FcRn Overexpression in Transgenic Mice Results in Augmented APC Activity and Robust Immune Response with Increased Diversity of Induced Antibodies

Our previous studies have shown that overexpression of bovine FcRn (bFcRn) in transgenic (Tg) mice leads to an increase in the humoral immune response, characterized by larger numbers of Ag-specific B cells and other immune cells in secondary lymphoid organs and higher levels of circulating Ag-specific antibodies (Abs). To gain additional insights into the mechanisms underlying this increase in humoral immune response, we further characterized the bFcRn Tg mice. Our Western blot analysis showed strong expression of the bFcRn transgene in peritoneal macrophages and bone marrow derived dendritic cells; and a quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression ratios of the bFcRn to mFcRn were 2.6- and 10-fold in these cells, respectively. We also found that overexpression of bFcRn enhances the phagocytosis of Ag-IgG immune complexes (ICs) by both macrophages and dendritic cells and significantly improves Ag presentation by dendritic cells. Finally, we determined that immunized bFcRn mice produce a much greater diversity of Ag-specific IgM, whereas only the levels, but not the diversity, of IgG is increased by overexpression of bFcRn. We suggest that the increase in diversity of IgG in Tg mice is prevented by a selective bias towards immunodominant epitopes of ovalbumin, which was used in this study as a model antigen. These results are also in line with our previous reports describing a substantial increase in the levels of Ag-specific IgG in FcRn Tg mice immunized with Ags that are weakly immunogenic and, therefore, not affected by immunodominance

Long-term persistent infection of swine monocytes/macrophages with African swine fever virus.

Long-term persistent infection was established in 100% of pigs (n = 19) experimentally infected with African swine fever virus (ASFV). Viral DNA was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBML) at greater than 500 days postinfection by a PCR assay. Infectious virus was not, however, isolated from the same PBML samples. In cell fractionation studies of PBML, monocytes/macrophages were found to harbor viral DNA during the persistent phase of infection. This result indicates that monocytes/macrophages are persistently infected with ASFV and that ASFV-swine monocyte/macrophage interactions can result in either lytic or persistent infection

Characterization of P30, a highly antigenic membrane and secreted protein of African swine fever virus

We have identified and characterized a 30-kDa phosphoprotein (p30) of African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) that is synthesized, membrane localized, and released into the culture medium at early times after infection. Sequence analysis of the p30 open reading frame predicts a highly antigenic protein with putative phosphorylation, glycosylation, and membrane attachment sites. © 1992

Non-Destructive System for In-Wall Moisture Assessment of Cultural Heritage Buildings

Cultural heritage sites are exposed to several factors that cause their deterioration and degradation, namely moisture content. There are several destructive and non-destructive methods available to monitor moisture. However, destructive methods are avoided in cultural heritage to prevent surface damage, while non-destructive methods are limited to penetration capabilities. This study proposed geo-positioning of non-destructive moisture assessment based on microwave spectroscopy and close-range photogrammetry. The experimental data were collected at the Museum of King Jan III's Palace at Wilanów, Poland. The data was analysed using clustering algorithms (t-SNE, PCA, K-Means and Hierarchical), which demonstrated clear clusters. However, the microwave results did not fully align with the pin type moisture data as the proposed microwave system was able to penetrate through the material, whereas the pin-type meter only measured the surface. Therefore, the microwave sensing approach provided more detailed moisture information of the measured material