Abstract
BackgroundPorcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is an economically important pathogen in the swine industry worldwide. Vaccination remains the principal tool to control PCV2-associated diseases (PCVADs). Current vaccines do not eliminate viral shedding in the environment. To enhance the efficacy of PCV2 vaccines, recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) of PCV2 were generated by fusing a truncated form of flagellin FliC (TFlg: 85-111aa) with the PCV2 capsid protein (Cap).ResultsThe recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and detected using Western blotting. The abilities of the recombinant proteins to assemble into VLPs were observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The protective immune responses of recombinant VLPs were further evaluated by immunization of mice. The results showed that insertion of TFlg into C terminal of the Cap protein did not affect the formation of VLPs and boosted both humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. After a challenge with PCV2, in the Cap-TFlg vaccinated group, viremia was milder and viral loads were lower as compared with those in the Cap vaccinated group.ConclusionThese results suggest that recombinant VLPs of PCV2 containing a TFlg adjuvant can be used as a promising PCV2 vaccine candidate.
Highlights
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is an economically important pathogen in the swine industry worldwide
We report for the first time insertion of truncated form of flagellin FliC (TFlg) into C terminal of PCV2 capsid protein (Cap) protein to generate recombinant viruslike particles (VLPs) in E. coli
Production of cap and cap-TFlg proteins in E. coli The genes encoding Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-Cap and SUMO-Cap-TFlg were inserted into plasmid pET32a as described above (Fig. 1)
Summary
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is an economically important pathogen in the swine industry worldwide. Vaccination remains the principal tool to control PCV2-associated diseases (PCVADs). Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is considered a pivotal pathogen of PCV2-associated diseases (PCVADs), which have a serious impact on the swine industry worldwide [1]. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are highly effective vaccine candidates, as they mimic the structure of native viruses. In comparison with monomeric antigens, lower doses of VLPs can induce a similar level of immune response [5, 6]. These advantages have made VLPs potential vaccine candidates for many viral diseases. Methods to enhance the efficacy of PCV2 VLP-based vaccines are desirable
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