We are grateful to Junko Wada for her excellent technical assistance. We are grateful to Prof. Akio Nomoto for kindly providing a baculovirus expression vector for PVR-IgG2a. This study was supported in part by Grants-in-Aid for the Promotion of Polio Eradication and Research on Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

1.	Preparation of maintenance medium (MM) and growth medium (GM)
For preparation of MM and GM, please see a Polio laboratory manual of WHO 1. Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with 2% fetal calf serum (FCS) and 10% FCS could be used as substitutes of MM and GM, respectively.
2.	Preparation of anti-PV antibodies
<ol>
<li>Reconstitute anti-PV antibody (RIVM PV typing antiserum) by adding water (0.5 mL per vial) to each vial of anti-PV antibody (type 1, 2, or 3). Add this reconstituted antibody solutions (0.5 mL each) to 4.5 mL of MM in separate labeled tubes. Note: Some lots of anti-PV antibody are provided as reconstituted form (0.5 mL per vial). For such lot of anti-PV antibody, addition of water for reconstitution is not necessary.</li>
<li>Mix equal volume of reconstituted anti-PV antibody. For anti-PV1 +2, 2+3, or 3+1: Mix 1.8 mL of each reconstituted antibody (1.8 mL + 1.8 mL = 3.6 mL for each mixture). For anti-PV1 +2+3: Mix 1.2 mL of each reconstituted antibody (1.2 mL + 1.2 mL + 1.2 mL = 3.6 mL). Note: PV samples could contain a mixture of different serotypes of PV. To identify single serotype of PV in samples with mixture of PVs, pools of anti-PV antibodies (i.e. 1+2, 2+3, 3+1, 1+2+3) is necessary.</li>
<li>Add 1/5 volume of FCS (0.72 mL) to each anti-PV (1+2, 2+3, 3+1, or 1+2+3) antibody (3.6 mL each) (final 18.2% FCS). Note: Addition of FCS is for reduction of non-specific agglutination of gelatin particle caused by antibodies.</li>
<li>Keep the antibody pools at -20 &deg;C until use in PA assay.</li>
</ol>
3.	Reconstitution of sensitized gelatin particle
<ol>
<li>Add 1.5 mL of reconstitution buffer included in the kit to one vial of sensitized gelatin particle (provided as freeze-dried powder).</li>
<li>Mix well by gentle tapping</li>
<li>Keep the reconstituted sensitized particle at 4 &deg;C. Reconstituted gelatin particle could be active at least 2 weeks kept at 4 &deg;C, but should be prepared just before the assay.</li>
</ol>
Important note: 
Do not mix different lot of sensitized gelatin particles, because the non-agglutination image of sensitized gelatin particles could be different by the lot of the particles. For each experiment, a single lot of sensitized gelatin particle should be used.

4.	PA assay for PV identification
<ol>
<li>Prepare a micro-titration plate. For identification of one virus sample, we need 5 wells + at least one negative control (sensitized particle without virus and antibody, well # 6 in below. See No virus and antibody control in Example). Total number of wells is 5 x samples + at least one control in the assay. Important note: 
Please take at least one No virus and antibody control in the assay. One vial of sensitized particle is approximately for identification of 10 virus samples.</li>
<li>Add 12 &mu;L/well of anti-PV antibody or GM to the micro-titration plate. The arrangement of the plate is as follows (See also Example below). In samples without antibody (well #1 and 6), add 12 &mu;L of GM instead of anti-PV antibody. 
Important note: 
If many PV samples should be tested in this assay, multichannel pipette or dispenser would be helpful for this step.
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
 	<tr>
 	<td>Well #1</td>
 <td>Well #2</td>
 <td>Well #3</td>
 <td>Well #4</td>
 <td>Well #5</td>
 <td>Well #6</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 	<td>GM</td>
 <td>anti-P1+2+3</td>
 <td>anti-P1+2</td>
 <td>anti-P2+3</td>
 <td>ani-P1+3</td>
 <td>GM</td>
 </tr>

 </tbody>
</table>
</li>
<li>Add 12 &mu;L/well of virus sample. In one sample without virus (well #6), add 12 &mu;L of GM instead of virus solution. Note: Virus sample is culture supernatant of infected cells, usually L20B cells or RD cells. 
Important note: 
If many PV samples should be tested in this assay, multichannel pipette would be helpful for this step.
<table border="1">
	<tbody>
 	<tr>
 	<td>Well #1</td>
 <td>Well #2</td>
 <td>Well #3</td>
 <td>Well #4</td>
 <td>Well #5</td>
 <td>Well #6</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 	<td>virus sample</td>
 <td>virus sample</td>
 <td>virus sample</td>
 <td>virus sample</td>
 <td>virus sample</td>
 <td>GM</td>
 </tr>

 </tbody>
</table> 
</li> 
<li>Take reconstituted sensitized particle solution from 4 &deg;C to room temperature, and gently tap to completely suspend the particles. Important note: After complete suspension of the particles by gentle tapping, the particles should be added immediately to the plates before the suspended particles precipitate and form non-homogeneous solution.</li>
<li>Add 25 &mu;L/well of sensitized particle to all the wells. Important note: After addition of sensitized particle, the plate should immediately be subjected to plate mixing to start uniform reaction of the samples. Therefore, addition of sensitized particle should be performed by using dispenser to minimize a time lag among the samples in the plate.</li> 
<li>Put the micro-titration plate onto a plate mixer and mix the plate for 30 sec.</li>
<li>Put the micro-titration plate on white paper (for convenience of visual observation) on a table at room temperature (15&tilde;30 &deg;C) for 2 h. Important note: 
Do not move the plate during and after the reaction for observation of the results and taking photos. The formed agglutination is not stable and easily disturbed by moving the plates.</li>
<li>Take photos of the plate. 
Important note: 
Partial view of the photos could not give sufficient data for later examination and review of the results for interpretation. Several photos should be taken to cover all the wells of the plates focusing on the agglutination image of the wells.</li>
</ol>
5. Interpretation of the results
<ol>
<li>Identification of positive and negative wells. Compare the agglutination in the samples with that of No virus and antibody control (precipitation of gelatin particles, non-agglutination) (Figure 1 and 2). Images of agglutination that are clearly distinguished from No virus and no antibody control (non-agglutination, negative control) should be judged as positive, and images of agglutination that are similar to the negative control should be judged as negative. Samples that show clear but only partial agglutination could be judged as positive, but record as 'Positive (partial agglutination)'.</li> 
<li>Identification of PV. Interpret the results based on positive and negative wells with anti-PV antibodies to identify PV serotypes. Principle of the interpretation of the result is similar to that of neutralization test in cell culture system (e.g. positive for anti-P1+2 antibody indicates that the sample contains type 3 PV).</li>
</ol>
6. Representative Results
Representative result of PA assay PV identification is shown in Figure 1. All the PV strains formed agglutination of sensitized gelatin particles (No antibodies samples). In the presence of corresponding anti-PV antibodies, precipitation of gelatin particles (non-agglutination) similar to No virus and no antibodies control (negative control) was observed (e.g., PV1(Sabin) in the presence of anti-P1+2 or anti-P3+1 antibodies). 
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2824/2824fig1.jpg" alt="Figure 1" /> 
Figure 1. Identification of PV by PA assay. Virus solutions of PV1(Sabin), PV2(Sabin), and PV3(Sabin) (virus titers of 1.2 x 108 CCID50 / 12 &mu;L, 8.2 x 107 CCID50 / 12 &mu;L, and 3.5 x 107 CCID50 / 12 &mu;L, respectively) were used for the identification by PA assay. No virus and no antibodies control showed precipitation of gelatin particles (non-agglutination, Negative control).
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2824/2824fig2.jpg" alt="Figure 2" /> 
Figure 2. Interpretation of Positive and Negative wells. Virus solutions of PV1(Sabin), PV2(Sabin), and PV3(Sabin) (virus titers of 2.4 x 108 CCID50 / 25 &mu;L, 1.7 x 108 CCID50 / 25 &mu;L, and 7.3 x 107 CCID50 / 25 &mu;L, respectively) were diluted 1/20 to 1/320, and then 25 &mu;L of diluted samples were examined by PA assay without anti-PV antibodies.

<ol>
	<li>World Health Organization. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Polio Laboratory Manual (4th edition) WHO/IVB/04.10. , (2004).</li><li>Arita, M., Masujima, S., Wakita, T., Shimizu, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+a+particle+agglutination+method+with+soluble+virus+receptor+for+identification+of+poliovirus.">Development of a particle agglutination method with soluble virus receptor for identification of poliovirus.</a> J. Clin. Microbiol. 48, 2698-2702 (2010).</li><li>Bibb, J. A., Witherell, G., Bernhardt, G., Wimmer, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Interaction+of+poliovirus+with+its+cell+surface+binding+site.">Interaction of poliovirus with its cell surface binding site.</a> Virology. 201, 107-115 (1994).</li><li>Koike, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+poliovirus+receptor+protein+is+produced+both+as+membrane-bound+and+secreted+forms.">The poliovirus receptor protein is produced both as membrane-bound and secreted forms.</a> Embo J. 9. , 3217-3224 (1990).</li><li>Mendelsohn, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transformation+of+a+human+poliovirus+receptor+gene+into+mouse+cells.">Transformation of a human poliovirus receptor gene into mouse cells.</a> Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U S A. 83, 7845-7849 (1986).</li><li>Mendelsohn, C. L., Wimmer, E., Racaniello, V. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cellular+receptor+for+poliovirus:+molecular+cloning,+nucleotide+sequence,+and+expression+of+a+new+member+of+the+immunoglobulin+superfamily.">Cellular receptor for poliovirus: molecular cloning, nucleotide sequence, and expression of a new member of the immunoglobulin superfamily.</a> Cell. 56, 855-865 (1989).</li><li>Arita, M., Koike, S., Aoki, J., Horie, H., Nomoto, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Interaction+of+poliovirus+with+its+purified+receptor+and+conformational+alteration+in+the+virion.">Interaction of poliovirus with its purified receptor and conformational alteration in the virion.</a> J. Virol. 72, 3578-3586 (1998).</li><li>McDermott, B. M., Rux, A. H., Eisenberg, R. J., Cohen, G. H., Racaniello, V. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Two+distinct+binding+affinities+of+poliovirus+for+its+cellular+receptor.">Two distinct binding affinities of poliovirus for its cellular receptor.</a> J. Biol. Chem. 275, 23089-23096 (2000).</li><li>Pipkin, P. A., Wood, D. J., Racaniello, V. R., Minor, P. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterisation+of+L+cells+expressing+the+human+poliovirus+receptor+for+the+specific+detection+of+polioviruses+in+vitro.">Characterisation of L cells expressing the human poliovirus receptor for the specific detection of polioviruses in vitro.</a> J. Virol. Methods. 41, 333-340 (1993).</li><li>Avoort, H. G. v. a. n. d. e. r. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparative+study+of+five+methods+for+intratypic+differentiation+of+polioviruses.">Comparative study of five methods for intratypic differentiation of polioviruses.</a> J. Clin. Microbiol. 33, 2562-2566 (1995).</li><li>Kilpatrick, D. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Rapid+group-,+serotype-,+and+vaccine+strain-specific+identification+of+poliovirus+isolates+by+real-time+reverse+transcription-PCR+using+degenerate+primers+and+probes+containing+deoxyinosine+residues.">Rapid group-, serotype-, and vaccine strain-specific identification of poliovirus isolates by real-time reverse transcription-PCR using degenerate primers and probes containing deoxyinosine residues.</a> J. Clin. Microbiol. 47, 1939-1941 (2009).</li></ol>

Souji Masujima is an employee of New Product Design Department, Fujirebio Inc.

The unique point of this PA assay is the utilization of PVR molecule instead of anti-PV antibodies for the detection of PV 2. This allows a specific interaction of the sensitized gelatin particles with PV with a uniform affinity to all three serotypes of PV 3-6. We used an immunoadhesin form of PVR (PVR-IgG2a) for the sensitization of gelatin particles, because monomeric forms of PVR have only moderate affinities to the single binding site on the virion (dissociation constant of 10-7&tilde;-8 M) <...

<table border="1">
	<tbody>
 	<tr>
 	<th>Name of the reagent</th>
 <th>Company</th>
 <th>Catalogue number</th>
 <th>Comments</th>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 	<td>Sensitized-gelatin particles</td>
 <td>Fujirebio Inc.</td>
 <td>&nbsp;</td>
 <td>Test kit</td>
 
 </tr>
 <tr>
 	<td>Reconstitution buffer</td>
 <td>Fujirebio Inc.</td>
 <td>&nbsp;</td>
 <td>Test kit</td>
 
 </tr>
 <tr>
 	<td>Microtitration plate</td>
 <td>Fujirebio Inc.</td>
 <td>&nbsp;</td>
 <td>Test kit</td>
 
 </tr>
 <tr>
 	<td>Anti-PV antibody</td>
 <td>RIVM</td>
 <td>&nbsp;</td>
 <td>&nbsp;</td>
 
 </tr>
 
 </tbody>
</table>

particle agglutination method for poliovirus identification

In the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, laboratory diagnosis plays a critical role by isolating and identifying PV from the stool samples of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases. In the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Polio Laboratory Network, PV isolation and identification are currently being performed by using cell culture system and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. In the post-eradication era of PV, simple and rapid identification procedures would be helpful for rapid confirmation of polio cases at the national laboratories. In the present study, we will show the procedure of novel PA assay developed for PV identification. This PA assay utilizes interaction of PV receptor (PVR) molecule and virion that is specific and uniform affinity to all the serotypes of PV. The procedure is simple (one step procedure in reaction plates) and rapid (results can be obtained within 2 h of reaction), and the result is visually observed (observation of agglutination of gelatin particles).

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Particle Agglutination Method for Poliovirus Identification at JoVE.com

Particle Agglutination Method for Poliovirus Identification

A recently developed novel particle agglutination (PA) assay utilizing virus receptor molecule allowed a rapid and easy identification of poliovirus (PV). In this article, we will show the procedure for the PA assay for PV identification.

In the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, laboratory diagnosis plays a critical role by isolating and identifying PV from the stool samples of acute ...

particle-agglutination-method-for-poliovirus-identification

Research

JoVE Journal

Immunology and Infection

15.2K Views.  National Institute of Infectious Diseases. A recently developed novel particle agglutination (PA) assay utilizing virus receptor molecule allowed a rapid and easy identification of poliovirus (PV). In this article, we will show the procedure for the PA assay for PV identification.

Video: Particle Agglutination Method for Poliovirus Identification

A 1.5 Hour Procedure for Identification of Enterococcus Species Directly from Blood Cultures

Enterococci are a common cause of bacteremia with E. faecalis being the predominant species followed by E. faecium. Because resistance to ampicillin and vancomycin in E. faecalis is still uncommon compared to resistance in E. faecium, the development of rapid tests allowing differentiation between enterococcal species is important for appropriate therapy and resistance surveillance. The E. faecalis OE PNA FISH assay (AdvanDx, Woburn, MA) uses species-specific peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes in a fluorescence in situ hybridization format and offers a time to results of 1.5 hours and the potential of providing important information for species-specific treatment. Multicenter studies were performed to assess the performance of the 1.5 hour E. faecalis/OE PNA FISH procedure compared to the original 2.5 hour assay procedure and to standard bacteriology methods for the identification of enterococci directly from a positive blood culture bottle.

A 1.5 Hour Procedure for Identification of Enterococcus Species Directly from Blood Cultures

A rapid protocol for the direct identification of Enterococcus faecalis and other Enterococcus species from a positive blood culture using a Peptide Nucleic Acid fluorescent in situ hybridization assay (PNA FISH).

Enterococci are a common cause of bacteremia with E. faecalis being the predominant species followed by E. faecium.  Because resistance to ampicillin and ...

Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners

Specific short peptides derived from motifs found in full-length proteins, in our case HIV-1 Nef, not only retain their biological function, but can also competitively inhibit the function of the full-length protein. A set of 20 Nef scanning peptides, 20 amino acids in length with each overlapping 10 amino acids of its neighbor, were used to identify motifs in Nef responsible for its induction of apoptosis. Peptides containing these apoptotic motifs induced apoptosis at levels comparable to the full-length Nef protein. A second peptide, derived from the Secretion Modification Region (SMR) of Nef, retained the ability to interact with cellular proteins involved in Nef's secretion in exosomes (exNef). This SMRwt peptide was used as the "bait" protein in co-immunoprecipitation experiments to isolate cellular proteins that bind specifically to Nef's SMR motif. Protein transfection and antibody inhibition was used to physically disrupt the interaction between Nef and mortalin, one of the isolated SMR-binding proteins, and the effect was measured with a fluorescent-based exNef secretion assay. The SMRwt peptide's ability to outcompete full-length Nef for cellular proteins that bind the SMR motif, make it the first inhibitor of exNef secretion. Thus, by employing the techniques described here, which utilize the unique properties of specific short peptides derived from motifs found in full-length proteins, one may accelerate the identification of functional motifs in proteins and the development of peptide-based inhibitors of pathogenic functions.

Techniques to dissect the mechanisms underlying the secretion of HIV-1 Nef in exosomes are described. Specific short peptides derived from Nef and protein transfection were exploited to determine the structure, function, and binding partners of Nef&#x2019;s Secretion Modification Region. These procedures have general relevance in many mechanistic studies.

Specific short  peptides derived from motifs found in full-length proteins, in our case HIV-1  Nef, not only retain their biological function, but can ...

Assays for the Identification of Novel Antivirals against Bluetongue Virus

To identify potential antivirals against BTV, we have developed, optimized and validated three assays presented here. The CPE-based assay was the first assay developed to evaluate whether a compound showed any antiviral efficacy and have been used to screen large compound library. Meanwhile, cytotoxicity of antivirals could also be evaluated using the CPE-based assay. The dose-response assay was designed to determine the range of efficacy for the selected antiviral, i.e. 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) or effective concentration (EC50), as well as its range of cytotoxicity (CC50). The ToA assay was employed for the initial MoA study to determine the underlying mechanism of the novel antivirals during BTV viral lifecycle or the possible effect on host cellular machinery. These assays are vital for the evaluation of antiviral efficacy in cell culture system, and have been used for our recent researches leading to the identification of a number of novel antivirals against BTV.

Three assays, including the cytopathic effect (CPE)-based assay, dose-response assay and Time-of-Addition (ToA) assay have been developed, optimized, validated and utilized to identify novel antivirals against Bluetongue virus (BTV), as well as to determine the possible Mechanism-of-Action (MoA) for newly identified antivirals.

To identify potential antivirals against BTV, we have  developed, optimized and validated three assays presented here. The CPE-based  assay was the first ...

VIGS-Mediated Forward Genetics Screening for Identification of Genes Involved in Nonhost Resistance

Nonhost disease resistance of plants against bacterial pathogens is controlled by complex defense pathways. Understanding this mechanism is important for developing durable disease-resistant plants against wide range of pathogens. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS)-based forward genetics screening is a useful approach for identification of plant defense genes imparting nonhost resistance. Tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-based VIGS vector is the most efficient VIGS vector to date and has been efficiently used to silence endogenous target genes in Nicotiana benthamiana.

	In this manuscript, we demonstrate a forward genetics screening approach for silencing of individual clones from a cDNA library in N. benthamiana and assessing the response of gene silenced plants for compromised nonhost resistance against nonhost pathogens, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato T1, P. syringae pv. glycinea, and X. campestris pv. vesicatoria. These bacterial pathogens are engineered to express GFPuv protein and their green fluorescing colonies can be seen by naked eye under UV light in the nonhost pathogen inoculated plants if the silenced target gene is involved in imparting nonhost resistance. This facilitates reliable and faster identification of gene silenced plants susceptible to nonhost pathogens. Further, promising candidate gene information can be known by sequencing the plant gene insert in TRV vector. Here we demonstrate the high throughput capability of VIGS-mediated forward genetics to identify genes involved in nonhost resistance. Approximately, 100 cDNAs can be individually silenced in about two to three weeks and their relevance in nonhost resistance against several nonhost bacterial pathogens can be studied in a week thereafter. In this manuscript, we enumerate the detailed steps involved in this screening. VIGS-mediated forward genetics screening approach can be extended not only to identifying genes involved in nonhost resistance but also to studying genes imparting several biotic and abiotic stress tolerances in various plant species.

Virus-induced gene silencing is an useful tool for identifying genes involved in nonhost resistance of plants. We demonstrate the use of bacterial pathogens expressing GFPuv in identifying gene silenced plants susceptible to nonhost pathogens. This approach is easy, fast and facilitates large scale screening and similar protocol can be applied to studying various other plant-microbe interactions.


	Nonhost disease resistance of plants against bacterial pathogens is controlled by complex defense pathways. Understanding this mechanism is important ...

Rapid Identification of Gram Negative Bacteria from Blood Culture Broth Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

An important role of the clinical microbiology laboratory is to provide rapid identification of bacteria causing bloodstream infection. Traditional identification requires the sub-culture of signaled blood culture broth with identification available only after colonies on solid agar have matured. MALDI-TOF MS is a reliable, rapid method for identification of the majority of clinically relevant bacteria when applied to colonies on solid media. The application of MALDI-TOF MS directly to blood culture broth is an attractive approach as it has potential to accelerate species identification of bacteria and improve clinical management. However, an important problem to overcome is the pre-analysis removal of interfering resins, proteins and hemoglobin&#160;contained in blood culture specimens which, if not removed, interfere with the MS spectra and can result in insufficient or low discrimination identification scores. In addition it is necessary to concentrate bacteria to develop spectra of sufficient quality. The presented method describes the concentration, purification, and extraction of Gram negative bacteria allowing for the early identification of bacteria from a signaled blood culture broth.

The application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) directly to blood culture broth expedites the identification of bacteria. The presented method is a rapid and reliable method for identification of Gram negative bacteria directly from blood culture broth.

An important role of the clinical microbiology laboratory is to provide rapid identification of bacteria causing bloodstream infection. Traditional ...

Averaging of Viral Envelope Glycoprotein Spikes from Electron Cryotomography Reconstructions using Jsubtomo

Enveloped viruses utilize membrane glycoproteins on their surface to mediate entry into host cells. Three-dimensional structural analysis of these glycoprotein &#8216;spikes&#8217; is often technically challenging but important for understanding viral pathogenesis and in drug design. Here, a protocol is presented for viral spike structure determination through computational averaging of electron cryo-tomography data. Electron cryo-tomography is a technique in electron microscopy used to derive three-dimensional tomographic volume reconstructions, or tomograms, of pleomorphic biological specimens such as membrane viruses in a near-native, frozen-hydrated state. These tomograms reveal structures of interest in three dimensions, albeit at low resolution. Computational averaging of sub-volumes, or sub-tomograms, is necessary to obtain higher resolution detail of repeating structural motifs, such as viral glycoprotein spikes. A detailed computational approach for aligning and averaging sub-tomograms using the Jsubtomo software package is outlined. This approach enables visualization of the structure of viral glycoprotein spikes to a resolution in the range of 20-40 &#197; and study of the study of higher order spike-to-spike interactions on the virion membrane. Typical results are presented for Bunyamwera virus, an enveloped virus from the family Bunyaviridae. This family is a structurally diverse group of pathogens posing a threat to human and animal health.

An approach is presented for determining structures of viral membrane glycoprotein complexes using a combination of electron cryo-tomography and sub-tomogram averaging with the computational package Jsubtomo.

Enveloped viruses utilize membrane glycoproteins on their surface to mediate entry into host cells. Three-dimensional structural analysis of these ...

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination

Latex agglutination reagents are widely used in microbial diagnosis, identification and serotyping. Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality world-wide. Current vaccines target the pneumococcal capsule, and there are over 90 capsular serotypes. Serotyping pneumococcal isolates is therefore important for assessing the impact of vaccination programs and for epidemiological purposes. The World Health Organization has recommended latex agglutination as an alternative method to the &#8216;gold standard&#8217; Quellung test for serotyping pneumococci. Latex agglutination is a relatively simple, quick and inexpensive method; and is therefore suitable for resource-poor settings as well as laboratories with high-volume workloads. Latex agglutination reagents can be prepared in-house utilizing commercially-sourced antibodies that are passively attached to latex particles. This manuscript describes a method of production and quality control of latex agglutination reagents, and details a sequential testing approach which is time- and cost-effective. 
This method of production and quality control may also be suitable for other testing purposes.

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination

Latex agglutination testing is a simple, rapid and inexpensive method for serotyping Streptococcus pneumoniae, and has also been widely applied in diagnostic microbiology. This manuscript describes the in-house production of latex agglutination reagents, quality control procedures and the application of this technique to pneumococcal serotyping.

Latex agglutination reagents are widely used in microbial diagnosis, identification and serotyping. Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is a major ...

Isolation, Identification, and Purification of Murine Thymic Epithelial Cells

The thymus is a vital organ for T lymphocyte development. Of thymic stromal cells, thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are particularly crucial at multiple stages of T cell development: T cell commitment, positive selection and negative selection. However, the function of TECs in the thymus remains incompletely understood. In the article, we provide a method to isolate TEC subsets from fresh mouse thymus using a combination of mechanical disruption and enzymatic digestion. The method allows thymic stromal cells and thymocytes to be efficiently released from cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix connections and to form a single-cell suspension. Using the isolated cells, multiparameter flow cytometry can be applied to identification and characterization of TECs and dendritic cells. Because TECs are a rare cell population in the thymus, we also describe an effective way to enrich and purify TECs by depleting thymocytes, the most abundant cell type in the thymus. Following the enrichment, cell sorting time can be decreased so that loss of cell viability can be minimized during purification of TECs. Purified cells are suitable for various downstream analyses like Real Time-PCR, Western blot and gene expression profiling. The protocol will promote research of TEC function and as well as the development of in vitro T cell reconstitution.

Here we describe an efficient method for isolation, identification, and purification of mouse thymic epithelial cells (TECs). The protocol can be utilized for studies of thymus function for normal T cell development, thymus dysfunction, and T cell reconstitution.

The thymus is a vital organ for T lymphocyte development. Of thymic stromal cells, thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are particularly crucial at multiple ...

Early Viral Entry Assays for the Identification and Evaluation of Antiviral Compounds

Cell-based systems are useful for discovering antiviral agents. Dissecting the viral life cycle, particularly the early entry stages, allows a mechanistic approach to identify and evaluate antiviral agents that target specific steps of the viral entry. In this report, the methods of examining viral inactivation, viral attachment, and viral entry/fusion as antiviral assays for such purposes are described, using hepatitis C virus as a model. These assays should be useful for discovering novel antagonists/inhibitors to early viral entry and help expand the scope of candidate antiviral agents for further drug development.

Here, we present a protocol that examines specific steps of the viral entry to identify and evaluate novel antiviral agents.

Cell-based systems are useful for discovering antiviral agents. Dissecting the viral life cycle, particularly the early entry stages, allows a mechanistic ...

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Particle-bound Bet v 1 Allergen in PM10

Flow cytometry is a method widely used to quantify suspended solids such as cells or bacteria in a size range from 0.5 to several tens of micrometers in diameter. In addition to a characterization of forward and sideward scatter properties, it enables the use of fluorescent labeled markers like antibodies to detect respective structures. Using indirect antibody staining, flow cytometry is employed here to quantify birch pollen allergen (precisely Bet v 1)-loaded particles of 0.5 to 10 &#181;m in diameter in inhalable particulate matter (PM10, particle size &#8804;10 &#181;m in diameter). PM10 particles may act as carriers of adsorbed allergens possibly transporting them to the lower respiratory tract, where they could trigger allergic reactions.
So far the allergen content of PM10 has been studied by means of enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and scanning electron microscopy. ELISA measures the dissolved and not the particle-bound allergen. Compared to scanning electron microscopy, which can visualize allergen-loaded particles, flow cytometry may additionally quantify them. As allergen content of ambient air can deviate from birch pollen count, allergic symptoms might perhaps correlate better with allergen exposure than with pollen count. In conjunction with clinical data, the presented method offers the opportunity to test in future experiments whether allergic reactions to birch pollen antigens are associated with the Bet v 1 allergen content of PM10 particles &#62;0.5 &#181;m.

Here, we present a protocol to quantify allergen-loaded particles by flow cytometry. Ambient particulate matter particles may act as carriers of adsorbed allergens. We show here that flow cytometry, a method widely used to characterize suspended solids &#62;0.5 &#181;m in diameter, can be used to measure these allergen-loaded particles.

Flow cytometry is a method widely used to quantify suspended solids such as cells or bacteria in a size range from 0.5 to several tens of micrometers in ...