitis in chicks inoculated only via the footpad route at 2 and 3 weeks PI. Although there was no evidence of clinical lameness, the virus was present in leg tendons, internal organs, and intestines of all TARV-inoculated chicks regardless of route of inoculation, as indicated by rRT-PCR and virus isolation. These results indicate that TARVs do not produce gastrocnemius tenosynovitis in chicks by 3 weeks PI when administered via the most probable natural route (e.g., oral and intratracheal). Further studies are needed to determine the long term effects these viruses might play in inducing lameness in chickens.

194. Lymphatic Transport Mediates Systemic Leakage of Peripherally Administered AAV9 Vectors

Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) have emerged as promising vector candidates for gene therapy of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Preclinical studies in rodents as well as large animal models such as cats and non-human primates have shown that AAV9 mediates robust and widespread gene expression in the brain and spinal cord. In particular, after intracranial or intrathecal administration, leakage into the systemic circulation and accumulation of vector genomes in off-target organs such as the liver or spleen presents a potential safety concern. Here, we demonstrate that intrathecal administration of AAV9 transduces not only systemic and peripheral tissues, but also the peripheral lymph nodes. Significantly higher vector genome copy numbers were recovered from both systemic and lymphoid organs. Furthermore, AAV9 vectors are found specifically in the draining popliteal lymph nodes following hind footpad injection, an established model for studying lymphatic transport. Vector genomes from the blood circulation were recovered as early as 1 hour postadministration through intrathecal or footpad routes suggesting rapid transport. Similar observations were made in case of AAV8 vectors. In contrast, AAV2 vectors injected through either route were only recovered at the site of injection. Mutation of heparin binding residues on the AAV2 capsid mediated robust spread of vectors through the lymphatic drainage and systemic leakage. Together, these observations suggest that lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes are likely conduits for the systemic spread of AAV9 vectors following intrathecal administration. Further investigation is required to study the mechanisms that determine lymphatic transport of AAV9 vectors. These findings are important towards establishing the safety of gene therapy-based approaches to treat neurological diseases.

The role of avian reoviruses in turkey tenosynovitis/arthritis

Turkey arthritis reovirus (TARV) has been isolated from the gastrocnemius tendons and tibiotarsal joint fluid of lame male turkeys >12 weeks old in the Midwest. Two experiments were conducted to compare the pathogenicity in turkeys of three TARVs (TARV-MN2, TARV-MN4 and TARV-O'Neil), one turkey enteric reovirus (TERV strain MN1) and one chicken arthritis reovirus (CARV strain MN1). Two hundred microlitres of virus were inoculated by the oral, intratracheal, or footpad route into 6-day-old poults placed in isolator units. Poults were necropsied at 1 and 4 weeks post infection in Experiment 1, and at 2 and 4 weeks post infection in Experiment 2. Reovirus was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and virus isolation in tendons of TARV-inoculated poults at 1, 2 and 4 weeks post infection. TARV-O'Neil and TARV-MN2 were detected in tendons of sentinal birds at 1 and 4 weeks and 1 week p.i., respectively. In general, TARVs produced lymphocytic tenosynovitis of the gastrocnemius and digital flexor tendon sheaths without inflammation of the tendons proper. In Experiment 1, poults inoculated with TARV-MN2 and TARV-O'Neil had significantly higher gastrocnemius tendon inflammation scores, as determined by histology, than those inoculated with TERV-MN1 or CARV-MN1. In Experiment 2, poults inoculated with TARV-MN2 and TARV-O'Neil had significantly higher gastrocnemius tendon inflammation scores than those inoculated with TARV-MN4 and virus-free medium (negative control group). Koch's postulates was fulfilled when TARV-MN2 and TARV-O'Neil were re-isolated from tendons of poults that had originally been challenged with either of these viruses. Results of these experiments indicate that TARVs have a unique ability to induce gastrocnemius tenosynovitis in turkeys and that administration of TARV-O'Neil through the oral or intratracheal route is a reproducible model to study pathogenesis of TARV infection.

Development of a Human IgG4 Bispecific Antibody for Dual Targeting of Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interleukin-13 (IL-13) Cytokines

Human bispecific antibodies have great potential for the treatment of human diseases. Although human IgG1 bispecific antibodies have been generated, few attempts have been reported in the scientific literature that extend bispecific antibodies to other human antibody isotypes. In this paper, we report our work expanding the knobs-into-holes bispecific antibody technology to the human IgG4 isotype. We apply this approach to generate a bispecific antibody that targets IL-4 and IL-13, two cytokines that play roles in type 2 inflammation. We show that IgG4 bispecific antibodies can be generated in large quantities with equivalent efficiency and quality and have comparable pharmacokinetic properties and lung partitioning, compared with the IgG1 isotype. This work broadens the range of published therapeutic bispecific antibodies with natural surface architecture and provides additional options for the generation of bispecific antibodies with differing effector functions through the use of different antibody isotypes.

Involvement of T-cell immunoregulation by ochnaflavone in therapeutic effect on fungal arthritis due to Candida albicans

Arthritis due to pathogenic fungi is a serious disease causing rapid destruction of the joint. In the pathogenesis of arthritis, T lymphocytes are considered to be one of the major immune cells. In present study, we examined the T cell immunoregulatory effect by ochnaflavone (Och), a biflavonoid, on arthritis caused by Candida albicans that is the most commonly associated with fungal arthritis. To examine the effects of ochnaflavonon Candida albicans-caused septic arthritis, an emulsified mixture of C. albicans cell wall and complete Freund's adjuvant (CACW/CFA) was injected into BALB/c mice via hind footpad route on days -3, -2, and -1. On Day 0, Och at 1 or 2 mg/dose/time was intratraperitoneally given to mice with the swollen footpad every other day for 3 times. The footpad-edema was measured for 20 days. Results revealed that Och reduced the edema at all dose levels and furthermore, there was app. 45% reduction of the edema in animals given 2 mg-dose at the peak of septic arthritis (p < 0.05). This anti-arthritic effect was accompanied by the diminishing of the DTH (delayed type hypersensitivity) activity against the CACW and by the provoking of the dominant T helper 2 (Th2) type cytokines production (IL-4 and Il-10), which appeared to result in a suppression of T helper 1 cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-2). Besides the T cell immunoregulatory activity, Och inhibited T cells activation as evidenced by the IL-2 reduction from PMA/ionomycin-stimulated Jurkat cell line and in addition, the compound killed macrophages in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). However, Och caused no hemolysis (p < 0.05). These data implicate that Och, which has anti-arthritic activity based on the Th2 dominance as well as macrophage removal, can be safely administered into the blood circulation for treatment of the arthritis caused by C. albicans. Thus, it can be concluded that Och would be an ideal immunologically evaluated agent for treating of Candida arthritis.

Antiarthritic effect of lonicerin on Candida albicans arthritis in mice

Fungal arthritis is a potentially serious disease resulting in rapid destruction of the joint. Among the various Candida species, Candida albicans is the most commonly associated with fungal arthritis. In the present study, we examined the effect of lonicerin, a flavonoid isolated from Lonicerae Flos, on an arthritis caused by C. albicans cell wall (CACW) in mice. To examine the effect, an emulsified mixture of CACW and complete Freund's adjuvant (CACW/CFA) was injected into BALB/c mice via hind footpad route on days -3, -2, and -1. On Day 0, mice with the swollen footpad received lonicerin at 1 or 2 mg/dose/time intraperitoneally 3 times every other day. The footpad-swelling was measured for 20 days. Results showed that the lonicerin treatment reduced the edema at all dose levels, and, furthermore, there was app. 54% edema reduction in animals given the 2 mg-dose at the peak (day 10) of septic arthritis (p < 0.05). Since the peak, the edema was reduced in similar rates. This antiarthritic activity appeared to be mediated by lonicerin's ability to suppress T cell proliferation, nitric oxide production from macrophages, and shift of cellular immunity from Th1- toward Th2-type responses, all of which are beneficial to treat arthritis. In addition, the flavonoid had anticandidal activity (p < 0.01). These data suggest that lonicerin alone, which has both anti-arthritic and antifungal activities, can result in a combination therapy for the treatment of fungal arthritis due to C. albicans infection.

Rutin has therapeutic effect on septic arthritis caused by Candida albicans

As of late, numerous reports have demonstrated the multiple biological activities of polyphenolic flavonoids. Amongst these reports, some indicate that the flavonoids play an important role in inflammation therapy. In this present study, we investigated the effect of rutin, a polyphenolic flavonoid, on septic arthritis due to Candida albicans, a major etiological agent that causes fungal arthritis. To induce septic arthritis, an emulsified mixture of C. albicans cell wall and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CACW/CFA) was injected into BALB/c mice via hind footpad route once a day, everyday, for three days. In order to determine the effect of rutin, twenty-four hours after the final injection, mice having the swollen footpad were given the flavonoid (1 mg/dose/mouse) intraperitoneally every other day for three times. The footpad-edema was measured for a period of 17 days. Results showed that the rutin treatment reduced app. 45% of the edema at the peak day (day 11) of septic arthritis ( P < 0.05). In addition, 6 days after the peak, there was an app. 35% additional reduction of the edema ( P < 0.05). We found that this anti-arthritic activity was mediated by rutin's ability to inhibit nitric oxide production from macrophages and T-cells proliferation. Furthermore, this flavonoid also inhibited the growth of C. albicans yeast cells ( P < 0.01) and resulted in no hemolysis. These data indicate that rutin, which has both anti-arthritic and antifungal effects, can safely be administered into the blood circulation for treatment of septic arthritis caused by C. albicans. Ultimately, it can be suggested that the dual effects of rutin, anti-arthritic and anti-candidal may be helpful as an all-in-one treatment for septic arthritis.

Chlorogenic acid, a polyphenolic compound, treats mice with septic arthritis caused by Candida albicans

There has been an increasing number of studies concerning the multiple biological activities of polyphenolic compounds. In this present study, we determined the effect of chlorogenic acid (CRA), a polyphenolic compound, on septic arthritis caused by Candida albicans, a major etiological agent that causes fungal arthritis. To induce septic arthritis, an emulsified mixture of C. albicans cell wall and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CACW/CFA) was injected into BALB/c mice via hind footpad route once a day for 3 days. Twenty-four hours after the final injection, in order to determine CRA effect, mice having the swollen footpad were given CRA (1 mg/dose/mouse) intraperitoneally every other day three times. The footpad edema was measured for 15 days. Results showed that the CRA treatment reduced approximately 40% of the edema at the peak of septic arthritis ( P < 0.05). This anti-arthritic activity appeared to be mediated by a complete inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production from macrophages and suppression of T-cells proliferation. Furthermore, CRA also inhibited growth of C. albicans yeast cells ( P < 0.01) and caused no hemolysis. These data indicate that CRA, which has antifungal and anti-arthritic effects, can safely be administered into the blood circulation for treatment of septic arthritis due to C. albicans. In addition, in respect to antiseptic arthritis, it can be suggested that the anti-candidal effect of CRA may be helpful as an all-in-one treatment of the candidal arthritis.

Comparison of intramuscular and footpad subcutaneous immunization with DNA vaccine encoding HSV-gD2 in mice

Herpes simplex virus type 2 is the most common infectious agent in humans that causes genital herpes disease and vaccination is a desirable method to prevent herpes infections. An effective therapeutic vaccine will need to elicit virus-specific immune responses. The route of immunization has important role in immune responses. In this study, DNA vaccine encoding glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-gD2) was prepared and injected via intramuscular and footpad routes to determine the optimal method of delivery for immune stimulation. The control manipulation of immune response by concerning route of administration is highly appreciated issue by researches. Although DNA vaccine containing HSV-gD2 is effective in both intramuscular and footpad injection routes, the latter could induce significantly higher cellular responses against HSV-2.

Early Production of Type I Interferon during West Nile Virus Infection: Role for Lymphoid Tissues in IRF3-Independent Interferon Production

Infection of cells with flaviviruses in vitro is reduced by pretreatment with small amounts of type I interferon (IFN-alpha/beta). Similarly, pretreatment of animals with IFN and experiments using mice defective in IFN signaling have indicated a role for IFN in controlling flavivirus disease in vivo. These data, along with findings that flavivirus-infected cells block IFN signaling, suggest that flavivirus infection can trigger an IFN response. To investigate IFN gene induction by the very first cells infected during in vivo infection with the flavivirus West Nile virus (WNV), we infected mice with high-titer preparations of WNV virus-like particles (VLPs), which initiate viral genome replication in cells but fail to spread. These studies demonstrated a brisk production of IFN in vivo, with peak levels of over 1,000 units/ml detected in sera between 8 and 24 h after inoculation by either the intraperitoneal or footpad route. The IFN response was dependent on genome replication, and WNV genomes and WNV antigen-positive cells were readily detected in the popliteal lymph nodes (pLN) of VLP-inoculated mice. High levels of IFN mRNA transcripts and functional IFN were also produced in VLP-inoculated IFN regulatory factor 3 null (IRF3(-/-)) mice, indicating that IFN production was independent of the IRF3 pathways to IFN gene transcription, consistent with the IFN type produced (predominantly alpha).

A comparison of the neurotropism of Theiler's virus and poliovirus in CBA mice

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) and poliovirus infect the central nervous system (CNS) and cause neurological damage. The exact route by which TMEV and polioviruses enter the CNS remains, for the most part, unknown, although the neural and/or the hematogenous pathway have both been postulated. To explore these hypotheses, this research focuses on both the site of entry and the pathway used to invade the CNS. Following different inoculation sites of the GDVII strain of Theiler's virus or Lansing Type 2 poliovirus in CBA mice, the incidence of paralysis and/or encephalitis was evaluated on the basis of clinical signs and histopathology. The forms of paralysis displayed corresponded to the site of viral inoculation. Following intramuscular (i.m.), intraperitoneal (i.p.), and footpad routes of injection, bilateral and or contralateral paralyses were observed for both TMEV and poliovirus. In mice injected intratongue and in the hypoglossal nerve, tongue paralysis or paralysis of the forelimb, which progressed to bilateral forelimb paralysis, was observed, additionally the penis of most infected males was protruded. Intracranial (i.c.) injections with type II poliovirus strain resulted in forelimb paralysis. Intravenous (i.v.), injections with TMEV also resulted in forelimb paralysis. Thus Lansing Type II poliovirus and TMEV infections of CBA mice, result in similar incidence of paralysis and histopathological findings.

Ginkgo terpene component has an anti-inflammatory effect on Candida albicans-caused arthritic inflammation

The Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb 761, contains flavonoid glycosides and unique terpene lactones as major active components. In this study, we determined the anti-inflammatory effect of the water-soluble portion (GH415) of the EGb 761 on the inflammation caused by Candida albicans, a major ethiological agent that causes fungal arthritis. For inflammatory induction, an emulsified mixture of C. albicans cell wall and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CACW/CFA) was injected into BALB/c mice by the hind footpad route once a day for 3 days. Twenty-four hours after the final injection, mice having the swollen footpad were given the GH415 (2 mg/dose) intraperitoneally to the mice once every 3 days for 15 days. The footpad-swelling of these mice was measured during the entire observation period. Results showed that the GH415 treatment reduced the swelling. In the same animal model, this effect was enhanced by treatment with the GH415 entrapped within liposome (Lipo-GH: 200 μ/dose). Further analysis revealed that terpene, not flavone portion, was responsible for such therapeutic anti-inflammatory effect. Treatment with the terpene (7.4 μg/dose) by liposomal delivery method had similar effects as the treatment with indomethacin at 30 μg/dose. Addition of the terpene to lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages showed suppression of nitric oxide (NO) production. These results suggest that blockage of the NO production from the macrophages that infiltrated to the inflamed site may be a possible mechanism for the therapeutic anti-inflammatory effect.

Primary antibody response to keyhole limpet hemocyanin in rat as a model for immunotoxicity evaluation.

To address current regulatory expectations on immunotoxicity testing of new chemicals, we describe an animal model that measures the primary antibody response to the T-cell dependent antigen, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Single immunization with KLH by either footpad (300microg/rat) or intravenous (300microg/kg) route in Sprague Dawley rats resulted in increased germinal center formation in the spleen and a robust anti-KLH IgM (70-388microg/ml) and IgG (230-470microg/ml) antibody response with peak detection on Days 5 and 14 post-immunization, respectively. Subcutaneous immunization with KLH (300microg/kg) resulted in a much weaker anti-KLH IgM and IgG (< or =20microg/ml) antibody response with no detectable increase in splenic germinal center formation. The utility of a rat KLH immunization model in detecting immunosuppression was evaluated with the known immunosuppressive drugs: cyclosporin, azathioprine and prednisolone. Rats, treated with drug at a maximum tolerated dose, were immunized with KLH by footpad or intravenous injection and serum samples were collected at various intervals up to 2 weeks post-immunization. Additional study parameters included terminal body weight, hematology and/or histopathology. All three drugs inhibited the IgM (60%) and IgG (> or =90%) antibody responses in the absence of overt toxicity based on evaluation of the standard toxicology parameters. In conclusion, measurement of a rat primary antibody response to KLH by ELISA is a reliable and readily standardized method for assessing immunotoxicity of pharmaceuticals.

Characterization of the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) US2 gene product and a US2-deficient HSV-2 mutant.

The herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) US2 gene product was identified by using a rabbit polyclonal antiserum raised against a recombinant 6 x His-US2 fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli. The antiserum reacted specifically with a 39 kDa protein in HSV-2 strain 186-infected cell lysates. The protein was not detectable in the presence of the virus DNA synthesis inhibitor phosphonoacetic acid. Indirect immunofluorescence studies localized the US2 protein in the cytoplasm and as discrete granules at late times post-infection within and at the periphery of the nucleus, and nuclear fractionation studies showed that the protein was partially associated with the nuclear matrix of infected cells. The protein was easily detected in purified virions. Also, a US2 insertion mutant was constructed which contained an ICP6-lacZ insertion in the US2 gene. This mutant was as virulent as wild-type virus in mice when inoculated by the footpad route. The importance of the US2 protein of HSV-2 in the virus life-cycle may be apparent only in the natural human host.

T cell receptor-gamma/delta cells protect mice from herpes simplex virus type 1-induced lethal encephalitis.

Increased numbers of T cell receptor (TCR)-gamma/delta cells have been observed in animal models of influenza and sendai virus infections, as well as in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). However, a direct role for TCR-gamma/delta cells in protective immunity for pathogenic viral infection has not been demonstrated. To define the role of TCR-gamma/delta cells in anti-HSV-1 immunity, TCR-alpha-/- mice treated with anti- TCR-gamma/delta monoclonal antibodies or TCR-gamma/delta x TCR-alpha/beta double-deficient mice were infected with HSV-1 by footpad or ocular routes of infection. In both models of HSV-1 infection, TCR-gamma/delta cells limited severe HSV-1-induced epithelial lesions and greatly reduced mortality by preventing the development of lethal viral encephalitis. The observed protection resulted from TCR-gamma/delta cell-mediated arrest of both viral replication and neurovirulence. The demonstration that TCR-gamma/delta cells play an important protective role in murine HSV-1 infections supports their potential contribution to the immune responses in human HSV-1 infection. Thus, this study demonstrates that TCR-gamma/delta cells may play an important regulatory role in human HSV-1 infections.