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Objective: Ferritin is an attractive vector for the delivery of drug molecules and antigen proteins because of its unique structural and biochemical features. In this study, recombinant ferritin from Helicobacter pylori was expressed in the soluble form employing the baculovirus expression system., Results: The optimum conditions for producing recombinant ferritin comprised MOI 5 of rBV-ferritin for 96 h of infection. The recombinant ferritin was purified by Ni Sepharose™ 6 Fast Flow, with a purity and yield of 92.5% and 11.25 mg/L, respectively. In addition, the recombinant ferritin showed a multimeric structure under non-denaturing conditions, as well as self-assembled spherical cage architecture with a diameter of approximately 12 nm. Dot-ELISA results suggested that the His-tag at the N-terminus likely existed on the surface of the recombinant ferritin., Conclusion: Recombinant ferritin was produced by the baculovirus expression system, which has the potential to display exogenous proteins, and may aid in the delivery of drugs for disease prevention and treatment.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the antioxidant stress effect of HK-2 cells by Huaiqihuang (HQH) through highglucose-induced HK-2 and its Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Methods: The cells were randomly divided into five groups; normal group, osmotic control group, high-glucose group, HQH group, and captopril group. The cell viability was detected by CCK-8; the level of ROS was detected by fluorescence probe; the activities of SOD, MDA, and GSH content were tested by as- say kits; the expression of Nrf2 was detected by immunofluorescence staining; the mRNA expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and Nrf2/HO-1 were detected by qRT-PCR; the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway was detected by Western blotting. Results; Compared with the normal group, the cell viability of the high-glucose group was significantly decreased (P< 0.000 1); the levels of ROS and MDA in the cells were increased (P<0.000 1), and the activities of SOD and GSH were decreased (P< 0.000 1); The expression of Nrf2 was decreased. the mRNA expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly reduced (P<0.001); the protein and mRNA expression levels of Nrf2/HO-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.001), Compared with the high-glucose group, the cell viability of the HQH groups were significantly increased (P<0.05); the levels of ROS and MDA in the cells were significantly decreased (P<0.000 1), and the activities of SOD and GSH were increased (P<0.01); The expression of Nrf2 was increased. the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly decreased (P< 0.01); the protein and mRNA expression levels of Nrf2/HO-1 were significantly increased (P<0.01). Conclusion: HQH may al- leviate highglucose-induced oxidative stress in HK-2 cells by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, thus enhancing the body's antioxidant capacity and protecting the cells from oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorophyll is an indispensable photoreceptor in plant photosynthesis. Its anabolic imbalance is detrimental to individual growth and development. As an essential epigenetic modification, DNA methylation can induce phenotypic variations, such as leaf color transformation, by regulating gene expression. Albino line XN1376B is a natural mutation of winter wheat cultivar XN1376; however, the regulatory mechanism of its albinism is still unclear. In this study, we found that low temperatures induced albinism in XN1376B. The number of chloroplasts decreased as the phenomenon of bleaching intensified and the fence tissue and sponge tissue slowly dissolved. We identified six distinct TaPOR (protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase) genes in the wheat genome, and TaPOR2D was deemed to be related to the phenomenon of albinism based on the expression in different color leaves (green leaves, white leaves and returned green leaves) and the analysis of promoters' cis-acting elements. TaPOR2D was localized to chloroplasts. TaPOR2D overexpression (TaPOR2D-OE) enhanced the chlorophyll significantly in Arabidopsis, especially at two weeks; the amount of chlorophyll was 6.46 mg/L higher than in WT. The methylation rate of the TaPOR2D promoter in low-temperature albino leaves is as high as 93%, whereas there was no methylation in green leaves. Correspondingly, three DNA methyltransferase genes (TaMET1, TaDRM and TaCMT) were up-regulated in white leaves. Our study clarified that the expression of TaPOR2D is associated with its promoter methylation at a low temperature; it affects the level of chlorophyll accumulation, which probably causes the abnormal development of plant chloroplasts in albino wheat XN1376B. The results provide a theoretical basis for in-depth analysis of the regulation of development of plant chloroplasts and color variation in wheat XN1376B leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Circadian rhythm regulates complex physiological activities in organisms. A strong link between circadian dysfunction and cancer has been identified. However, the factors of dysregulation and functional significance of circadian rhythm genes in cancer have received little attention. Methods: In 18 cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the differential expression and genetic variation of 48 circadian rhythm genes (CRGs) were examined. The circadian rhythm score (CRS) model was created using the ssGSEA method, and patients were divided into high and low groups based on the CRS. The Kaplan–Meier curve was created to assess the patient survival rate. Cibersort and estimate methods were used to identify the infiltration characteristics of immune cells between different CRS subgroups. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset is used as verification queue and model stability evaluation queue. The CRS model's ability to predict chemotherapy and immunotherapy was assessed. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare the differences of CRS among different patients. We use CRS to identify potential "clock-drugs" by the connective map method. Results: Transcriptomic and genomic analyses of 48 CRGs revealed that most core clock genes are up-regulated, while clock control genes are down-regulated. Furthermore, we show that copy number variation may affect CRGs aberrations. Based on CRS, patients can be classified into two groups with significant differences in survival and immune cell infiltration. Further studies showed that patients with low CRS were more sensitive to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, we identified 10 compounds (e.g. flubendazole, MLN-4924, ingenol) that are positively associated with CRS, and have the potential to modulate circadian rhythms. Conclusions: CRS can be utilized as a clinical indicator to predict patient prognosis and responsiveness to therapy, and identify potential "clock-drugs". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplementation using selenium (Se) on plants is an effective and widely used approach. It can not only be converted to more Se rich compounds but promote the accumulation of glucosinolates (GSLs) with anti-carcinogenic properties. However, the molecular mechanism of Se in regulating GSLs synthesis remains unclear. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of Se treatment (50 μM sodium selenite) on GSLs, glucoraphanin (4MSOB), and sulforaphane compounds in broccoli tissues. The transcript levels of genes involved in sulfur absorption and transport, GSLs biosynthesis, translocation, and degradation pathways were also evaluated. The study showed that Se treatment remarkably promoted the accumulation of total sulfur and total Se contents and increased Trp-derived GSLs levels in roots by 2 times. The 4MSOB concentration and sulforaphane content in fresh leaves was increased by 67% and 30% after Se treatment, respectively. For genes expressions, some genes involved in sulfate uptake and transporters, GSLs biosynthesis, and transporters were induced strongly upon Se exposure. Results revealed that exogenous Se treatment promotes the overaccumulation of GSLs and 4MSOB content in broccoli by activating the transcript levels of genes involved in sulfur absorption, GSLs biosynthesis, and translocation pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective: Up to now, no study focused on the role of SdrG in PJI after THA. To explore the mechanism of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: Joint fluid and blood were collected from patients with PJI after THA, aseptic loosening of the joints or bacterial infection after traumatic fractures of the extremities alone. The expression of SdrG in the 3 groups was determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. The expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor J (PTPRJ) was measured by immunohistochemistry method. The platelet adhesion rate was determined by biochemical analysis. The content of D‐dimer, CRP and ESR in blood was determined by latex agglutination method. Multiple linear correlation analysis was used to analyse the correlation between PJI and the expression of PTPRJ protein, platelet adhesion rate, D‐dimer content, CRP and ESR. Results and discussion: The expression of SdrG and PTPRJ in PJI group was markedly increased compared to the other 2 groups. The platelet adhesion rate in PJI group was markedly larger compared to aseptic loosening and simple wound infection group, and the rate in simple wound infection group was larger than aseptic loosening group. The level of D‐dimer, CRP and ESR in PJI group was higher than that of the other groups. The expression of PTPRJ protein, D‐dimer content, CRP and ESR was all closely related to PJI, while platelet adhesion rate had no correlation with PJI. What is new and conclusion: SDRG gene around joint prosthesis was over‐expressed, which activated joint surface membrane protein PTPRJ and then induced platelet aggregation to reduce joint function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • 1-Methylcyclopropene alleviated peel browning in 'Nanguo' pear after refrigeration. • Treated fruit showed variation in relative physiological processes. • Activities and gene expression level of enzymes in relative metabolisms were studied. Abstract Ripening of 'Nanguo' pears (Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim.) can be slowed down by cold storage, but the peel of fruit is prone to browning when they are returned to room temperature. In this study, effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment on peel browning (PB) of 'Nanguo' pears, as well as on energy, antioxidant and lipid metabolisms, were investigated during shelf life after cold storage. 1-MCP treatment inhibited the occurrence of PB in 'Nanguo' pears during 15 d of shelf life at 20 °C. 1-MCP treated fruit showed higher firmness, glutathione (GSH) content, ATP concentration and energy charge (EC) value. Meanwhile, lower ethylene production and respiration rate, content of H 2 O 2 and O 2 ·−, glutathione disulphide (GSSG) content, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and electrolyte leakage were detected in 1-MCP treated fruit. Activities and gene expression level of ATP synthase (ATPase), NADH dehydrogenase (NDA), vacuolar proton-inorganic pyrophosphatase (VPP) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were promoted by 1-MCP treatment. Activities and gene expression level of phospholipase D (PLD) and lipoxygenase (LOX) were inhibited by 1-MCP treatment. These results indicated that 1-MCP treatment could effectively alleviate PB in 'Nanguo' pears and the possible mechanisms were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refrigeration slows postharvest ripening of ‘Nanguo’ pears ( Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim.), but the peel of the pears is prone to browning when the fruit are returned to room temperature. Intermittent warming (IW), in which the fruit were exposing to 20 ± 1 °C for 1 day every 20 d during storage at 0 ± 0.5 °C, retarded the occurrence of peel browning (PB) of the pears in this study. IW-treated pears showed higher firmness and ethylene production in peel of fruit during the early stage of shelf life. An increase in ATP concentration and energy charge (EC) was detected in IW-treated fruit. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the electrolyte leakage were lower in IW-treated fruit. Higher enzyme activity and increased gene expression of transcripts for ATP synthase ( ATPase ), NADH dehydrogenase ( NDA ) and vacuolar proton-inorganic pyrophosphatase ( VPP ), which were associated with oxidative phosphorylation, were found in IW-treated fruit during the shelf life. Lower enzyme activity and down-regulated gene expression levels of phospholipase D ( PLD ) involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism were found in fruit under IW treatment. These results indicate that the PB of ‘Nanguo’ pears can be effectively alleviated by IW treatment and the possible mechanisms are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low temperature storage is an effective technology which is widely used in prolonging the postharvest storage of ‘Nanguo’ pears ( Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim). However, the peel of pears gradually turned brown during shelf life at 20 °C after the long period of cold storage. In this study, peel browning (PB) particularly appeared during shelf life in the pears which were stored for 120 d and 180 d. Increased concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage were found during shelf life with the extension of refrigeration. ATP concentration and energy charge (EC) were lower in fruit stored for 180 d compared to those stored for 60 d and 120 d. Meanwhile, decreased enzymes activities and genes expression of transcripts for ATP synthase ( ATPase ), NADH dehydrogenase ( NDA ), and vacuolar proton-inorganic pyrophosphatase ( VPP ), which were associated with energy metabolism, were detected along with the prolonging of storage period. Moreover, the activity and gene expression of phospholipase D ( PLD ) were remarkably increased in fruit after long period of cold storage. The results indicated that the appearance of PB in ‘Nanguo’ pears was closely related to the extension of refrigeration, and energy deficiency and membrane damage in cells play pivotal roles on the incident of PB. The possible mechanisms are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a major health problem worldwide. HBV X (HBx) protein is the most common open reading frame that may undergo mutations, resulting in the development of HCC. This study aimed to determine specific HBx mutations that differentiate the central- and para-tumor tissues, and identify their association with HCC development. HBx gene from HCC tumor and para-tumor tissues of 47 HCC patients was amplified, sequenced and statistically analyzed. A novel combination of 2 mutations at residues 10 and 144 was identified which might play a significant role in HCC development. Expression vectors carrying HBx with the specific mutations were constructed and transfected into HepG2 and p53-null HepG2 cells. Compared to wild type (WT) and single mutation of HBx at residue 10 or 144, the 10/144 double mutations strongly up-regulated p21 expression and prolonged G1/S transition in WT- and p53-null HepG2 cells. Apoptosis was also inhibited by HBx harboring 10/44 double-mutation. Binding of 10/144 double-mutant HBx to p53 was lower than WT HBx. Conclusively, the 10/144 double mutation of HBx might play a crucial role in HCC formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in impaired endothelial cell (EC) angiogenesis during aging. However, their exact roles in the aging process remain unclear. We aimed to determine whether miRNAs cause angiogenesis defects in ECs during aging and to uncover the underlying mechanisms. To study the miRNA-induced changes in ECs during aging, we performed microarray analyses on arterial ECs collected from young and aging mice. Using qRT-PCR, we showed that microRNA-125a-5p (mir-125a-5p) expression was approximately 2.9 times higher in old endothelial cells (OECs) compared with samples collected from young animals. Western blot assays showed a lower expression level of an mir-125a-5p target known as related transcriptional enhancer factor-1 (RTEF-1) in OECs compared with its expression levels in young cells. Overexpression of mir-125a-5p in young endothelial cells (YECs) using pre-mir-125a-5p caused the downregulation of RTEF-1, endothelial nitric oxide synthase ( eNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and resulted in impaired angiogenesis, as evidenced by spheroid sprouting and tube formation assays in vitro. Conversely, repression of mir-125a-5p in OECs using anti-mir-125a-5p increased RTEF-1, eNOS and VEGF expression and improved EC angiogenesis. Importantly, impaired angiogenesis caused by knock-down of RTEF-1 was not efficiently rescued by anti-mir-125a-5p. Dual-luciferase reporter gene analysis showed that RTEF-1 is a direct target of mir-125a-5p, which regulates angiogenesis by repressing RTEF-1 expression and modulating eNOS and VEGF expression. These findings indicate that mir-125a-5p and RTEF-1 are potential therapeutic targets for improving EC-mediated angiogenesis in elderly individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Previous studies have shown that the unique short 2 (US2) protein contributes to the infection of several herpesviruses. However, little is known about whether the US2 protein of duck enteritis virus (DEV) could also contribute to the DEV infection in susceptible cells. This study is aimed at investigating the role of US2 protein in the DEV infection in vitro. The US2 gene was amplified from DEV and cloned into pET32a (+). The expression of recombinant US2 protein was induced in Escherichia coli. After purification, the recombinant US2 protein was immunized into rabbits to generate anti-US2 sera. The immunoreactivity of anti-US2 sera was determined by Western blot and immunofluorescent assays. The US2 protein was detected in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane of DEV-infected duck embryo fibroblast (DEF) cells by immunofluorescent assay using the anti-US2 serum. When DEV infected DEF cells in vitro, pre-treatment with anti-US2 serum did not affect the attachment of virus, but significantly reduced the penetration and cell-to-cell spreading of DEV in DEF cells. Our data suggest that the US2 protein is involved in the penetration and cell-to-cell spreading during the DEV infection of susceptible cells in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the common microvascular complications of diabetes, and there are still lack of effective treatments. Huaiqihuang (HQH) is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine mixed preparation, which is mainly made of Trametes robiniophila Murr, Fructus Lycii, and Polygonatum sibiricumhas. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of DKD, but the specific mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Our results showed that HQH increased the protein expressions of synaptopodin, podocin, WT-1, and Bcl-2, decreased the protein expressions of Bax and cleaved-casepase-3, and activated the NF-ĸB and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in MPC5 cells exposed to high-glucose (HG). Real-time PCR results showed that HQH reduced the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, and IL-6. In conclusion, our results showed that HQH may attenuate podocyte injury by inhibiting MPC5 cell apoptosis induced by HG and NF-κB-mediated inflammation response through activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Definitive hematopoiesis generates hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) that give rise to all mature blood and immune cells, but remains poorly defined in human. Here, we resolve human hematopoietic populations at the earliest hematopoiesis stage by single-cell RNA-seq. We characterize the distinct molecular profiling between early primitive and definitive hematopoiesis in both human embryonic stem cell (hESC) differentiation and early embryonic development. We identify CD44 to specifically discriminate definitive hematopoiesis and generate definitive HSPCs from hESCs. The multipotency of hESCs-derived HSPCs for various blood and immune cells is validated by single-cell clonal assay. Strikingly, these hESCs-derived HSPCs give rise to blood and lymphoid lineages in vivo. Lastly, we characterize gene-expression dynamics in definitive and primitive hematopoiesis and reveal an unreported role of ROCK-inhibition in enhancing human definitive hematopoiesis. Our study provides a prospect for understanding human early hematopoiesis and a firm basis for generating blood and immune cells for clinical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of S (as sulphate) and Se (as selenite) treatment (S mM/Se μM: 1/0, 1/50, 1/100, 1/150, 4/0, 4/50, 4/100, and 4/150) on the production of sulforaphane (an anticancer compound), the accumulation of its precursor substance, and the expression of genes related to glucoraphanin biosynthesis in broccoli were examined. Sulforaphane yield and myrosinase activity increased significantly with the combined application of 4 mM S and 100 μM Se on broccoli. Furthermore, the concentrations of glucoraphanin (a sulforaphane precursor) and methionine (a glucoraphanin substrate) slightly changed after Se application. And the strong anticancer activity of compound Se–SMC was further improved. Analysis of related gene expression showed that MY , which encodes myrosinase, was strongly induced by Se treatment. Thus, the myrosinase activity induced by Se treatment is the dominant factor affecting sulforaphane yield from glucoraphanin hydrolyzation. Selenium–sulfur biofortification provides a technical support for the cultivation of broccoli with high sulforaphane and high anti-cancer selenium compounds. General overview of metabolites content, myrosinase activity and genes expression changes with S and Se treatmentt. Image 1 • Cooperative competition interaction depends on the dosage of S and Se to determine sulforaphane yield. • Sulforaphane yield relies on myrosinase activity induced by Se treatment to hydrolyze glucoraphanin. • The best treatment to optimise sulforaphane yield is 100 μM Se and 4 mM S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Peel browning in 'Nanguo' pears was alleviated by Glycine betaine. • Alleviation of peel browning was related to phenol and sugar metabolisms. • Changes in enzyme activities and levels of gene were studied. Long-term cold storage can postpone the senescence and preserve the quality of postharvest 'Nanguo' pear fruit. However, peel browning (PB), which is deemed to be a symptom of chilling injury (CI), usually develops after the fruit are transferred to shelf life at room temperature. In this study, the effect of glycine betaine (GB) treatment (10 mmol L−1 for 10 min) on PB, as well as on phenylpropanoid and soluble sugar metabolisms of pear fruit was investigated. The results showed that GB treatment effectively delayed the occurrence of PB by 6 d after cold storage for 120 d, and significantly inhibited the browning index in fruit by more than 35% during the 15 d of shelf life. Enzymes activities and genes expression levels related to phenylpropanoid metabolism were increased after GB treatment, which resulted in the increase of total phenols and flavonoids content. Moreover, higher sucrose content, and lower fructose and glucose content were observed in GB-treated fruit, which was concomitant with increased activities and genes expression levels of sucrose synthase (SS) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), as well as decreased activities and genes expression levels of invertase. The results showed that the development of PB in cold-stored 'Nanguo' pears was closely related to phenylpropanoid and soluble sugar metabolisms. GB treatment could alleviate PB by ways of regulating phenylpropanoid and soluble sugar metabolisms, as well as by sustaining higher levels of phenolic and sucrose content. Therefore, exogenous GB treatment could be an effective method to alleviate PB of 'Nanguo' pear fruit during cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Peel browning in 'Nanguo' pears appears after cold storage. • Peel browning was related to phenols and sugar metabolisms. • Changes in enzyme activities and levels of genes were studied. Cold storage can effectively postpone the senescence of postharvest 'Nanguo' pear fruit. However, peel browning (PB) usually develops after the fruit are transferred to shelf life at room temperature. In this study, influence of cold storage on phenylpropanoid and soluble sugar metabolisms accompanied PB in pears was investigated. Increased PB and decreased phenolics compounds were observed with the extension of cold storage. The activities and genes expression levels of enzymes involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism were restrained by long-term cold storage. Meanwhile, lower content of sucrose and sorbitol, and higher content of fructose and glucose were detected as the prolonging of storage time, accompanied by decreased activities and genes expression levels of sucrose synthase (SS) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), and increased activities and genes expression levels of invertase. The results showed that the occurrence of PB in pears after long-term cold storage was closely related to phenylpropanoid and soluble sugar metabolisms, and the possible mechanisms are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duck hepatitis A virus 3 (DHAV-3), the only member of the novel genus Avihepatovirus, in the family Picornaviridae, can cause significant economic losses for duck farms in China. Reports on the pathogenicity and the antiviral molecular mechanisms of the lethal DHAV-3 strain in ducklings are inadequate and remain poorly understood. We conducted global gene expression profiling and screened differentially expressed genes (DEG) of duckling liver tissues infected with lethal DHAV-3. There were 1643 DEG and 8979 DEG when compared with mock ducklings at 12 hours post-infection (hpi) and at 48 hpi, respectively. Gene pathway analysis of DEG highlighted mainly biological processes involved in metabolic pathways, host immune responses, and viral invasion. The results may provide valuable information for us to explore the pathogenicity of the virulent DHAV-3 strain and to improve our understanding of host–virus interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Goose parvovirus (GPV), a small non-enveloped ssDNA virus, can cause Derzsy’s disease, and three capsid proteins of VP1, VP2, and VP3 are encoded by an overlapping nucleotide sequence. However, little is known on whether recombinant viral proteins (VPs) could spontaneously assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs) in insect cells and whether these VLPs could retain their immunoreactivity and immunogenicity in susceptible geese. To address these issues, genes for these GPV VPs were amplified by PCR, and the recombinant VPs proteins were expressed in insect cells using a baculovirus expression system for the characterization of their structures, immunoreactivity, and immunogenicity. The rVP1, rVP2, and rVP3 expressed in Sf9 cells were detected by anti-GPV sera, anti-VP3 sera, and anti-His antibodies, respectively. Electron microscopy revealed that these rVPs spontaneously assembled into VLPs in insect cells, similar to that of the purified wild-type GPV virions. In addition, vaccination with individual types of VLPs, particularly with the rVP2-VLPs, induced higher titers of antibodies and neutralized different strains of GPVs in primary goose and duck embryo fibroblast cells in vitro. These data indicated that these VLPs retained immunoreactivity and had strong immunogenicity in susceptible geese. Therefore, our findings may provide a framework for development of new vaccines for the prevention of Derzsy’s disease and vehicles for the delivery of drugs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]