Principles for the Use of In Vivo Transgene Techniques: Overview and an Introductory Practical Guide for the Selection of Tetracycline-Controlled Transgenic Mice

Author(s):  
Norio Sakai
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Merricka C. Livingstone ◽  
Alexis A. Bitzer ◽  
Alish Giri ◽  
Kun Luo ◽  
Rajeshwer S. Sankhala ◽  
...  

AbstractPlasmodium falciparum malaria contributes to a significant global disease burden. Circumsporozoite protein (CSP), the most abundant sporozoite stage antigen, is a prime vaccine candidate. Inhibitory monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against CSP map to either a short junctional sequence or the central (NPNA)n repeat region. We compared in vitro and in vivo activities of six CSP-specific mAbs derived from human recipients of a recombinant CSP vaccine RTS,S/AS01 (mAbs 317 and 311); an irradiated whole sporozoite vaccine PfSPZ (mAbs CIS43 and MGG4); or individuals exposed to malaria (mAbs 580 and 663). RTS,S mAb 317 that specifically binds the (NPNA)n epitope, had the highest affinity and it elicited the best sterile protection in mice. The most potent inhibitor of sporozoite invasion in vitro was mAb CIS43 which shows dual-specific binding to the junctional sequence and (NPNA)n. In vivo mouse protection was associated with the mAb reactivity to the NANPx6 peptide, the in vitro inhibition of sporozoite invasion activity, and kinetic parameters measured using intact mAbs or their Fab fragments. Buried surface area between mAb and its target epitope was also associated with in vivo protection. Association and disconnects between in vitro and in vivo readouts has important implications for the design and down-selection of the next generation of CSP based interventions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cody L. Call ◽  
Dwight E. Bergles

ABSTRACTAxons in the cerebral cortex show a broad range of myelin coverage. Oligodendrocytes establish this pattern by selecting a cohort of axons for myelination; however, the distribution of myelin on distinct neurons and extent of internode replacement after demyelination remain to be defined. Here we show that myelination patterns of seven distinct neuron subtypes in somatosensory cortex are influenced by both axon diameter and neuronal identity. Preference for myelination of parvalbumin interneurons was preserved between cortical areas with varying myelin density, suggesting that regional differences in myelin abundance arises through local control of oligodendrogenesis. By imaging loss and regeneration of myelin sheaths in vivo we show that myelin distribution on individual axons was altered but overall myelin content on distinct neuron subtypes was restored. Our findings suggest that local changes in myelination are tolerated, allowing regenerated oligodendrocytes to restore myelin content on distinct neurons through opportunistic selection of axons.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruklanthi de Alwis ◽  
Li Liang ◽  
Omid Taghavian ◽  
Emma Werner ◽  
Hao Chung The ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Shigella is a major diarrheal pathogen for which there is presently no vaccine. Whole genome sequencing provides the ability to predict and derive novel antigens for use as vaccines. Here, we aimed to identify novel immunogenic Shigella antigens that could serve as Shigella vaccine candidates, either alone, or when conjugated to Shigella O-antigen. Methods Using a reverse vaccinology approach, where genomic analysis informed the Shigella immunome via an antigen microarray, we aimed to identify novel immunogenic Shigella antigens. A core genome analysis of Shigella species, pathogenic and non-pathogenic Escherichia coli, led to the selection of 234 predicted immunogenic Shigella antigens. These antigens were expressed and probed with acute and convalescent serum from microbiologically confirmed Shigella infections. Results Several Shigella antigens displayed IgG and IgA seroconversion, with no difference in sero-reactivity across by sex or age. IgG sero-reactivity to key Shigella antigens was observed at birth, indicating transplacental antibody transfer. Six antigens (FepA, EmrK, FhuA, MdtA, NlpB, and CjrA) were identified in in vivo testing as capable of producing binding IgG and complement-mediated bactericidal antibody. Conclusions These findings provide six novel immunogenic Shigella proteins that could serve as candidate vaccine antigens, species-specific carrier proteins, or targeted adjuvants.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (14) ◽  
pp. 4221
Author(s):  
Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup ◽  
Svend Borup Jensen ◽  
Ole Lerberg Nielsen ◽  
Lars Jødal ◽  
Pia Afzelius

The development of new and better radioactive tracers capable of detecting and characterizing osteomyelitis is an ongoing process, mainly because available tracers lack selectivity towards osteomyelitis. An integrated part of developing new tracers is the performance of in vivo tests using appropriate animal models. The available animal models for osteomyelitis are also far from ideal. Therefore, developing improved animal osteomyelitis models is as important as developing new radioactive tracers. We recently published a review on radioactive tracers. In this review, we only present and discuss osteomyelitis models. Three ethical aspects (3R) are essential when exposing experimental animals to infections. Thus, we should perform experiments in vitro rather than in vivo (Replacement), use as few animals as possible (Reduction), and impose as little pain on the animal as possible (Refinement). The gain for humans should by far exceed the disadvantages for the individual experimental animal. To this end, the translational value of animal experiments is crucial. We therefore need a robust and well-characterized animal model to evaluate new osteomyelitis tracers to be sure that unpredicted variation in the animal model does not lead to a misinterpretation of the tracer behavior. In this review, we focus on how the development of radioactive tracers relies heavily on the selection of a reliable animal model, and we base the discussions on our own experience with a porcine model.


ACS Nano ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 3212-3227
Author(s):  
Elisa Lázaro-Ibáñez ◽  
Farid N. Faruqu ◽  
Amer F. Saleh ◽  
Andreia M. Silva ◽  
Julie Tzu-Wen Wang ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pia Montanucci ◽  
Silvia Terenzi ◽  
Claudio Santi ◽  
Ilaria Pennoni ◽  
Vittorio Bini ◽  
...  

Alginate-based microencapsulation of live cells may offer the opportunity to treat chronic and degenerative disorders. So far, a thorough assessment of physical-chemical behavior of alginate-based microbeads remains cloudy. A disputed issue is which divalent cation to choose for a high performing alginate gelling process. Having selected, in our system, high mannuronic (M) enriched alginates, we studied different gelling cations and their combinations to determine their eventual influence on physical-chemical properties of the final microcapsules preparation,in vitroandin vivo. We have shown that used of ultrapure alginate allows for high biocompatibility of the formed microcapsules, regardless of gelation agents, while use of different gelling cations is associated with corresponding variable effects on the capsules’ basic architecture, as originally reported in this work. However, only the final application which the capsules are destined to will ultimately guide the selection of the ideal, specific gelling divalent cations, since in principle there are no capsules that are better than others.


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