Expression of mouse beta-defensin-3 in MDCK cells and its anti-influenza-virus activity.
Influenza (flu) pandemics have presented a threat to human health in the past century. Because of outbreaks of avian flu in humans in some developing countries in recent years, humans are more eager to find a way to control flu. Mammalian beta-defensins (beta-defensins) are associated primarily with mucosal and skin innate immunity. Previous studies have demonstrated antimicrobial properties of a variety of defensin peptides. We have identified the presence of mouse beta-defensin 1, 2, and 3 genes (Mbd-1, 2, and 3) in trachea and lung tissues by RT-PCR before and after infection with influenza virus. We constructed a eukaryotic expression plasmid containing Mbd-3, pcDNA 3.1(+)/MBD-3, and the plasmid was introduced into Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells by transfection. The expression of Mbd-3 in MDCK cells was verified by immunofluorescence test, RT-PCR, and Western blot. The pcDNA 3.1(+)/MBD-3 plasmid was injected into mice to observe its effect against influenza A virus (IAV) in vivo. Mouse beta-defensin genes could be expressed in trachea and lung tissues before IAV infection, but expression of Mbd-2 and Mbd-3 was increased significantly after IAV infection. The survival rate of mice with MBD-3 against IAV challenge was 71.43%, and MDCK cells with MBD-3 could clearly inhibit IAV replication. The results demonstrated that mouse beta-defensins possess anti-influenza virus activity, suggesting that mouse beta-defensins might be used as agents to prevent and treat influenza.
Jiang
Yan
Y
Department of Microbiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Wang
Yueling
Y
Kuang
Yu
Y
Wang
Baoning
B
Li
Wanyi
W
Gong
Tianxiang
T
Jiang
Zhonghua
Z
Yang
De
D
Li
Mingyuan
M
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000276:immunology*; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000276:immunology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014132:Trachea / Q000276:immunology; D023083:beta-Defensins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D023083:beta-Defensins; C540070:beta-defensin 3, mouse