Characterization of Antigenic Sites on the Rinderpest Virus N Protein Uusing Monoclonal Antibodies

The N protein of the rinderpest virus (RPV) was analyzed topologically and antigenically by using anti-N monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). Ten Mabs were raised against the N protein of the RPV. At least six non-overlapping antigenic sites (sites A-F) were delineated by competitive binding assays using biotinylated Mabs. Of them 5 sites (A, C, D, E and F) on the N protein were recognized by RPV-specific Mabs in ELISA and IFA while site B was recognized by Mabs reacting with both RPV and PPRV. Non- reciprocal competition was found among sites C, D and E. Recombinant RPV N protein after exposure to 0.2% SDS exhibited higher ELISA titers in all Mabs recognizing 6 sites. Four sites (A, B, E and F) on 2% SDS-treated N protein lost completely reactivity with Mabs while the remaining sites (C and D) on the protein retained their antigenicity to some degree. It indicates that two sites (C and D) were sequential. Six representative Mabs bound to each site exhibited competition with rinderpest antibodies in a blocking ELISA, indicating that the sites were actively involved in antigenicity in cattle.

immuno-potentiating impact of vitamin E and zinc supplementation on buffalo calves vaccinated against rinderpest

Rinderpest is a highly contagious and fatal disease of ruminants. Complains from unsatisfactory immune response to vaccines are quite frequently raised. A study was carried out to evaluate the potential of long tem feeding of high levels of vitamin E and Zinc on buffalo calves immune response vaccinated with live attenuated tissue culture Rinderpest vaccine. Two groups of buffalo calves were used. The calves of the treated group were supplemented with a combination of 1500 IU of dl-alpha-tocopherol and 7g. zinc oxide per animal at weekly intervals 7 weeks prior to vaccination and continued for further 4 weeks post vaccination. The ingredients of the ration were analyzed for moisture, crude protein and zinc. Heparinized and non-heparinized blood samples were collected at vaccination time 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks post vaccination. Serun neutralization test and lymphayte blastogenic response to phytohaemagglutinin nitrogen were used as humeral and cell mediated immune measurements. The results showed that the serum neutralizing antibody titre as well as the blastogenic response of the supplemented group [56.0 +/- 8.0 and 2.35 +/- 0.16 respectively], were significantly [P < 0.01] higher as compared to that of the unsupplemtented group [26.69 +/- 5.33 and 1.577 +/- 0.06 respectively]. The trial confirmed that benefits from vitamin E and zinc supplementation might favorly modulate the immune competence under infectious stressfull conditions

Bovine interleukin 2: production kinetics in normal and in vivo antigen-primed cattle.

Conditions influencing production kinetics of bovine interleukin 2 (IL-2), viz. cell concentration, mitogen and its concentration, length of incubation, nutrient medium and in vivo antigen-priming were investigated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBL) of outbred cattle of different age groups showed considerable variation in their ability to secrete IL-2 which possibly reflects their immune competence. Of the cultures initiated with PBL, 5 x 10(6) cells/ml cultured in serum free Iscove's medium and stimulated with 5 micrograms Con A/ml for 24 hr produced maximal amount of IL-2 activity. In vivo antigen-priming of bovine lymphocytes with the live attenuated rinderpest virus revealed that IL-2 production was not affected by rinderpest virus but the in vivo antigen-priming possibly resulted in concomitant production of suppressor factor(s) which suppressed the already produced IL-2. The implications of this factor(s) in relation to regulation of immune responses in the disease process are discussed.