Search

Avian coccidiosis arises from co-infection involving multiple Eimeria species, which could give rise to substantial economic losses in the global poultry industry. As a result, multivalent anticoccidial vaccines containing common Eimeria antigens offer considerable promise for controlling co-infection in clinical practice. In our previous study, Elongation factor 2 (EF2) was deemed as an immunogenic common antigen across various Eimeria species. This current investigation aimed to further assess the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of EF2 in recombinant subunit vaccine format against three Eimeria species. The EF2 gene cloned from Eimeria maxima (E. maxima) cDNA was designated as EF2 of E. maxima (EmEF2). The immunogenicity of the recombinant protein EmEF2 (rEmEF2) was assessed through Western blot analysis. The evaluation of the vaccine-induced immune response encompassed the determination of T lymphocyte subset proportions, cytokine mRNA transcription levels, and specific IgY concentrations in rEmEF2-vaccinated chickens using flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Subsequently, the protective efficacy of rEmEF2 was evaluated through vaccination and challenge experiments. The findings demonstrated that rEmEF2 was effectively recognized by the His-tag monoclonal antibody and E. maxima chicken antiserum. Vaccination with rEmEF2 increased the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, elevated IL-4 and IFN-γ mRNA transcription levels, and enhanced IgY antibody levels compared to the control groups. Moreover, compared to the control groups, vaccination with rEmEF2 led to decreased weight loss, reduced oocyst outputs, and alleviated enteric lesions. Furthermore, in the rEmEF2-immunized groups, challenges with E. maxima and E. acervulina resulted in anticoccidial index (ACI) scores of 166.35 and 185.08, showing moderate-to-excellent protective efficacy. Nevertheless, challenges with E. tenella and mixed Eimeria resulted in ACI scores of 144.01 and 127.94, showing low protective efficacy. In conclusion, EmEF2, a common antigen across Eimeria species, demonstrated the capacity to induce a significant cellular and humoral immune response, as well as partial protection against E. maxima, E. acervulina, and E. tenella. These results highlight EmEF2 as a promising candidate antigen for the development of multivalent vaccines targeting mixed infections by Eimeria species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemonchus contortus is a gastrointestinal parasite that adversely impacts small ruminants, resulting in a notable reduction in animal productivity. In the current investigation, we developed a nanovaccine by encapsulating the recombinant protein rHcES-15, sourced from the excretory/secretory products of H. contortus, within biodegradable poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs). The development of this nanovaccine involved the formulation of PLGA NPs using a modified double emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)verified the successful encapsulation of rHcES-15 within PLGA NPs, exhibiting a size range of 350–400 nm. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the antigen in the nanovaccine was determined to be 72%. A total of forty experimental mice were allocated into five groups, with the nanovaccine administered on day 0 and the mice euthanized at the end of the 14-day trial. The stimulation index (SI) from the mice subjected to the nanovaccine indicated heightened lymphocyte proliferation (*** p < 0.001) and a noteworthy increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17). Additionally, the percentages of T-cells (CD4+, CD8+) and dendritic cell phenotypes (CD83+, CD86+) were significantly elevated (** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001) in mice inoculated with the nanovaccine compared to control groups and the rHcES-15 group. Correspondingly, higher levels of antigen-specific serum immunoglobulins (IgG1, IgG2a, IgM) were observed in response to the nanovaccine in comparison to both the antigenic (rHcES-15) and control groups (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01). In conclusion, the data strongly supports the proposal that the encapsulation of rHcES-15 within PLGA NPs effectively triggers immune cells in vivo, ultimately enhancing the antigen-specific adaptive immune responses against H. contortus. This finding underscores the promising potential of the nanovaccine, justifying further investigations to definitively ascertain its efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface protein TIGIT (T cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain) has been characterized as an important regulator of cell-mediated immune responses in various infections. However, TIGIT expression in immune cells of mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii has not been investigated. Here, we detected TIGIT expression and related phenotypes by flow cytometry and real-time PCR in splenic and circulatory T cells of mice infected with the T. gondii RH strain. We found that the expression of TIGIT on the surface of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells from the spleen and peripheral blood mononuclear cells decreased in the early stage, but increased significantly in the late stage of acute T. gondii infection in mice. Importantly, TIGIT expression was positively correlated with lesions in the murine spleen. In addition, T. gondii-specific TIGIT+TCM cells in the spleen were activated and transformed into TIGIT+ TEM cells. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of spleen sections and real-time PCR showed that the severity of splenic lesions was positively correlated with the T. gondii load. This study demonstrates that acute T. gondii infection can regulate the expression of TIGIT in T cells and affect immune cell function.

Toxoplasma gondii is widespread worldwide and can infect swine. This study evaluated the seroprevalence of T. gondii in swine from central China after an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF). A total of 2683 swine serum samples were collected from farms in four provinces. Of the serum samples, 1.42% (38/2683) (95% CI, 1.03–1.94) tested positive for T. gondii IgG antibody by a modified agglutination test (MAT) (cut-off: 1:25). Comparing with the results of previous studies, specifically our survey from before the outbreak, the seroprevalence of T. gondii in swine from central China was significantly decreased after the occurrence of ASF (OR = 7.679, 2015–2017 vs. 2019–2020). In general, the proportion of seropositive animals increased with the age of the swine, indicating post-natal transmission of T. gondii. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in seroprevalence between suckling pigs and weaned pigs (p

With the rapid growth of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) industry and market, it is important to develop LIBs with higher capacities, stability and lifespan. However, challenges like low conductivity, solid electrolyte interface formation and electrode cracking now are in the way, which are closely related to electrode deficiency. Hence, to obtain better performance, the main orientation is to improve electrode materials’ morphological structure. Better porosity, stability and conductivity of anode and cathode materials tangibly improve the performance of LIBs including coulombic efficiency, safety and cyclic lifespan. This review paper will combine current challenges, commonly used and emerging electrode materials together with battery testing methods and their market trend to provide a big picture about LIBs

The present study investigates the influence of micron‐sized diatomite dosage on the physical, mechanical, rheological, and creep properties of poplar wood/polypropylene (PW/PP) composites to enhance their toughness and practicality. The diatomite‐PW/PP composites were prepared using the melt extrusion method, replacing different proportions of PW with diatomite, and subsequently evaluated for their properties. The results indicate that adding diatomite enhances the density while reducing the brightness and water absorption of the composites. Scanning electron microscopy, analysis reveals a uniform distribution of diatomite in the range of 5–10 wt%, which effectively serves as a filler and reinforcing agent, consequently improving the toughness of the composite system. Specifically, the impact strength, tensile strength, and elongation at break are enhanced by 25.9%, 9.5%, and 35.7%, respectively. Furthermore, creep rheological analysis demonstrates improved processability and creep resistance in the composite system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]