Immunogenicity of synthetic peptides corresponding to regions of the major inner capsid protein of bovine rotavirus (BRV)

Mapping of antigenic sites on the major inner capsid protein of avian rotavirus using an Escherichia coli expression system

The cDNA encoding the VP6 gene of avian rotavirus PO-13 strain was inserted into the bacterial expression vector pET-3a. Upon isopropyl-1-thio-beta-D-galactoside induction, the E. coli BL21 (DE3) harboring the vector containing cDNA of the VP6 gene produced an approximately 45-kDa polypeptide, which reacted with rabbit serum against PO-13 strain in Western blotting. To study the antigenic sites on VP6, various deletion mutants were constructed, expressed in E. coli and the reactivity with antigenic site I- and II-specific MAbs analyzed by Western blotting. Site I, which is shared with all group A mammalian and avian rotaviruses except for chicken rotavirus, was found to be located at amino acid positions 45 to 65, and site II, which probably contributes to an authentic group A antigen common to both mammalian and avian rotaviruses, at amino acid positions 134 to 142.

Expression of two bovine rotavirus non-structural proteins (NSP2, NSP3) in the baculovirus system and production of monoclonal antibodies directed against the expressed proteins

Studies on rotavirus non-structural proteins have been hampered in the past by difficulties in obtaining monospecific reagents. To make such reagents available, we have expressed in the baculovirus system NSP2 and NSP3 (formerly called NS35 and NS34, respectively) of the bovine rotavirus RF and produced hybridomas against these proteins. Full-length DNA copies of RNA segments 7 (coding for NSP3) and 8 (coding for NSP2) of the virus strain RF were cloned and sequenced. Each cDNA was inserted in the transfer vector pVL941 and used to transfect Spodoptera frugiperda cells (Sf9). Recombinant baculoviruses encoding these proteins were obtained. Infection of Sf9 cells with these recombinant viruses resulted in a high level of expression of NSP2 and NSP3 (range of 1 microgram per 10(6) cells). Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were elicited by immunization of BALB/c mice with adjuvented, unpurified recombinant proteins in the rear foot pads. Fusion was performed using lymphocytes from popliteal lymph nodes with SP2/O-Ag14 myeloma line. Screening was by differential indirect immunofluorescent staining on monolayers of Sf9 cells infected with each recombinant virus. Two MAbs proved to be reactive against NSP3 and a single one against NSP2. They showed high specificity by immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation and Western blot. The isotype of these MAbs was IgG1. Oligomeric forms of NSP3 and NSP2 proteins were detected and the existence of intra-chain disulfide bridge in NSP2 protein was suggested. The levels of synthesis and cellular localization of NSP3 and NSP2 proteins were different as shown by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence.

Monoclonal antibodies to Quebec strain (Q17) of bovine rotavirus

Fourteen monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against "Quebec" strain (Q17) of bovine rotavirus were isolated and characterized. Four were specific for viral protein Vp7 and ten were specific for viral protein Vp6. Five different isotypes were represented by this group of antibodies. All of the anti-Vp6 and none of the anti-Vp7 antibodies were sensitive to the effects of periodate on their antigen. The antibodies could be separated into three groups based on their relative resistance to the dissociation of their antigen-antibody complex by thiocyanate. The MAbs cross-reacted with the proteins of porcine and human rotaviruses both by immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analyses. These techniques revealed the differences in Mw of the viral proteins from different serotypes.

A recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the major capsid protein of Simian rotavirus-induced anti-rotavirus antibodies

cDNA molecules encoding the major structural protein (VP6) of the Simian rotavirus SA11 were inserted under the control of the vaccinia virus 7.5 kDa promoter into the thymidine kinase gene. Synthesis of VP6 was demonstrated by immunoprecipitation of recombinant virus-infected cell. Mice inoculated via several routes with this recombinant vaccinia produce high titers of antirotavirus antibodies lacking neutralizing activity.