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The Pirbright Institute publication directory contains details of selected publications written by our researchers.

There were a total of 2605 results for your search.
Matthijnssens J, Ciarlet M, McDonald S M, Attoui H, Banyai K, Brister J R, Buesa J, Esona M D, Estes M K, Gentsch J R, Iturriza-Gomara M, Johne R, Kirkwood C D, Martella V, Mertens P P C, Nakagomi O, Parreno V, Rahman M, Ruggeri F M, Saif L J, Santos N, Steyer A, Taniguchi K, Patton J T, Desselberger U, Van Ranst M (2011)

Uniformity of rotavirus strain nomenclature proposed by the Rotavirus Classification Working Group (RCWG)

Archives of Virology 156 (8), 1397-1413
Publisher’s version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00705-011-1006-z

Abstract

In April 2008, a nucleotide-sequence-based, complete genome classification system was developed for group A rotaviruses (RVs). This system assigns a specific genotype to each of the 11 genome segments of a particular RV strain according to established nucleotide percent cutoff values. Using this approach, the genome of individual RV strains are given the complete descriptor of Gx-P[x]-Ix-Rx-Cx-Mx-Ax-Nx-Tx-Ex-Hx. The Rotavirus Classification Working Group (RCWG) was formed by scientists in the field to maintain, evaluate and develop the RV genotype classification system, in particular to aid in the designation of new genotypes. Since its conception, the group has ratified 51 new genotypes: as of April 2011, new genotypes for VP7 (G20-G27), VP4 (P[28]-P[35]), VP6 (I12-I16), VP1 (R5-R9), VP2 (C6-C9), VP3 (M7-M8), NSP1 (A15-A16), NSP2 (N6-N9), NSP3 (T8-T12), NSP4 (E12-E14) and NSP5/6 (H7-H11) have been defined for RV strains recovered from humans, cows, pigs, horses, mice, South American camelids (guanaco), chickens, turkeys, pheasants, bats and a sugar glider. With increasing numbers of complete RV genome sequences becoming available, a standardized RV strain nomenclature system is needed, and the RCWG proposes that individual RV strains are named as follows: RV group/species of origin/country of identification/common name/year of identification/G- and P-type. In collaboration with the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the RCWG is also working on developing a RV-specific resource for the deposition of nucleotide sequences. This resource will provide useful information regarding RV strains, including, but not limited to, the individual gene genotypes and epidemiological and clinical information. Together, the proposed nomenclature system and the NCBI RV resource will offer highly useful tools for investigators to search for, retrieve, and analyze the ever-growing volume of RV genomic data.
Mazelet L, Dietrich J, Rolland J L (2011)

New RT-qPCR assay for viral nervous necrosis virus detection in sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax (L.): application and limits for hatcheries sanitary control

Fish and Shellfish Immunology 30 (1), 27-32
Publisher’s version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2010.08.015

Abstract

A sensitive and quantitative one step RT-qPCR method was developed to study Viral Nervous Necrosis (VNN) virus loads in sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax (L) in hatcheries. After determining the limits of this new method, fin tissues were identified as an interesting new simple non-invasive sample source, which might be useful for screening D. labrax (L) in hatcheries. We observed VNN virus strain V26 associated to D. labrax (L) eggs and it's release in tank water during spawning suggesting both vertical transmission to the eggs and the possibility of horizontal transmission by contamination of tank water. VNN is widespread in water bodies and has the ability to infect a large number of fish species, with this in mind, this PCR technique may be used for the surveillance of various fish farms.
McCutcheon S, Blanco A R A, Houston E F, de Wolf C, Tan B C, Smith A, Groschup M H, Hunter N, Hornsey V S, MacGregor I R, Prowse C V, Turner M, Manson J C (2011)

All clinically-relevant blood components transmit prion disease following a single blood transfusion: a sheep model of vCJD

PLoS One 6 (8), e23169
Publisher’s version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0023169

Abstract

Variant CJD (vCJD) is an incurable, infectious human disease, likely arising from the consumption of BSE-contaminated meat products. Whilst the epidemic appears to be waning, there is much concern that vCJD infection may be perpetuated in humans by the transfusion of contaminated blood products. Since 2004, several cases of transfusion-associated vCJD transmission have been reported and linked to blood collected from pre-clinically affected donors. Using an animal model in which the disease manifested resembles that of humans affected with vCJD, we examined which blood components used in human medicine are likely to pose the greatest risk of transmitting vCJD via transfusion. We collected two full units of blood from BSE-infected donor animals during the pre-clinical phase of infection. Using methods employed by transfusion services we prepared red cell concentrates, plasma and platelets units (including leucoreduced equivalents). Following transfusion, we showed that all components contain sufficient levels of infectivity to cause disease following only a single transfusion and also that leucoreduction did not prevent disease transmission. These data suggest that all blood components are vectors for prion disease transmission, and highlight the importance of multiple control measures to minimise the risk of human to human transmission of vCJD by blood transfusion.
McIntyre K M, Del Rio Vilas V J, Gubbins S (2011)

Demographic characteristics of scrapie-affected holdings identified by active and passive surveillance schemes in Great Britain: 2002-2005

Veterinary Journal 187 (2), 207-211
Publisher’s version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.12.005

Abstract

Several surveillance techniques have been used to quantify the prevalence of both classical and atypical scrapie in British sheep, namely the recording of clinical suspects (RC) and the testing of animals slaughtered at abattoir (AS) or reported as fallen stock (FS). Any estimate of prevalence based on a particular source is likely to have been affected by demographic differences in the populations sampled. In this study, the demographic characteristics of scrapie-affected holdings detected by each of the surveillance streams (RC, AS, FS) in Great Britain were compared. Analyses of all three streams indicated that the probability of an affected holding being detected by a particular stream differed by geographical area, the number of animals brought onto the holding, the type of scrapie identified (classical vs. atypical) and the year. More detailed analysis of AS and FS suggested that the annual and regional differences between these surveys could be explained by differences in sampling effort.
McKillen J, McMenamy M, Reid S M, Duffy C, Hjertner B, King D P, Belak S, Welsh M, Allan G (2011)

Pan-serotypic detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus using a minor groove binder probe reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay

Journal of Virological Methods 174 (1-2), 117-119
Publisher’s version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jviromet.2011.03.008

Abstract

A novel assay for the pan-serotypic detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) was designed using a 5' conjugated minor groove binder (MGB) probe real-time RT-PCR system. This assay targets the 3D region of the FMDV genome and is capable of detecting 20 copies of a transcribed RNA standard. The linear range of the test was eight logs from 2 x 10(1) to 2 x 10(8) copies and amplification time was approximately 2 h. Using a panel of 83 RNA samples from representative FMDV isolates, the diagnostic sensitivity of this test was shown to be equivalent to a TaqMan real-time RT-PCR that targets the 5' untranslated region of FMDV. Furthermore, the assay does not detect viruses causing similar clinical diseases in pigs such as swine vesicular disease virus and vesicular stomatitis virus, nor does it detect marine caliciviruses causing vesicular exanthema. The development of this assay provides a useful tool for the differential diagnosis of FMD, potentially for use in statutory or emergency testing programmes, or for detection of FMDV RNA in research applications.
McLaughlin K, Carr V B, Iqbal M, Seago J, Lefevre E A, Robinson L, Prentice H, Charleston B (2011)

Hsp110-mediated enhancement of CD4+ T cell responses to the envelope glycoprotein of members of the family Flaviviridae in vitro does not occur in vivo

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology 18 (2), 311-317
Publisher’s version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/CVI.00414-10

Abstract

The use of heat shock proteins (HSP) to enhance activation of the immune response to chaperoned antigen is being explored for immunotherapy. Hsp110 chaperones large protein substrates more effectively than Hsp70, offering the potential to use complex antigens containing multiple epitopes in HSP-based vaccines. In this study, we investigated the ability of recombinant bovine Hsp110 to chaperone E2 glycoprotein, the major envelope protein of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and the dominant target of neutralizing antibodies. Hsp110 formed complexes with E2, as demonstrated by immunoprecipitation. When monocytes from BVDV-immunized cattle were stimulated with these complexes and incubated with autologous CD4+ T cells, enhanced levels of proliferation were observed. To determine the ability of these complexes to improve immunogenicity in vivo, cattle were vaccinated with either Hsp110-E2 complex or E2 only, combined with Quil-A adjuvant. In contrast to the in vitro data, cellular and humoral responses to E2 were greater in the E2-only vaccination group, indicating that complex formation had actually reduced the immunogenicity of E2. This study highlights the need for further understanding of the means by which HSP complexes are endocytosed and processed in vivo to enable the design of successful vaccine strategies.
McMenamy M J, McKillen J, Reid S M, Hjertner B, King D P, Adair B, Allan G (2011)

Development of a minor groove binder assay for real-time one-step RT-PCR detection of swine vesicular disease virus

Journal of Virological Methods 171 (1), 219-224
Publisher’s version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jviromet.2010.11.001

Abstract

The design and development of a 5' conjugated minor groove binder (MGB) probe real-time RT-PCR assay are described for rapid, sensitive and specific detection of swine vesicular disease virus (SVDV) RNA. The assay is designed to target the 2C gene of the SVDV genome and is capable of detecting 2 x 10(2) copies of an RNA standard per reaction. It does not detect any of the other RNA viruses that cause vesicular disease in pigs, or the human enterovirus, Coxsackie B5 virus (CVB5) which is closely related antigenically to SVDV. The linear range of this test was from 2 x 10(2) to 2 x 10(8) copies/mu l. The assay is rapid and can detect SVDV RNA in just over 3.5 h including the time required for nucleic acid extraction. The development of this assay provides a useful tool for the differential diagnosis of SVD or for the detection of SVDV in research applications. This study demonstrates the suitability of MGB probes as a real-time PCR chemistry for the diagnosis of swine vesicular disease
Meredith J M, Basu S, Nimmo D D, Larget-Thiery I, Warr E L, Underhill A, McArthur C C, Carter V, Hurd H, Bourgouin C, Eggleston P (2011)

Site-specific integration and expression of an anti-malarial gene in transgenic Anopheles gambiae significantly reduces plasmodium infections

PLoS One 6 (1), e14587
Publisher’s version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0014587

Abstract

Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes have a devastating impact on global health and this is worsening due to difficulties with existing control measures and climate change. Genetically modified mosquitoes that are refractory to disease transmission are seen as having great potential in the delivery of novel control strategies. Historically the genetic modification of insects has relied upon transposable elements which have many limitations despite their successful use. To circumvent these limitations the Streptomyces phage phiC31 integrase system has been successfully adapted for site-specific transgene integration in insects. Here, we present the first site-specific transformation of Anopheles gambiae, the principal vector of human malaria. Mosquitoes were initially engineered to incorporate the phiC31 targeting site at a defined genomic location. A second phase of genetic modification then achieved site-specific integration of Vida3, a synthetic anti-malarial gene. Expression of Vida3, specifically in the midgut of bloodfed females, offered consistent and significant protection against Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis, reducing average parasite intensity by 85%. Similar protection was observed against Plasmodium falciparum in some experiments, although protection was inconsistent. In the fight against malaria, it is imperative to establish a broad repertoire of both anti-malarial effector genes and tissue-specific promoters for their expression, enabling those offering maximum effect with minimum fitness cost to be identified. In the future, this technology will allow effective comparisons and informed choices to be made, potentially leading to complete transmission blockade.
Munir M, Zohari S, Metreveli G, Baule C, Belak S, Berg M (2011)

Alleles A and B of non-structural protein 1 of avian influenza A viruses differentially inhibit beta interferon production in human and mink lung cells

Journal of General Virology 92, 2111-2121
Publisher’s version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1099/vir.0.031716-0

Abstract

Non-structural protein 1 (NS1) counteracts the production of host type I interferons (IFN-alpha/beta) for the efficient replication and pathogenicity of influenza A viruses. Here, we reveal another dimension of the NS1 protein of avian influenza A viruses in suppressing IFN-beta production in cultured cell lines. We found that allele A NS1 proteins of H6N8 and H4N6 have a strong capacity to inhibit the activation of IFN-beta production, compared with allele B from corresponding subtypes, as measured by IFN stimulatory response element (ISRE) promoter activation, IFN-beta mRNA transcription and IFN-beta protein expression. Furthermore, the ability to suppress IFN-beta promoter activation was mapped to the C-terminal effector domain (ED), while the RNA-binding domain (RBD) alone was unable to suppress IFN-beta promoter activation. Chimeric studies indicated that when the RBD of allele A was fused to the ED of allele B, it was a strong inhibitor of IFN-beta promoter activity. This shows that well-matched ED and RBD are crucial for the function of the NS1 protein and that the RBD could be one possible cause for this differential IFN-beta inhibition. Notably, mutagenesis studies indicated that the F103Y and Y103F substitutions in alleles A and B, respectively, do not influence the ISRE promoter activation. Apart from dsRNA signalling, differences were observed in the expression pattern of NS1 in transfected human and mink lung cells. This study therefore expands the versatile nature of the NS1 protein in inhibiting IFN responses at multiple levels, by demonstrating for the first time that it occurs in a manner dependent on allele type.
Mussa T, Rodriguez-Carino C, Pujol M, Cordoba L, Busquets N, Crisci E, Dominguez J, Fraile L, Montoya M (2011)

Interaction of porcine conventional dendritic cells with swine influenza virus

Virology 420 (2), 125-134
Publisher’s version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.virol.2011.09.001

Abstract

Swine influenza virus (SwIV) causes sub-acute or acute respiratory infections on swine farms and pigs can act as "mixing vessels" for new influenza strains. Knowledge of the immune response of SwIV in its natural host, pigs, is very limited. Dendritic cells (DCs) mediate the induction of immunity to pathogens, but their interaction with SwIV has not been fully characterized. Thus, porcine bone marrow derived DCs (poBMDCs) were exposed to a circulating strain of H3N2 SwIV in vitro. Infection of poBMDCs resulted in structures resembling influenza virus inside poBMDCs in vesicles and also free in cytoplasm. Viral progeny was undetectable in supernatant but limited replication was detected in the first 8 h after infection. However, viral particles from infected-poBMDCs were able to induce cytopathic effect in susceptible cells only when cell-to-cell interaction was favoured. The data generated in our studies reveal the particular interaction of H3N2 SwIV with conventional DCs.

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