A leptospirose é uma zoonose amplamente disseminada, causada pelo gênero patogênico de Leptospira. Essa doença apresenta grande interesse humano e veterinário, devido aos danos econômicos gerados. Em áreas urbanas, os roedores desempenham o papel de principais reservatórios da doença, pois albergam as leptospiras nos túbulos renais proximais e as excretam vivas na urina. Os humanos podem ser infectados de forma direta ou indireta, através de solo ou água contaminados. Após infecção pode-se apresentar sintomas leves ou mais severos como icterícia e hemorragia. O diagnóstico clínico da leptospirose é dificultoso devido aos sintomas iniciais serem comuns à de outras doenças. As vacinas existentes são baseadas em bactérias inativadas, não conferem proteção duradoura, além de serem específicas para os sorovares presentes na preparação. Atualmente, já foram identificados mais de 250 sorovares diferentes da bactéria, sendo assim, a identificação de proteínas da membrana externa conservadas entre diferentes espécies e sorovares de Leptospira e que podem interagir com o hospedeiro são os principais alvos de pesquisa para o desenvolvimento de vacinas. Estas proteínas podem induzir uma resposta imune no hospedeiro e são importantes para elucidar os mecanismos de patogenicidade. Deste modo, diversos estudos têm buscado caracterizar e identificar as proteínas de superfície que sejam antigênicas e presentes nos diversos sorovares de Leptospira interrogans. O primeiro passo deste trabalho foi avaliar por programas de bioinformática a localização celular, a presença de sinal de exportação e/ou lipidação, presença de domínios conservados e similaridade com outras sequências. Inicialmente, os genes LIC10562 e LIC13259 foram amplificados por PCR utilizando o DNA da L. interrogans. sorovar Copenhageni e os fragmentos de DNA gerados foram clonados no vetor pGEM T-Easy e subclonados no vetor de expressão pAE e expressas em cepas de Escherichia coli . As proteínas recombinantes foram purificadas por cromatografia de afinidade ao metal. A proteína recombinante codificada pelo gene LIC10562 apresentou dificuldades durante a purificação. Por esse motivo, os estudos com esse gene foram interrompidos. Por outro lado, a purificação da LIC13259 foi obtida com sucesso. Desse modo, a presença de estrutura secundária da rLIC13259 foi avaliada por dicroísmo circular e sua atividade imunogênica foi analisada após imunização em Camundongos Balb/c. Ensaios de localização celular demonstraram a exposição da proteína na superfície das bactérias, o que corrobora com as análises de bioinformática. Além disso, rLIC13259 foi reconhecida por soro de indivíduos infectados, sugerindo sua expressão durante a infecção. Ensaios de interação com componentes do hospedeiro mostraram que a proteína rLIC13259 foi capaz de se ligar a laminina, plasminogênio, vitronectina, C7, C8 e C9 de maneira dosedependente. Além disso, rLIC13259 foi capaz de recrutar estes componentes direto do soro humano, revelando a importância desta interação. A ligação de rLIC13259 com PLG foi capaz de gerar plasmina, sugerindo que esta proteína pode contribuir nos processos de invasão da bactéria no hospedeiro. A interação da rLIC13259 com os componentes do sistema complemento parece ocorrer via os domínios de heparina. Além disso, o envolvimento da proteína recombinante com C9 foi capaz de inibir a polimerização de C9, consequentemente, inibindo a formação do complexo de ataque à membrana (MAC). Em conjunto, nossos dados sugerem a participação da proteína LIC13259 nos mecanismos de invasão e evasão do sistema imune do hospedeiro. / Leptospirosis is a widely disseminated zoonosis, caused by the pathogenic genus Leptospira. This disease presents great human and veterinary interest due to economic. In urban areas, rodents are the major reservoir of the disease. The leptospires colonize the proximal renal tubules and shedding them live in urine. Humans can be infected directly or indirectly through contaminated soil or water. After the infection, mild or more severe symptoms such as jaundice and bleeding may occur. The clinical diagnosis of leptospirosis is difficult because the initial symptoms are common in other diseases. Existing vaccines are based on inactivated bacteria, do not confer lasting protection, and are serovar specific. Currently, more than 250 different serovars of the bacterium have been identified, therefore, the identification of outer membrane proteins conserved between different species and serovars of Leptospiraand that may interact with the host are the main research targets for the vaccine development. These proteins can serve as targets for the immune system of the host. Thus, several studies have sought to characterize and identify as surface proteins that are antigenic and present in the various serovars of Leptospira interrogans. The first step of this work was to evaluate the cellular localization, presence of export signal and / or lipidation, presence of conserved domains and similarity with other sequences through the bioinformatics programs. Initially, LIC10562 and LIC13259 genes were amplified by PCR using the L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni DNA. The generated DNA fragments were cloned into the pGEM T-Easy vector and subcloned into the pAE expression vector and expressed in strains of Escherichia coli. Recombinant proteins were purified by metal affinity chromatography. The recombinant protein encoded by the LIC10562 gene presented difficulties during purification. For this reason, study with this gene has been discontinued. On the other hand, the purification of LIC13259 was successfully achieved. The presence of secondary structure of rLIC13259 was assessed by circular dichroism and its immunogenic activity was analyzed after immunization in Balb / c mice. Cell localization assays have demonstrated the exposure of the protein to the surface of the bacteria, which corroborates with bioinformatics analyzes. In addition, rLIC13259 was recognized by sera from infected individuals, suggesting its expression during infection. Interaction with host components showed that the rLIC13259 protein was able to bind laminin, plasminogen, vitronectin, C7, C8 and C9 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, rLIC13259 was able to recruit these components directly from human serum, revealing the importance of this interaction. The binding of rLIC13259 to PLG was able to generate plasmin, suggesting that this protein may contribute to the invasion processes of the bacterium in the host. The interaction of rLIC13259 with components of the complement system appears to occur via the heparin domains. In addition, the involvement of the recombinant protein with C9 was able to inhibit the polymerization of C9, consequently,inhibiting a formation of the membrane attack complex. Taken together, our data suggest the participation of the LIC13259 protein in the mechanisms of invasion and evasion of the host immune system.

A leptospirose é uma doença sistêmica, causada por bactérias patogênicas do gênero Leptospira. O desenvolvimento de novas estratégias para prevenir a doença é necessário. As pesquisas atuais têm interesse em identificar antígenos conservados que estão envolvidos nas interações patógeno-hospedeiro. Dois genes de L. interrogans foram selecionados, clonados, expressos e suas respectivas proteínas caracterizadas. Os genes foram amplificados por PCR e clonados no vetor de expressão PAE. As proteínas recombinantes foram purificadas por cromatografia de afinidade ao metal. A proteína rLIC10821 foi capaz de se ligar a laminina, plasminogênio e fibrinogênio. Ambas as proteínas foram localizadas na membrana externa de acordo com as três metodologias utilizadas: imunofluorescência, proteinase K, leptospira intacta. A proteína rLIC10821 que interagiu com o PLG foi capaz de gerar plasmina. Após a interação da proteína rLIC10821 com o fibrinogênio, foi possível identificar uma diminuição de 60% no coágulo de fibrina. / Leptospirosis is a systemic disease caused by pathogenic bacteria of genus Leptospira. The development of new strategies to prevent the disease is needed. Currently research has focused to identify conserved antigens related to the host-pathogen interaction. Two genes of L. interrogans were selected, cloned, expressed and its proteins characterized. The genes were amplified by PCR and cloned into expression vetor pAE. The recombinant proteins were purified by chromatography of metal affinity. The protein rLIC10821 were able to bind to laminin, plasminogen and fibrinogen. Both proteins were localized in the outer membrane according three methodologies: immunofluorescence, proteinase K, intact leptospira. The protein rLIC10821 interacted with PLG was able to generate plasmin. After the interaction of the protein rLIC10821 with fibrinogen, we could identify a decrease of 60% in the fibrin clot.

Photorhabdus luminescens MN7 é uma enterobactéria associada a seus simbionte, nematoides da espécie Heterorhabditis baujardi LPP7, coletada em Monte Negro (RO), Brasil. As bactérias do gênero Algumas linhagens de P. luminescens possuem no seu citoplasma dois cristais proteicos compostos das CIPs (Crystal Inclusion Proteins A e B). Na fase estacionária de crescimento esses cristais são até 40% do total de proteínas na célula. Fizemos uma estratégia para clonar e expressar a ORF completa dos genes que codificam CipA, CipB e CipB2 de MN7. Os três genes foram amplificados e subclonados, mas apenas CipA foi expressa em Escherichia coli. A proteína recombinante foi purificada em coluna de Níquel N2+ e utilizada para inóculo em camundongos Balb/c. CipB foi clonada no plasmídeo de expressão, mas não foi expressa quando induzida. CipB2 foi amplificada, mas não foi clonada no plasmídeo de expressão. Também foi amplificado e subclonado o fragmento de miniSOG (mini Singlet Oxygen Generator), para ser ligado aos genes das CIPs que foram clonados para ensaios de fluorescência. / Photorhabdus luminescens MN7 is an enterobacterium associated with its symbiont, nematodes of the Heterorhabditis baujardi LPP7 species, collected in Monte Negro (RO), Brazil. Bacteria of the genus of P. luminescens lineages do not have their cytoplasm two protein crystals composed of CIPs (Crystal Inclusion Proteins A and B). In the stationary phase of growth of the crystals are up to 40% of the total proteins in the cell. We have devised a strategy to clone and express a complete ORF of the genes encoding MN7 CipA, CipB and CipB2. All three genes were amplified and subcloned, but only CipA was expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein was purified on a Nickel N2+ column and used for inoculum in Balb / c mice. CipB was cloned without expression plasmid, but was not expressed when induced. CipB2 was amplified, but was not cloned without expression plasmid. The miniSOG (mini Singel Oxygen Generator) fragment was also amplified and subcloned to be linked to the genes of the CIPs that were so cloned for fluorescence assays.

Cellular activities are composite responses to stimuli from the surroundings. Materials for biological applications, therefore, must be designed with care such that undesired interactions between cells and the materials will not be elicited while cellular responses that are beneficial to the dedicated applications are promoted. Efforts have been made to construct such materials based on both synthetic polymers and natural polymers including poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and proteins. In particular, recombinant proteins have drawn great interest for their similar biocompatibility to natural proteins and the uniformity of material properties that is found in manufacturing of synthetic polymers. Recombinant proteins are designed at the DNA level, which allows precise control over the translated protein sequence. By assembling encoded DNA sequences of amino acids with desired functional groups or protein domains conferring desired functionalities, a recombinant protein-based material can be tailored. In this dissertation, works toward developing functional biomaterials based on both synthetic polymers and recombinant proteins are presented.<br>The first part of this thesis encompasses the development of a new thiol-based crosslinking approach to achieve independent control over degradability and mechanical properties of a hydrogel system. Thiol chemistry was chosen as the focus here because it can easily be incorporated into recombinant protein designs by inserting cysteine residues. In addition, the low frequency of cysteine residues in natural proteins can reduce unwanted reactions between the hydrogel material and encapsulated biomolecules or cells. We utilized divinyl sulfone (DVS) to form thioether crosslinking through thiol-ene addition and ferric ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (ferric EDTA) to make disulfide crosslinking via thiol oxidation. By controlling the ratio between the non-reducible thioether bonds to reducible disulfide bonds, hydrogels with similar mechanical properties can be made with different degradability in reducing conditions. Accelerated degradation and increased release of encapsulated dextran was observed in response to an extracellular reducing condition. Good viability of encapsulated fibroblasts also suggested high cytocompatibility of the crosslinking approach. This work demonstrated the potential of thiol crosslinking by DVS and ferric EDTA for making redox-responsive drug delivery vehicles and tissue engineering scaffolds.<br>In the second part, we developed protein adhesives using thiol- or catechol-based adhesion. Every year more than 310 million surgeries are performed around the world, and more than 50% of these surgeries used sutures or staples for wound closure. Surgical sealants or adhesive can be applied together with sutures and staples to mitigate the risk of infection. Protein-based adhesives could have better biocompatibility than synthetic polymer-based adhesives and have the potential of providing biochemical cues for cellular responses. Many adhesive proteins have been found in nature. Among them, mussel adhesive proteins have been actively studied for their outstanding underwater adhesion. The capability of being able to cure in a wet environment is critical for an ideal surgical sealant and adhesive. Mussels uses both thiols and a catechol, 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), to achieve underwater adhesion. Inspired by mussel adhesive proteins and modular recombinant design, we developed two proteins harboring thiol or DOPA groups with highly similar amino acid sequences. The adhesion performance, including curing kinetics, adhesion strength, and cytocompatibility, were compared between the two proteins. The similarity in the protein sequences allows us to focus on the performance difference between thiol- and DOPA-based adhesion. We also showed that a synergistic increase in the adhesion strength can be achieved when the two proteins are combined. This increase indicates a cross-reaction between thiol and DOPA groups. Our results provide insights into selecting the chemistry for designing adhesives based on the needs of the applications.<br>In the last part, we studied the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior of elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) with a series of ELPs with rationally designed charge distributions and chain lengths. The LCST behavior of ELPs are controlled by multiple factors including the amino acid composition, ELP chain length, protein concentration, salt identity, salt concentration, and pH of the solution. Fusion of other non-ELP recombinant protein domains to ELPs have also been shown to influence the LCST behavior of the fusion ELP protein. Inspired by this effect, we explored the use of short non-ELP sequences as a new way to tailor the LCST behavior of ELP-based proteins. We designed the non-ELP and the ELP sequences with different pH-dependent charge states and showed that pH sensitivity was introduced to the LCST behavior by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between the non-ELP and ELP sequences. The electrostatic interactions can be shielded by the ionic strength in the protein solution. The pH sensitivity was introduced by the non-ELP sequences, and this sensitivity decreased when the relative length of the ELP domain increased. We also found that the hydrophobicity of the non-ELP sequences changes the interactions between the proteins and Hofmeister ions in solution. Our results demonstrated the potential of using non-ELP sequences as a new factor in controlling the LCST behavior of ELP proteins.<br><br>

A papilomatose bovina é uma doença infectocontagiosa de ocorrência mundial, que assola o rebanho brasileiro, sem qualquer atitude efetiva de controle, e que tem como enfermidades associadas a tumores de bexiga hematúria enzoótica e tumores de trato digestório superior caraguatá, responsáveis por sensíveis perdas para a pecuária. Várias tentativas vacinais têm sido empreendidas com finalidades profiláticas ou terapêuticas, porém sem resultados eficazes. Esta situação se deve a aspectos relacionados à estrutura viral que dificultam uma manipulação eficiente para produção de produtos vacinais. Para que tais dados possam ser obtidos, faz-se necessário uma melhor compreensão da ação das proteínas recombinantes. A clonagem em vetores bacterianos para a expressão e purificação dessas proteínas serve a diferentes propósitos. Entre eles, a produção de insumos imunológicos, como testes diagnósticos ou mesmo vacinas. O presente projeto visou à expressão e purificação da proteína de capsídeo recombinante L2 de BPV-2. A proteína foi expressa em bactéria e tentou-se a purificação por coluna de afinidade; entretanto, problemas na purificação não possibilitaram a conclusão deste objetivo. Todas as abordagens e protocolos utilizados nesse trabalho são discutidos para contribuição ao conhecimento do processo. / The bovine papillomatosis is an infectious disease of worldwide occurrence, plaguing the Brazilian herd, without any effective attitude control, and whose illnesses associated with bladder tumors \"enzootic hematuria\" and upper digestive tract tumors \"caraguatá\" sensitive responsible for losses to livestock. Several attempts have been undertaken vaccine with prophylactic or therapeutic purposes, but without effective results. This is due to issues related to viral structure that hinder efficient manipulation for production of vaccine products. In order to obtain such information, it is necessary better understanding of the action of recombinant proteins. The bacterial cloning vectors for the expression and purification of such proteins serve different purposes. Among them, the production of immune inputs, such as diagnostic tests or vaccines. This project aimed the expression and purification of recombinant L2 capsid protein of BPV-2. The protein was expressed in bacteria and purification was carried out by affinity column. However, difficulties in the purification process, impaired the full completion of this objective. All the attempted approaches and protocols were discussed and potential solutions proposed.

A proteína recombinante inibidora de serinoprotease denominada de Amblyomin-X foi obtida a partir de uma biblioteca de cDNA das glândulas salivares do carrapato Amblyomma cajannense, construída e utilizada para identificar um gene que codifica um inibidor de serinoprotease do tipo Kunitz. O Amblyomin-X inibe a formação da massa tumoral in vivo, no entanto o mecanismo envolvido neste efeito não está totalmente esclarecido. Visto que um dos mecanismos anti-carcinogênicos dos inibidores de serinoproteases é a inibição do processo de angiogênese, este trabalho foi delineado para avaliar as ações do Amblyomin-X sobre a angiogênese in vivo e sobre funções da célula endotelial envolvidas neste processo. A angiogênese in vivo foi estudada em modelo de câmara dorsal por microscopia intravital. Quarenta e oito horas após a implantação da câmara dorsal, os animais receberam tratamento tópico de salina ou de Amblyomin-X por 8 dias, com intervalos de 48 horas a cada dose (10, 100 ou 1000ng/mL). Os efeitos foram avaliados em condições basais e na vigência do crescimento tumoral (injeção de 1x105 células B16-F10 de melanoma murino no tecido subcutâneo). Adicionalmente, os efeitos do Amblyomin-X sobre a permeabilidade vascular foram avaliados pela mensuração espectrofotométrica da quantidade de corante extravasado no tecido dos animais após injeção intradérmica do fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular (VEGF) ou do Amblyomin-X. Uma série de estudos in vitro foram realizados em células endoteliais de linhagem de microcirculação (t-End) para avaliar os efeitos do Amblyomin-X (10, 100 e 1000ng/mL) sobre: 1) a migração destas células, usando modelos bidimensional (2D) de cicatrização in vitro e tridimensional (3D) em câmara de Boyden modificada, na ausência e frente ao fator de crescimento do endotélio vascular (VEGF; 100 ng/mL); 2) sobre a aderência em Matrigel® e 3) sobre a secreção de prostaglandina E2 (PGE2) e a produção de óxido nítrico (NO) por ensaio imunoenzimático e reação de Griess, respectivamente. Ademais, foram avaliados os efeitos do Amblyomin-X sobre a viabilidade das células B16-F10 (1x105) por citometria de fluxo. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a aplicação tópica de Amblyomin-X reduziu o número de vasos no tecido subcutâneo dorsal (10ng/mL = 21,7%; 100ng/mL= 35,7%; 1000ng/mL= 36,8% vs 1° dia de tratamento). O mesmo efeito foi observado na presença de células B16-F10 (1000ng/mL= 44,3% vs 1° dia de tratamento), além de uma redução no desenvolvimento da massa tumoral (1000ng/mL= 88% vs controle). O tratamento com Amblyomin-X reduziu a migração basal das células t-End no modelo 2D (10ng/mL=16,4%; 1OOng/mL=23, 1%; 1000ng/mL=26,8% vs controle) e 3D (10ng/mL=39,2%; 100ng/mL=49,4%; 1000ng/mL=50,4% vs controle); inibiu a adesão destas células endoteliais em Matrigel® (100ng/mL=46,4%; 1000ng/mL=48,4% vs controle); não alterou produção os mediadores químicos NO e PGE2 pelas células endoteliais; não modificou a permeabilidade vascular e não alterou a viabilidade das células de melanoma murino B16-F10. Em conjunto, os dados obtidos mostram que o Amblyomin-X inibe a formação de novos vasos em condições basais e na vigência de crescimento tumoral in vivo que este efeito pode estar relacionado à redução do desenvolvimento tumoral, uma vez que a concentração de Amblyomin-X que inibe a angiogênese não causou citotoxicidade às células tumorais in vitro. Além disso, os mecanismos envolvidos no processo de angiogênese podem ser decorrentes, pelo menos em parte, de prejuízos na migração e adesão das células endoteliais. / The recombinant serine protease inhibitor protein called Amblyomin-X was obtained from a cDNA library of the Amblyomma cajennense salivary glands constructed and used to identify a gene encoding a kunitz type serine protease inhibitor. Amblyomin-X presents inhibitory effect on tumoral mass formation in vivo. Nevertheless, the mechanisms involved in the effects have not been clarified. Considering that interference on angiogenesis process is one of the mechanisms responsible for the antitumor activity displayed by serine protease inhibitors, this project was undertaken to study the Amblyomin-X actions on this process and on related endothelial cell functions. In vivo angiogenesis was studied using dorsal chamber model associated to intravital microscopy. Forty eight hours after dorsal chamber implantation, the animals were topically treated with saline or Amblyomin-X during 8 days, with intervals at each 48hs (10, 100 ou 1000ng/mL). The effects were evaluated at basal conditions or during tumoral development (1x105 B16-F10 murine melanoma cells injected into subcutaneous tissue). In addition, the effects of Amblyomin-X on vascular permeability were evaluated by measuring the dye leakage into dorsal intradermic tissue after local injection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or Amblyomin-X, or both. In vitro assays were also performed using endothelial cells from microcirculation (t-End) and the effects of Amblyomin-X (10, 100 e 1000ng/mL) were studied on: 1) cell migration, using bidimensional (2D) and tridimensional (3D) models in modified Boyden chamber using chemotatic factor (VEGF100 ng/mL); 2) Matrigel® adherence and, 3) prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO) secretion by enzymatic assay and Griess reaction, respectively. In addition, the Amblyomin-X toxicity was evaluated on the B16-F10 cells (1x105), using flow citometry. Results obtained show that topic application of Amblyomin-X reduced the number of vessels in the subcutaneous dorsal tissue (10ng/mL = 21,7%; 100ng/mL= 35,7%; 1000ng/mL= 36,8% vs 1st day of treatment). The same effect was observed in the presence of B16-F10 cells (1000ng/mL= 44,3% vs 1st day of treatment), simultanesouly to a significant reduction on tumoral mass development (1000ng/mL= 88% vs control). Amblyomin-X treatment impaired basal migration of tEnd in the 2D (10ng/mL=16,4%; 100ng/mL=23, 1%; 1000ng/mL=26,8% vs control) and 3D model (10ng/mL=39,2%; 100ng/mL=49,4%; 1000ng/mL=50,4% vs controle); inhibited the adhesion of t-End in Matrigel® (100ng/mL=46,4%; 1000ng/mL=48,4% vs control); did not alter the production of chemical mediators (PGE2 and NO); did not modify the vascular permeability and did not affect the B16-F10 cells viability. Taken together, data here obtained show that Amblyomin-X inhibited the new vessels formation under basal conditions, and during tumoral development. The effect could be related to the reduction of tumoral progress also detected in vivo, asthe schedule of treatment employed did not induce cancer cell toxicity. The mechanisms involved in the reduced angiogenesis may be related, at least in part, to the impaired endothelial cell migration and adhesion.

O sequenciamento da L. interrogans sorovar Copenhageni e as análises bioinformáticas permitiram a identificação de candidatos vacinais e fatores de virulência. Foram selecionados dois genes, LIC11834 e LIC12253, que foram submetidos a ensaios de presença do DNA genômico e RNA mensageiro em diferentes sorovares de Leptospira. Observamos que o gene LIC12253 foi o mais presente entre os sorovares testados. Os genes foram clonados em vetor de expressão pAE e expressos em E. coli BL21 SI. As proteínas recombinantes foram purificadas e submetidas a ensaio de dicroísmo circular, o qual confirmou que ambas as proteínas estavam estruturadas. Por meio de testes de imunogenicidade em camundongos, ambas as proteínas mostraram-se imunogênicas, apresentando altos títulos de anticorpos, porém não foram capazes de promover resposta imune celular. Em ensaios de localização das proteínas nativas podemos observar a presença destas proteínas na membrana externa de Leptospira. Ensaios de reatividade com soros de pacientes diagnosticados com leptospirose mostraram que há reconhecimento das proteínas por anticorpos presentes nesses soros, sugerindo que as proteínas são expressas durante a infecção. Em ensaios de adesão a componentes de matriz extracelular e componentes do soro e plasma humano, rLIC11834 apresentou ligação à laminina, sendo nomeada de Lsa33, além de ligação ao plasminogênio, ao C4bp e ao fibrinogênio de forma dose-dependente; rLIC12253 apresentou ligação à laminina, sendo chamada de Lsa25, e ao C4bp de forma dose-dependente. Ensaios de desafio demonstraram que as proteínas não apresentam proteção contra infecção letal em hamsters. Assim, acreditamos que estas proteínas multifuncionais possam interagir com proteínas do hospedeiro e ter participação na patogênese da doença. / The genomic sequencing and the advances of bioinformatics analysis allowed the identification of new vaccine candidates and new virulence factors. Therefore, two genes from L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni, LIC11834 and LIC12253 were selected and subjected to assays for the presence of genomic DNA and mRNA in different serovars of Leptospira. These assays found that the gene LIC12253 was the most present among the tested serovars. The genes were then cloned in the expression vector pAE and expressed in E. coli BL21 SI. The recombinant proteins were purified and subjected to circular dichroism, which confirmed that both proteins presented secondary structures. Immunogenicity tests in mice showed that both proteins are immunogenic, with high antibodies titers, but don\'t induce cellular immune response. Localization assays of the native proteins on the leptospiras demonstrated the presence of the proteins on the surface of Leptospira. Reactivity assays with sera of patients diagnosed with leptospirosis showed that the recombinant proteins could be recognized by their antibodies, suggesting that they are expressed during infection. Adhesion assays to the extracellular matrix components, human serum and plasma components, showed that the protein rLIC11834 binds to laminin and was called Lsa33. In addition, Lsa33 interacts to plasminogen, to C4bp and to fibrinogen in a dose-dependent manner. The protein rLIC12253 showed binding to laminina, named Lsa25, and to C4bp in a dose-dependent manner. Challenge assays showed that both recombinant proteins don\'t afford protection against lethal infection in hamsters. Thus, we believe that these multifunctional proteins may interact with host proteins and may play a role in leptospiral pathogenesis.

A leptospirose é uma doença infecto-contagiosa que acomete os animais domésticos, silvestres e o homem, causada por bactérias do gênero Leptospira. No Brasil, a hemorragia pulmonar constitui o principal fator de risco para o óbito com taxas de letalidade para essa forma da doença superior a 50%. Desta maneira, o desenvolvimento de uma vacina preventiva e o melhor entendimento dos mecanismos de lesão envolvidos nos processos de desenvolvimento da leptospirose nos permitirá propor novas terapêuticas a fim de diminuir a alta letalidade associada à doença. Neste trabalho propusemos investigar doze genes de Leptospira interrogans sorovar Copenhageni. A identificação de uma metaloprotease abre caminho para a investigação de uma possível protease envolvida nos processos hemorrágicos para essa importante zoonose. Esperamos, com os resultados apresentados neste trabalho, contribuir com a caracterização da biologia e patogenicidade da leptospirose. / Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that affects domestic animals, wildlife and humans, caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In Brazil, pulmonary hemorrhage is the major risk factor to death with mortality rates for this form of the disease over than 50%. Thus, the development of a preventive vaccine and better understanding of injury mechanisms involved in leptospirosis would allow us to propose new therapies to reduce the high mortality associated with the disease. In the present study we proposed to investigate twelve genes of Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni. The identification of one protease opens the way for the investigation of a possible protease involved in bleeding processes in this important zoonosis. With the results presented here, we expect to contribute to the biology and pathogenicity characterization of leptospirosis.

Kit Yu Fu. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 99-106). / Chapter I. --- Abstract --- p.vii / Chapter II. --- Acknowledgements --- p.viii / Chapter III. --- List of Figures --- p.ix / Chapter IV. --- Chapter --- p.1 / Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases --- p.1 / Chapter a. --- Culture --- p.1 / Chapter b. --- Direct detection by visualization --- p.2 / Chapter c. --- Direct detection by DNA or RNA hybridization --- p.2 / Chapter d. --- Detection by immunological methods (antigen or antibody detection) --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2 --- Types of antigen preparations / Chapter a. --- Crude antigenic extracts --- p.5 / Chapter b. --- Affinity-purified antigens --- p.6 / Chapter c. --- Recombinant antigens --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3 --- Methods of gene transfer to mammalian cells --- p.8 / Chapter 1.4 --- The immunoglobulins --- p.10 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Ig structure --- p.11 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Ig genes --- p.13 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Ig gene rearrangement --- p.15 / Chapter 1.4.4 --- Recombinant Ig --- p.15 / Chapter 1.4.5 --- Myeloma-derived recombinant Ig (chimeric antibodies) --- p.17 / Chapter 1.4.6 --- Ig expression vectors --- p.19 / Chapter 1.5 --- Trichinella spiralis and trichinosis --- p.20 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- The parasite --- p.21 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Antigens of T. spiralis --- p.21 / Chapter 1.6 --- Aim of present study --- p.25 / Chapter V. --- Chapter2 / Materials and Methods / Chapter 2.1 --- Chemicals --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2 --- Parasite --- p.27 / Chapter 2.3 --- Cell line and expression vectors --- p.28 / Chapter 2.4 --- Extraction of total RNA from T. spiralis --- p.29 / Chapter 2.5 --- Preparation of cDNA fragment from T. spiralis --- p.29 / Chapter 2.6 --- Characterization of Trichinella cDNA fragment --- p.31 / Chapter 2.6.1 --- By gel electrophoresis --- p.31 / Chapter 2.6.2 --- By restriction enzyme digestion --- p.31 / Chapter 2.7 --- Cloning of Trichinella cDNA fragment to g4R --- p.31 / Chapter 2.7.1 --- Preparation Trichinella cDNA fragment for ligation --- p.32 / Chapter 2.7.2 --- Preparation of g4R vector --- p.32 / Chapter 2.7.3 --- Ligation --- p.32 / Chapter 2.7.4 --- Transformation of Escherichia coli (TG1) / Chapter a. --- Preparation of competent cells for transformation --- p.33 / Chapter b. --- Transformation of competent cells by heat shock --- p.34 / Chapter 2.7.5 --- Screening of recombinant clones --- p.34 / Chapter 2.8 --- Preparation of fusion gene for transfection --- p.36 / Chapter 2.9 --- Introduction of DNA to myeloma cells by electroporation --- p.36 / Chapter 2.10 --- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect fusion gene product / Chapter 2.10.1 --- Sandwich ELISA --- p.37 / Chapter 2.10.2 --- Detection of Trichinella antigen in fusion gene product --- p.38 / Chapter 2.10.3 --- Detection of Ig CH2-CH3 domains in fusion gene product --- p.38 / Chapter 2.11 --- Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) --- p.39 / Chapter 2.12 --- Genomic and transcriptional analysis of transfectants --- p.40 / Chapter 2.12.1 --- Genomic analysis of transfectants / Chapter a. --- DNA isolation --- p.40 / Chapter b. --- PCR amplification of the fusion gene fragment --- p.41 / Chapter 2.12.2 --- Isolation of fusion gene cDNA from transfectants --- p.41 / Chapter 2.12.3 --- Cloning of fusion gene cDNA to M13 mpl9 --- p.43 / Chapter 2.12.4 --- Preparation of single-stranded templates from M13 phage --- p.43 / Chapter 2.12.5 --- Dideoxy sequencing method (Sanger) --- p.44 / Chapter 2.12.6 --- Gel analysis of sequencing products --- p.44 / Chapter 2.13 --- Modification of the g4R expression vector by deletion of the CH2-CH3 exons 3' to the XhoI site / Chapter a. --- Partial EcoRI digestion of g4R --- p.45 / Chapter b. --- Addition of adaptors to the partial Eco RI-digested g4R vector --- p.46 / Chapter c. --- Preparation of modified g4R vector --- p.46 / Chapter 2.14 --- Cloning of the Trichinella P53 gene into the modified g4R vector --- p.46 / Chapter 2.15 --- Detection of Trichinella antigen in the second fusion gene product / Chapter a. --- Preparation of biotinylated mouse anti- Trichinella serum --- p.47 / Chapter b. --- Assay for the activity of biotin-Ts serum --- p.48 / Chapter c. --- "Assay for detection of Trichinella antigen in the fusion gene product from Tc2, Te1 and g4R transfected clones" --- p.48 / Chapter 2.16 --- Northern blot analysis of the RNA of transfected clones --- p.48 / Chapter a. --- RNA gel electrophoresis --- p.49 / Chapter b. --- RNA transfer --- p.49 / Chapter c. --- RNA hybridization --- p.49 / Chapter VI. --- "Chapter3 Construction of Ig-Trichinella fusion gene, Te1" / Chapter 3.1 --- Rationale of the gene construction --- p.51 / Chapter 3.2 --- Isolation of T. spiralis P49 gene by cDNA amplification --- p.55 / Chapter 3.3 --- Cloning of Trichinella P49 cDNA to g4R --- p.58 / Chapter 3.4 --- Screening of recombinant clones --- p.58 / Chapter VII. --- Chapter4 Characterization of Tc1 fusion gene product / Chapter 4.1 --- Transfection of fusion gene to J558L myeloma cells / Chapter 4.2 --- Antigenicity of fusion gene product with respect to Trichinella activity --- p.64 / Chapter 4.3 --- Detection of Ig CH2-CH3 domains in fusion gene product --- p.65 / Chapter 4.4 --- Size determination of fusion gene product --- p.69 / Chapter 4.5 --- Transcriptional and genomic analysis of transfectants producing the fusion gene product --- p.71 / Chapter 4.5.1 --- Genomic analysis --- p.71 / Chapter 4.5.2 --- Sequence analysis of transcript from the CH1 to CH2 exon --- p.71 / Chapter 4.5.3 --- Sequence analysis of transcript from the CH1 to CH3 exon --- p.77 / Chapter VIII. --- "Chapter5 Construction and characterization of second fusion gene, Tc2, using modified g4R vector" --- p.81 / Chapter IX. --- Chapter6 General Discussion / Use of recombinant DNA technology to produceantigen for use in the diagnosis of infectious diseases --- p.89 / Characterization of the fusion gene product --- p.89 / Absence of Trichinella sequence in fusion gene product due to exon skipping --- p.94 / A new strategy for producing Ig fusion proteins: modification of the g4R vector --- p.96 / Prospect of utilizing Ig expression system for producing antigen --- p.97 / Chapter X. --- References --- p.99 / Chapter XI. --- Appendix --- p.107

Antimicrobial peptides are active against bacteria, fungi and viruses as part of the innate immune system in animals and insects. Such peptides are currently produced by extracting them from the host organism or by solid phase peptide synthesis; both techniques are expensive and produce low yields. Recombinant DNA technology opens a window to produce these peptides inexpensively and in large quantities utilizing E. coli expression systems. Two antimicrobial peptides, indolicidin and PGQ, were the focus of this work. They are short amphipathic alpha helical antimicrobial peptides that target a broad range of microorganisms. Genes encoding multimers of indolicidin, PGQ and a hybrid of indolicidin:PGQ were placed into protein expression vectors pET32a+ and pET43.1a+, for peptide production in E. coli. A combination of multimerization and the use of a fusion protein were utilized to mask the toxicity of these peptides in E. coli. The multimerized peptide fusion construct was purified using Ni/NTA affinity chromatography. Methionine residues flanking each monomeric unit were utilized to enable cleavage of the multimerized protein and liberating a biologically active peptide. A Trx:indolicidin trimer fusion was produced in the greatest yield of all constructs investigated. Upon cyanogen bromide cleavage, a band corresponding to the theoretical molecular weight of an indolicidin monomer was observed with SDS-PAGE. Antimicrobial activity of monomeric recombinant indolicidin was tested resulting in zones of clearing. Overall the results indicate that multimerizing antimicrobial peptide genes can potentially produce a larger quantity of peptide per bacterial cell. These studies suggest that multimerization of antimicrobial peptide genes represents a means to control in vivo toxicity of the recombinant peptides and increase production relative to single gene fusions.