Search PubMedSearch

Biomedical subjects

P Novotny

Publications and source records attributed to P Novotny.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Cloning, nucleotide sequence and heterologous expression of the protective outer-membrane protein P.68 pertactin from Bordetella bronchiseptica.

The prn gene encoding the 68 kDa protective outer-membrane protein of Bordetella bronchiseptica (P.68 pertactin) was cloned, sequenced and expressed in Escherichia coli. The gene was isolated by DNA:DNA hybridization experiments using a radioactively-labelled fragment of the homologous prn gene from Bordetella parapertussis. DNA sequence analysis reveals that the gene is capable of encoding a protein with a molecular mass of 93996 Da (P.94); this precursor molecule is processed to form the P.68 antigen on the surface of B. bronchiseptica. Heterologous expression of the full-length gene encoding P.94 in Escherichia coli results in similar processing, with the P.68 antigen targeted to the bacterial outer membrane. Comparison of P.94 with the P.93 and P.95 precursors, encoding homologous proteins from Bordetella pertussis and B. parapertussis, shows a high degree (greater than 90%) of homology. The major differences between all three proteins occur in the number of repeats of the two families (Gly-Gly-Xaa-Xaa-Pro)n and (Pro-Gln-Pro)n of reiterated sequence motifs.

Amino Acid Sequence

Pertactin, an Arg-Gly-Asp-containing Bordetella pertussis surface protein that promotes adherence of mammalian cells.

A 69-kDa protein has been identified on the surface of the Gram-negative pathogen Bordetella pertussis that can elicit a protective immune response in animal models. This protein is associated with virulent strains of B. pertussis but its function has remained unclear. In this report we demonstrate that purified preparations of the 69-kDa outer membrane protein can promote the attachment of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The interaction between the mammalian cells and this protein can be specifically inhibited by an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing synthetic peptide that is homologous with a region found in the 69-kDa protein sequence. These studies indicate that a specific cell binding site containing an Arg-Gly-Asp sequence may be involved in the interaction of this bacterial protein with mammalian cell surfaces. To further investigate the role of this protein as a bacterial adhesin, a mutant of B. pertussis W28 that does not express the 69-kDa protein was constructed using the plasmid vector pRTP1. This mutant was 30-40% less efficient at adhering to CHO cells and to human HeLa cells than was the parent strain. These data support a role for this 69-kDa outer membrane protein in the attachment of B. pertussis to mammalian cells. We propose the name "pertactin" for this protein.

Amino Acid Sequence

The early cellular and humoral immune response to primary and booster oral immunization with cholera toxin B subunit.

The immune response to cholera toxin B subunit given orally was studied in 13 human volunteers. A serum IgG and IgA antitoxin response was observed, which was boosted by a second immunization. Using an immunospot assay, cells spontaneously secreting anti-toxin IgG and IgA, but not IgM appeared transiently in the blood after immunization. There were 105 IgG- and 87 IgA-secreting cells per 2 x 10(6) mononuclear cells 7 days after the first immunization, and 282 IgG- and 413 IgA-secreting cells 5 days after the second immunization. A polyclonal increase in total IgM-secreting cells was observed. Few anti-toxin-secreting cells were observed in the bone marrow at the peak of the circulating cell response, which could be accounted for by contamination of the sample with peripheral blood, suggesting that the bone marrow is not a significant site of anti-toxin-secreting cells after oral immunization.

Administration, Oral

Biologic and protective properties of the 69-kDa outer membrane protein of Bordetella pertussis: a novel formulation for an acellular pertussis vaccine.

A combination of the 69-kDa outer membrane protein and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), both isolated from lymphocytosis promoting factor (LPF; pertussis toxin) minus mutants of Bordetella pertussis, is protective in the mouse intracerebral challenge potency (Kendrick) test. A combination of the same 69-kDa protein and LPF is approximately 15 times less effective. These data suggest that, surprisingly, the 69-kDa protein in tandem with FHA is the most relevant combination for mouse protection; consequently such a combination may be a more suitable acellular pertussis vaccine candidate than the LPF/FHA combinations, which have never been satisfactorily protective in the mouse test. Preparation of samples of the 69-kDa protein of acceptable protective quality remains difficult. Attempts were made to screen the most suitable batches of the preparations by exploiting some recently discovered properties of the 69-kDa protein: the characteristic chromatofocusing pattern of the protein, the affinity for lymphocytes, and the ability to bind to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. None of these tests was able to replace the mouse intracerebral challenge potency test for final quality assessment.

Adhesins, Bacterial

P.70 pertactin, an outer-membrane protein from Bordetella parapertussis: cloning, nucleotide sequence and surface expression in Escherichia coli.

The gene prn encoding the outer-membrane protein P.70 (pertactin) from Bordetella parapertussis has been cloned in Escherichia coli and its DNA sequence determined. Analysis of the DNA sequence reveals that the gene has an open reading frame comprising 922 amino acids capable of encoding a protein with a molecular weight of 95,177 (P.95). In vivo processing of this precursor yields a protein with an estimated Mr of 70 kDa (P.70) which is located on the surface of B. parapertussis. Homology between the prn gene from B. parapertussis and that from Bordetella pertussis is 91.3%. The homology is 93% when the protein sequence of P.95 is aligned with that of P.93 from B. pertussis. The major differences between the P.70 pertactin from B. parapertussis and the P.69 pertactin from B. pertussis occur in the number of reiterated units within the repeat motifs found in both proteins; the sequence Gly-Gly-Xaa-Xaa-Pro is repeated four times in the P.70 pertactin, and five times in the P.69 pertactin, while the sequence Pro-Gln-Pro occurs nine times in P.70 pertactin and five times in P.69 pertactin. Cloning of the gene for P.95 in an E. coli expression vector results in the synthesis of a protein that mimics native gene expression in B. parapertussis, i.e. the P.95 protein is synthesized and subsequently processed to yield the P.70 form of the protein on the surface of the cell.

Amino Acid Sequence

A novel bivalent acellular pertussis vaccine based on the 69 kDa protein and FHA.

A combination of the 69 kDa outer membrane protein and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), both isolated from pertussis toxin (ptx) minus mutants of B. pertussis, is protective in the mouse intracerebral challenge potency test ("Kendrick test"). A combination of the same 69 kDa protein and lymphocytosis promoting factor (LPF, pertussis toxin, PTX) is approximately 15 times less effective. The data show that the 69 kDa protein in tandem with FHA is the most relevant combination for mouse protection, and may be a more suitable acellular pertussis vaccine candidate than the LPF/FHA combination which has never been satisfactorily protective in the mouse test. However, the preparation of the 69 kDa protein of acceptable quality is still difficult. Attempts were made at screening the most suitable batches of the preparation by exploiting some recently discovered properties of the 69 kDa protein, i.e. its chromatofocusing pattern and lymphocyte affinity. Although both these properties may differentiate 69 kDa preparations, none of them was able to replace the mouse intracerebral challenge potency test for the final quality assessment.

Adhesins, Bacterial

Analysis of antibody profiles in children with whooping cough.

Development of antibody titres in non-vaccinated children with whooping cough of different duration (all confirmed by positive culture) were investigated by ELISA using lymphocytosis promoting factor (LPF, pertussis toxin), filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA), 69 kDa protein and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as antigens. The antibody responses occur in three different patterns: Firstly, the LPF antibody response develops very quickly starting with the first day of clinical cough with all three classes, IgG, IgM and IgA appearing simultaneously; LPF antibody appears to be a dominant feature. Secondly, FHA and 69 kDa antibodies appear, starting as IgM with the shift to IgG and IgA later. The third pattern is represented by LPS antibody, the IgA appearing early, but with IgM predominant. Higher titres of IgG reacting with LPS were observed in vaccinated children. Transplacental transfer of antibody was also studied. All antibody titres determined in maternal blood and cord blood were proportional except for anti-LPS antibody which was retarded. Most IgG antibody was IgG1 subclass; surprisingly the 69 kDa antibody consisted of a mixture of approx. 90% IgG1 and 10% IgG4.

Antibodies, Bacterial

[Asymptomatic myocardial ischemia].

Silent (asymptomatic) myocardial ischemia (SMI) is defined as a transient alteration in myocardial perfusion in the absence of chest pain or the usual anginal equivalents. Patients may be classified as having one of the three types of SMI: type A--totally asymptomatic patients with no history of angina or myocardial infarction; type B--asymptomatic patients with previous myocardial infarction; type C--patients with angina and asymptomatic ischemic episodes. SMI has been found in 2.5% of all healthy males aged 40-59 and in 20% of all postinfarction patients. In type C-patients, 80% has been found to have asymptomatic ischemic episodes in addition to typical angina pectoris. The frequency of SMI may be up to three or four times that of anginal attacks. SMI patients have generally reduced sensitivity to pain an differences in severity an duration of ischemic episodes. Diagnosis is based on screening by means of exercise testing in patients working in specific professions (like pilots, busdrivers etc.), in postinfarction patients and in patients after unstable angina pectoris and after coronary bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty. Prognosis is the same as in asymptomatic ischemia. SMI is an indicator of instability in certain groups of patients (post infarction, after unstable angina pectoris). SMI persisting after medical therapy of unstable angina is associated with adverse short-term-prognosis, therefore coronary surgery or angioplasty is indicated.

Adult

Identification of a 68-kilodalton outer membrane protein as the major protective antigen of Bordetella bronchiseptica by using specific-pathogen-free piglets.

Maternal antibody to an outer membrane 68-kilodalton (kDa) protein of Bordetella bronchiseptica was shown to be protective in experiments on specific-pathogen-free piglets. After challenge with B. bronchiseptica, 100% (n = 19) control piglets from nonimmunized sows developed pneumonia, coughing, and sneezing, and 74% of the animals developed severe atrophic rhinitis. In 12 piglets from a sow immunized with 68-kDa protein, pneumonia occurred only in 34% of offspring, coughing was reduced, the duration of coughing bouts was shortened, and severe atrophic rhinitis occurred in one animal only (8%). The difference in the occurrence of atrophic rhinitis and of pneumonia in immunized and nonimmunized offspring was statistically significant (P less than 0.05). Sera of protected piglets had high titers (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) of antibodies that showed a high specificity for the 68-kDa protein isolated from B. bronchiseptica, whereas their reactivity with an analogous 69-kDa protein isolated from Bordetella pertussis was low or absent. The 68-kDa protein of B. bronchiseptica appeared to be the major protective antigen in B. bronchiseptica infection; however, isolated protein alone did not induce such a solid protection, as observed in a previous study after the application of an effective whole cell vaccine.

Animals

Construction and characterization in vivo of Bordetella pertussis aroA mutants.

A DNA fragment encoding a kanamycin resistance determinant was used to insertionally inactivate the cloned aroA gene of Bordetella pertussis in Escherichia coli K-12, and a conjugative shuttle vector system based on the suicide vector pRTP1 was used to deliver the mutations from E. coli back into B. pertussis CN2992FS and BP1. The aroA mutation was introduced by allelic exchange into the chromosome of B. pertussis, resulting in otherwise isogenic parental and aroA mutant pairs. The B. pertussis aroA mutants grew well on laboratory medium supplemented with aromatic compounds but failed to grow on unsupplemented medium. The B. pertussis aroA mutants expressed the normal B. pertussis extracellular, virulence-associated proteins; inactivated, whole-cell vaccines prepared from the mutants protected mice as efficiently as vaccines made from the parent strains against intracerebral challenge with the virulent B. pertussis 18323. Live B. pertussis aroA bacteria inefficiently colonized the lungs of NIH/S mice after they were challenged with aerosol, unlike the wild-type B. pertussis organism. Mice exposed to three separate aerosols of live B. pertussis aroA bacteria were protected against lung colonization after being exposed to an aerosol containing the virulent parental B. pertussis strain. High-level antibodies against B. pertussis rapidly appeared in the sera of mice immunized by aerosol with the B. pertussis aroA strains and challenged with the virulent parent.

Aerosols

Molecular cloning and characterization of protective outer membrane protein P.69 from Bordetella pertussis.

Protein P.69 is localized on the outer membrane of Bordetella pertussis and is one of the virulence factors believed to contribute to the disease state of whooping cough. We demonstrate that protein synthesis of P.69 is under genetic control of the vir locus. Using oligonucleotide probes derived from the protein sequence of a cyanogen bromide fragment, we have cloned the gene for P.69 from B. pertussis CN2992. Analysis of the DNA sequence reveals a G + C-rich gene capable of encoding a protein of 910 amino acids with a Mr of 93,478, suggesting that P.69 is a processed form of a larger precursor. In common with some of the genes in the pertussis toxin operon, the sequence CCTGG was found 5' to the ATG initiation codon. At the 3' end, 29 bases after the TAA stop codon, the sequence GTTTTTCCT was found and may have some function in transcription termination. A full-length clone of the gene for P.69 carried by the cosmid pBPI69 was unable to direct the expression of P.69 protein in an Escherichia coli host. The generation of P.69-fusion products allowed the detection of P.69-specific protein products synthesized in E. coli.

Amino Acid Sequence

[Therapeutic coronary effectiveness of retard gallopamil following repeated administration in comparison with placebo].

The aim of this randomized double-blind crossover trial was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of 100 mg slow-release gallopamil compared to placebo. The results of multistage exercise tests with computer-assisted ECG were analyzed in 16 patients (14 men and two women) aged 39 to 66 years who fulfilled the angiographical evidence of coronary heart disease with stable angina pectoris. All cardioactive medication was withdrawn for the duration of the study except for the trial medication and sublingual nitroglycerin as required. Patients began the therapy with a 5-day placebo run-in period. After this regimen, they were randomized to placebo or slow-release gallopamil (200 mg/day) in two divided doses for 7 days, at the end of which time each patient crossed over to the alternate regimen. Exercise testing was repeated at the end of the run-in period and after 1 week of placebo or active drug therapy. At highest comparable load the ST-segment depression was reduced about 70% before the morning administration (i.e., 12 h after the evening administration) and 6 h after the morning administration. The work load (W x min) increased in 54% or 61% at the maximal possible load. The number of angina pectoris attacks under bicycle ergometer exercise decreased in about 50%. PR-interval was prolonged from 0.14 to 0.15 s. QRS- and OTc-intervals were not influenced. No clinically relevant changes in heart rate and blood pressure were observed. The results indicate great antianginal efficacy and a good toleration of slow-released gallopamil.

Administration, Oral

Identification of a 69-kilodalton nonfimbrial protein as an agglutinogen of Bordetella pertussis.

Cells of Bordetella pertussis BP353, a nonfimbriated Eldering serotype 1.3 strain, were used as an immunogen to produce three monoclonal antibodies, BPE3, BPD8, and BPE8, that agglutinated the immunizing cells, as well as certain other nonfimbriated and fimbriated serotype 3-containing B. pertussis strains. The antibodies did not agglutinate serotype 1 or nontypable B. pertussis cells. These monoclonal antibodies specifically detected a 69-kilodalton (kDa) band on Western blots (immunoblots) containing whole B. pertussis cell lysates of Eldering agglutinogen serotypes 1.3, 1.3.6, 1.2.3.4, and 1.2.3.4.6. This 69-kDa antigen was released from the bacteria by cell incubation for 60 min at 60 degrees C, and it was purified by affinity chromatography with a BPE3-agarose affinity matrix. Purified material was used to produce a polyclonal antiserum that agglutinated all nonfimbriated and fimbriated B. pertussis cells containing serotype 3 agglutinogen. Immunogold electron microscopy and indirect immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that it is an outer membrane constituent but nonfimbrial in appearance. BPE3 did not detect purified fimbriae on Western blots, and antibodies to these fimbriae did not bind to the 69-kDa component. Although B. bronchiseptica and B. parapertussis cells were not agglutinated by the monoclonal antibodies, antigenically similar proteins were detected in extracts of the bacteria. These results identify the 69-kDa protein as a nonfimbrial agglutinogen present on all virulent strains of B. pertussis. The monoclonal antibodies described here should be useful for further studies on the structure and function of this protein.

Agglutinins

Molecular cloning and analysis of P. 69, a vir-controlled protein from Bordetella pertussis.

The cloning sequencing and analysis of an important antigenic component of Bordetella pertussis is described. The gene for P.69, in common with a variety of other so called "virulence" genes, (e.g., adenylate cyclase (AC), pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA)), is under control of the vir locus. The protein P.69 is externally localised on cells and protein preparations are protective as judged by the mouse intra-cerebral challenge test. The gene encoding the P.69 antigen was isolated by hybridization of mixed oligonucleotide probes against B. pertussis genomic DNA. These oligonucleotides were designed from the protein sequence data obtained from a cyanogen bromide digest of the P.69 protein. DNA sequence analysis reveals a G:C rich gene capable of encoding a protein of 910 amino acids and Mr of 93478, whose likely promoter and ribosome binding sites show little homology to their E.coli counterpart. In common with some of the genes in the PT operon the sequence 5'-CCTGG-3' was found 5' to the ATG initiation codon. At the 3', end 29 bases after the TAA stop codon, the sequence 5'GTTTTTCCT-3' was found in an equivalent position to the same sequence in the PT operon. Examination of the protein sequence reveals two regions with directly repeated elements (GGAVP)3(GGFGP)2 and (PQP)5.

Amino Acid Sequence

Correlation of fetal heart rate monitoring and acid-base status with periventricular/intraventricular hemorrhage in the low birthweight neonate.

We investigated the correlation of fetal heart rate patterns and fetal acid-base findings with the occurrence of early periventricular/intraventricular hemorrhage and variants. Ninety-five consecutive singleton neonates with birthweights less than or equal to 2000 gm were investigated. One-third of them showed early periventricular/intraventricular hemorrhage or variants. Fetal heart rate scores and umbilical arterial/venous acid-base status showed no correlation with results of scanning. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Acid-Base Equilibrium

Identification of a 68-kilodalton protective protein antigen from Bordetella bronchiseptica.

A 68-kilodalton (kd) outer membrane protein antigen of Bordetella bronchiseptica has been identified by using monoclonal antibodies that recognized two nonoverlapping determinants. Antibody BB05 also reacted with homologous proteins from Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis but not with another 12 organisms from various bacterial genera. Passive injection of BB05 antibody protected mice from aerosol infection with B. bronchiseptica as shown by reduced mortality and reduced pathology of turbinate bones. The 68-kd B. bronchiseptica antigen was purified by BB05-based affinity chromatography and evaluated for its potency to immunize mice actively against either intraperitoneal or aerosol challenge with B. bronchiseptica. Immunization with the 68-kd antigen in incomplete Freund adjuvant significantly reduced the levels of mortality in intraperitoneally challenged mice. In the aerosol infection model, injection of the 68-kd antigen with complete or incomplete Freund adjuvant or saponin reduced the bacterial counts in the lungs of infected mice. These results suggest that the 68-kd protein may represent a potential "protective" antigen of B. bronchiseptica.

Animals

Evaluation of Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccines in specific-pathogen-free piglets with bacterial cell surface antigens in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

The progenies of specific-pathogen-free sows which had been immunized with Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccines of various origin before parturition were challenged intranasally with B. bronchiseptica within 5 days of birth. Sera of piglets were taken weekly and investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay against a mixture of B. bronchiseptica cell surface antigens containing curled fibers and fimbriae, lipopolysaccharide, and a mixture of proteins mostly derived from the outer membrane. The serological response to this antigenic mixture was paradoxical; the highest titers were obtained with the least effective vaccines. Antibodies which did relate to protection were oriented against the outer-membrane-derived proteins, one of which, of 68,000 molecular weight, appeared to be particularly important for two reasons. First, its concentration within the antigenic mixture was dependent upon cultural conditions; of all the proteins present in virulent strains, it was the first to disappear upon modulation. Second, it was absent from a strain which was unable to induce atrophic rhinitis in specific-pathogen-free piglets. Although all vaccines tested had some beneficial effect on the various clinical manifestations of the disease, only two vaccines were effective (P less than 0.001) in the prevention of nasal pathological changes. These two vaccines also stimulated the highest titers against the 68,000-molecular-weight protein. A mouse protection test utilizing a lethal intraperitoneal challenge failed to monitor the efficacy of vaccines for protection against atrophic rhinitis.

Animals