Study on cytokine secretion of T cell after SARS-CoV X4 gene transfection

Objective: To explore the function of the SARS-CoV X4 protein and its role in SARS pathogenesis,by detecting the change of cytokine secretion of T cells after transfection of SARS-CoV X4 gene.Methods: T cells were transfected with pEGFP-SARS-CoV X4 expression vector by Amaxa Nucleofector,and the green fluorescence of EGFP were detected with flow cytometry and confocal microscopy;The production of cytokine were investigated by Cytometry Beads Assay.Results: The green fluorescence of EGFP could be detected by with flow cytometry,confocal microscopy;the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α increased remarkably in SARS-CoV X4 transfection group. Conclusion: SARS-CoV X4 can promote T cells to secrete preinflammatory cytokine IL-6 and TNF-α;it may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SARS.