Characterisation and separation of infectious bursal disease virus-like particles using aqueous two-phase systems

Infectious bursal disease(IBD)causes considerable economic losses in the commercial poultry industry worldwide.The principal way to control IBD virus(IBDV),the causative agent of IBD,is still through vaccination programs.Virus-like particles(VLPs)are recognised as a safe and potent recombinant vaccine platform.This research work explores the characterisation and separation of infectious bursal disease virus-like particles(IBD-VLPs)from crude feedstock.Various characteristics were studied with highperformance size-exclusion chromatography(HP-SEC),sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE)and transmission electron microscopy(TEM)analyses.Subsequently,the separation of IBD-VLPs using polyethylene glycol(PEG)/sodium citrate-based aqueous two-phase systems(ATPSs)was conducted and optimised.Moreover,a scale-up study of the best ATPS constituted of 15%PEG 6000,11%sodium citrate and 10%crude feedstock was performed to compare the separation performance of IBD-VLPs with and without centrifugation-assisted.The results indicated that the optimised ATPS with centrifugation-assisted for both 5 g and 50 g systems showed good recovery of IBDVLPs of>97%in the interphase between the PEG-rich top and salt-rich bottom phases.These optimised systems also showed high removal efficiencies of impurities of>95%.The results demonstrated that aqueous two-phase extraction could be a promising technology for efficient VLPs separation.

Expression,purification and characterization of enterovirus-71 virus-like particles

AIM： Enterovirus 71 （EV71） has been implicated as the etiological agent responsible for the recent outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease associated with severe neurological diseases in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS： The assembly process was hypothesized to occur via an orchestrated proteolytic processing of the P1 precursor by the viral protease 3CD. To test this hypothesis, we constructed 3 recombinant baculoviruses： Bac-P1 expressing P1; Bac-3CD expressing 3CD; and Bac-P1-3CD co-expressing P1 and 3CD. RESULTS： Both single infection by Bac-P1-3CD and coinfection by Bac-P1 and Bac-3CD resulted in correct cleavage of P1 to yield individual proteins VP0, VP1 and VP3, while the former approach yielded higher VLP production. In the cells, the structural proteins selfassembled into clusters of virus-like particles （VLP） resembling the authentic EV71 particle aggregates. After ultracentrifugation purification, the dispersed VLPs were indistinguishable from the authentic virus in size, appearance, composition and surface epitopes, as determined by SDS-PAGE, Western blot, transmission electron microscopy and immunogold labeling. CONCLUSION： Our data, for the first time, suggest that in insect cells EV71 structural proteins adopt a processing and assembly pathway similar to poliovirus assembly. The preservation of particle morphology and composition suggest that the VLP may be a valuable vaccine candidate to prevent EV71 epidemics.

PRODUCTION IN PICHIAPASTORISAND CHARACTERIZATION OF GENETIC ENGINEERED CHIMERIC HBV/HEV VIRUS-LIKE PARTICLES

Objective To investigate the presentation of a neutralization epitope-containing peptide antigen of hepatitis E virus (HEV) on chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs) of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). MethodsThe gene fragment corresponding to amino acids (aa) 551-607 (HEnAg) of HEV capsid protein, which contains the only neutralization epitope identified to date, was fused via a synthetic glycine linker in frame with the gene of HBsAg. The resulted fusion gene was then integrated through transformation into the genome of Pichiapastorisunder the control of a methanol-induced alcohol oxidase 1 (AOX1) promoter and expressed intracellularly. The expression products in the soluble cell extracts were characterized by Western blot, ELISA, CsCl density gradient analysis, and electron microscopic visualiza-tion. Results The novel fusion protein incorporating HBsAg and the neutralization epitope-containing HEnAg was expressed successfully in Pichiapastoriswith an expected molecular weight of approximately 32 kD. It was found to possess the ability to assemble into chimeric HBV/HEV VLPs with immunological, physical and morphological characteristics akin to HBsAg particles. Not only did the chimeric VLPs show high activity levels in a HBsAg particle-specific ELISA but they were also strongly immunoreactive with hepatitis E (HE) positive human serum in a HEV specific ELISA, indicating that HEnAg peptide fragments were exposed on VLP surfaces and would be expected to be readily accessible by cells and molecules of the immune system. Similarity between chimeric VLPs to highly immunogenic HBsAg particles may confer good immuno-genicity on surface-displayed HEnAg. Conclusion The chimeric HBV/HEV VLPs produced in this study may have potential to be a recombinant HBV/HEV bivalent vaccine candidate.

Carboxyl Terminus Truncated Human Papillomavirus Type 58 L1 Protein Maintains Its Bioactivity and Ability to Form Virus-like Particles

Summary: To prepare carboxyl terminus truncated human papillomavirus type 58 L1(HPV58L1) protein and evaluate its ability to form virus-like particles, the baculovirus and Sf-9 insect cells was used to express HPV58L1 protein, and pFastBac-Htb containing HPV58L1 gene sequence of carboxyl terminus truncation was generated. Then Sf-9 cells were infected with recombinant baculovirus. After being cultured, the post-infected cells expressing-HPV58L1 protein-were harvested and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. The ProBond~TM purification system was used for protein purification. The bio-activity of purified protein was identified by mouse erythrocyte hemagglutination assay, and the VLP formation was examined with transmission electron microscope. Our results showed that the recombinant baculovirus was generated and the Sf-9 cells was infected with the recombinant baculovirus, and after collecting, total cellular proteins were extracted. Truncated HPV58L1 protein with MW 58KD was revealed by SDS-PAGE and confirmed by Western blot. The purified L1 proteins under native condition could cause mouse erythrocytes to agglutinate and form VLP. It is concluded that HPV58L1 protein with carboxyl terminus truncation could be efficiently expressed. In baculovirus Sf-9 cells expression system, the purified protein could self-assemble into virions in vitro, and induce agglutination of mouse erythrocytes, indicating that carboxyl terminus truncation does not interfere with the bioactivity of HPV58L1 protein.

Production of CCHF Virus-Like Particle by a Baculovirus-Insect Cell Expression System

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) is a tick-born virus of the Nairovirus genus within the Bunyaviridae family,which is widespread and causes high fatality.The nucleocapsid of CCHFV is comprised of N proteins that are encoded by the S segment.In this research,the N protein of CCHFV was expressed in insect cells using a recombinant baculovirus.Under an electron microscope,Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) with various size and morphology were observed in cytoplasmic vesicles in the infected cells.Sucrose-gradient purification of the cell lysate indicated that the VLPs were mainly located in the upper fraction after ultracentrifugation,which was confirmed by Western blot analysis and immuno-electron microscopy (IEM).

Characterization of a Putative Filovirus Vaccine:Virus-Like Particles

Filoviruses are hemorrhagic fever viruses endemic to parts of Africa and the Philippines. Infection carries with it a mortality rate of up to 90% and currently there are no effective vaccines or therapeutics available to combat infection. However, the filovirus virus-like particles (VLP), which are currently under development, have been shown to be a promising vaccine candidate. They provide protection from infection in the mouse, guinea pig, and nonhuman primate models of infection, eliciting high anti-glycoprotein antibody titers and T cell responses to viral proteins. In this review, we will highlight the development of the filovirus VLP and describe the current understanding of VLP immunogenicity and correlates of protection.

Efficient Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses Induced by a Chimeric Virus-like Particle Displaying the Epitope of EV71 without Adjuvant

Objective To eliminate the side effects of aluminum adjuvant and His-tag,we constructed chimeric VLPs displaying the epitope of EV71（SP70） without His-tagged.Then evaluating whether the VLPs could efficiently evoke not only humoral but also cellular immune responses against EV71 without adjuvant.Methods The fusion protein was constructed by inserting SP70 into the MIR of truncated HBc Ag sequence,expressed in E.Coli,and purified through ion exchange chromatography and density gradient centrifugation.Mice were immunized with the VLPs and sera were collected afterwards.The specific antibody titers,Ig G subtypes and neutralizing efficacy were detected by ELISA,neutralization assay,and EV71 lethal challenge.IFN-γ and IL-4 secreted by splenocytes were tested by ELISPOT assay.Results HBc-SP70 proteins can self-assemble into empty VLPs.After immunization with HBc-SP70 VLPs,the detectable anti-EV71 antibodies were effective in neutralizing EV71 and protected newborn mice from EV71 lethal challenge.There was no significant difference for the immune efficacy whether the aluminum adjuvant was added or not.The specific Ig G subtypes were mainly IgG1 and IgG2 b and splenocytes from the mice immunized produced high levels of IFN-γ and IL-4.Conclusion The fusion proteins without His-tagged was expressed and purified as soluble chimeric HBc-SP70 VLPs without renaturation.In the absence of adjuvant,they were efficient to elicit high levels of Th1/Th2 mixed immune response as well as assisted by aluminum adjuvant.Furthermore,the chimeric VLPs have potential to prevent HBV and EV71 infection simultaneously.

The codon-optimized capsid gene of duck circovirus can be highly expressed in yeast and self-assemble into virus-like particles

The capsid （Cap） protein, which is the only structural protein of duck circovirus （DuCV）, is the most important antigen for the development of vaccines against DuCV and the virus＇s serological diagnostic methods. In order to use yeast expression system to produce a large quantities of DuCVCap protein which is close to its natural form to display the antigen peptides perfectly, the Cap gene was optimized into the codon-optimized capsid （Opt-Cap） gene towards the preference of yeast firstly. Then, the genes of Cap and Opt-Cap were separately cloned into pPIC9K plasmid and transformed into Picha pas- toris GSl15. The strains that displayed the phenotype of Mut~ and contained multiple inserts of expression cassette were selected from those colonies. After the induction expression, the secretory type of Cap protein, which was about 43 kDa, was best expressed under 0.5% （v/v） methanol and sorbitol induction. Compared with the Cap gene, the expression level of Opt-Cap gene was much higher. What＇s more, the purified Cap protein had a good reactivity to its specific polyclone antibody and DuCV-positive serum, and it was able to self-assemble into virus-like particles （VLPs）. These VLPs, with a diameter of 15-20 nm and without a nucleic acid structure, showed a high level of similarity to DuCV particles in size and shape. All of the resultsdemonstrated that, based on the codon-optimization, it is suitable to use the P. pastoris expression system to produce DuCV VLPs on a large scale. It is the first time that a large amounts of DuCV VLPs were produced successfully in P. pastoris, which might be particularly useful for the further studies of serological diagnosis and vaccines of DuCV.

Construction of HIV-1 Virus-like Particle Vaccine

The virus-like particle（VLPs） vaccine is an ideal HIV-1 vaccine, which can simultaneously induce a neutralizing antibody reaction and cell-mediated immunity effectively. In this study, two kinds of plasmids have been used, one can express the HIV-1 main structure proteins, Gagpol and Env, and the other contains an antibiotic gene. The two kinds of plasmids have been cotransfected into 293 cells. A stable cell line that can express Gagpol and Env proteins efficiently and lastingly has been screened. It has been confirmed that Gagpol and Env proteins in the cell culture supernatant can be self-assembled into virus-like particles. The authors have detected the secretion of VLPs in the cell medium, defined the peak of the secretion, and followed and monitored the stability of expression.

HPV 6b L1VIRUS-LIKE PARTICLES ELICIT HUMORAL IMMUNITY IN MICE

Objective.To test whether intramuscular,intranasal,intrarectal and intravagina l administration of HPV6b L 1 virus-like particlescould induce immune response in mice and to as sess whether intra-muscular and mucosal vaccination against HPV is feasible.Me thods.HPV6b L1proteins self-assembled into VLPs in Sf-9cell in vitro.Mic e were immunized on day0and21with50ìg HPV6b L1VLPs intramuscularly,int ranasally,intrarectally and intravagi-nally respectively.Sera were collected for testing IgG titer after a further7days and3months respec-tively.Results .After immunizations,all mice developed significant anti-HPV6b L1antibody titers in serum by7days after the second immunization.The titer of the serum I gG antibody against HPV6b L1VLPs in the intramuscularly immunized group was h igher than that in the intranasally,intrarectally and intravaginally immunized groups respectively,indicating that both muscular and mucosal administration of HPV6b L1VLPs can stimulate a systemic HPV-specific antibody response.Sera of the mice in the in-tramuscularly immunized group still maintained a high tit er of the serum IgG antibody against HPV6b L1VLPs 3months after the immunizat ion.Conclusion.The results demonstrated that the HPV6b L1VLPs maintain stro ng antigenicity.Immu-nization with HPV6b L1VLPs via intramuscular and mucos al routes,without adjuvant ,can elicit spe-cific antibody in sera.These fin dings suggest that the VLPs are able to induce protective antibodies.

Synthesis of Novel Virus-Like Mesoporous Silica-ZnO-Ag Nanoparticles and Quercetin Synergize with NIR Laser for Omicron Mutated Covid-19 Virus Infectious Diseases Treatment

This work shows that novel virus-like mesopore silica-zinc oxide/Ag nanoparticles (SZnOAg) synthesized and professionally collected on NIR laser irradiation with quercetin to improve the elimination the mutated virus as a biomedical application. A unique type of silica nanoparticles with a self-in- flating tubular surface has been successfully synthesized using a novel single-micelle epitaxial growth process. The properties of the nanoparticles can be tuned with respect to their core diameter, tubular length, and outer diameter. Due to their biomimetic appearance, they can rapidly transform living cells into virus-like particles, this SZnOAg nanomaterial has specific elimination effect on bacteriophage and Covid-19. Using epitaxial growth, we can construct virus-like structures that can be used for biomedicine applications. These nanomaterials and NIR laser could open the way to a new range of antiviral materials, due to the low-efficiency cellular uptake of current nanoparticles, their applications in the biomedical field are limited. Herein, it clearly shows that novel mesoporous silica nanoparticles can be easily exhibited superior cellular uptake property.

Pandemic A/HIN1 2009 Influenza Virus-like Particles Elicited Higher and Broader Immune Responses than the Commercial Panenza Vaccine

Objectives： The aim was to construct 2009 pandemic A/HINI influenza VLPs （virus-like particles） and compare the immunogenicity and protection efficacy with the commercial Panenza vaccine in BALB/c mouse model. Methods： VLPs derived from influenza A/Hong Kong/01/2009 （H 1N 1 ） virus were constructed by Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system. VLPs were purified by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation and then characterized by Western blotting analysis and transmission electron microscopy. After single dose vaccination with 3 lag of VLPs and equal amount of Panenza vaccine, the immune responses and efficacy of protection induced by VLPs were compared with those elicited by the Panenza vaccine in 6-8 weeks old female BALB/c mice. Key findings： VLPs could induce higher antibody titer as determined by hemagglutinin inhibition and microneutralization assay. Furthermore, we demonstrated that VLPs induced better antibody response to neuraminidase. In addition, VLP vaccinated mice had stronger cell-mediated immune response. As a result, our VLPs conferred 100% protection while the Panenza vaccine only conferred 67% protection. Conclusion： From the results, we concluded that influenza VLPs are highly immunogenic and they are promising to be developed as an alternative strategy to vaccine production in order to control the spread of influenza viruses.

Drosophila X virus-like particles as delivery carriers for improved oral insecticidal efficacy of scorpion Androctonus australis peptide against the invasive fruit fly,Drosophila suzukii

Insect-specific neurotoxic peptides derived from the venoms of scorpions and spiders can cause acute paralysis and death when injected into insects,offering a promising insecticidal component for insect pest control.However,effective delivery systems are required to help neurotoxic peptides pass through the gut barrier into the hemolymph,where they can act.Here,we investigated the potential of a novel nanocarrier,Drosophila X virus-like particle(DXV-VLP),for delivering a neurotoxin from the scorpion Androctonus australis Hector(AaIT)against the invasive pest fruit fly,Drosophila suzuki.Our results show that the fusion proteins of DXV polyproteins with AalT peptide at their Ctermini could be sufficiently produced in Lepidoptera Hi5 cells in a soluble form using the recombinant baculovirus expression system,and could self-assemble into VLPs with similar particle morphology and size to authentic DXV virions.In addition,the AalT peptides displayed on DXV-VLPs retained their toxicity,as demonstrated in injection bioassays that resulted in severe mortality(72%)in adults after 72 h.When fed to adults,mild mortality was observed in the group treated with DXV-AalT(38%),while no mortality occurred in the group treated with AaIT peptide,thus indicating the significant role of DXV-VLPs in delivering AalT peptides.Overall,this proof-of-concept study demonstrates for the first time that VLPs can be exploited to enhance oral delivery of insect-specific neurotoxic peptides in the context of pest control.Moreover,it provides insights for further improvements and potentially the development of neurotoxin-based bioinsecticides and/or transgenic crops for insect pest control.

Inorganic virus-like nanoparticles for biomedical applications:a minireview

Nature has the ingenious capability to design spiky topological features at the macro-and nanoscales,which exhibits fascinating interface adhesive properties by means of multivalent interactions.Following a biomimetic approach,such as nanoscale virus particles are highly infectious toward host cells,a range of organic and inorganic spiky particles(virus-like nanostructures)have been precisely engineered for diverse biomedical applications.Generally,organic virus-like particles(VLPs)derived from viral capsids(often termed as virosomes)have been extensively studied and reviewed,but concomitant concerns regarding immunogenicity and risks of mutagenesis limit clinical potential of organic VLPs.In contrast,inorganic VLPs(viral-mimicking topography)possess fascinating physicochemical characteristics,such as excellent electrical,optical,magnetic,mechanical and catalytic properties,which make them particularly suitable for biomedical applications.Alternatively,there is no comprehensive review related to inorganic VLPs engineered with non-viral shell for biomedical applications.Hence,in this review,we present a brief overview on inorganic VLPs,followed by summarizing the construction and properties of virus-like nanostructures,as well as the mechanisms of nano-bio interface interactions initiated by spiky topography.Furthermore,we focus on the recent advances of VLPs for biomedical applications(including biosensing,antibacterial therapy and cancer treatment).Finally,the future outlook and emerging challenges will be presented.This review aims to provide future scope of the rational design of inorganic non-viral vectors,especially with respect to gene-based therapy platforms.

Strengthening global health resilience:Marburg virus-like particle vaccines and the One Health approach

The Marburg virus(MARV),belonging to the Filoviridae family,poses a significant global health threat,emphasizing the urgency to develop Marburg virus-like particle(VLP)vaccines for outbreak mitigation.The virus's menacing traits accentuate the need for such vaccines,which can be addressed by VLPs that mimic its structure safely,potentially overcoming past limitations.Early Marburg vaccine endeavors and their challenges are examined in the historical perspectives section,followed by an exploration of VLPs as transformative tools,capable of eliciting immune responses without conventional risks.Noteworthy milestones and achievements in Marburg VLP vaccine development,seen through preclinical and clinical trials,indicate potential cross-protection.Ongoing challenges,encompassing durability,strain diversity,and equitable distribution,are addressed,with proposed innovations like novel adjuvant,mRNA technology,and structure-based design poised to enhance Marburg VLP vaccines.This review highlights the transformative potential of Marburg VLPs in countering the virus,showcasing global collaboration,regulatory roles,and health equity for a safer future through the harmonious interplay of science,regulation,and global efforts.

Development of a novel virus-like particle-based vaccine for preventing tick-borne encephalitis virus infection

Tick-borne encephalitis virus(TBEV)is an important tick-borne pathogen that poses as a serious public health concern.The coverage and immunogenicity of the currently available vaccines against TBEV are relatively low;therefore,it is crucial to develop novel and effective vaccines against TBEV.The present study describes a novel strategy for the assembly of virus-like particles(VLPs)by co-expressing the structural(core/prM/E)and non-structural(NS2B/NS3Pro)proteins of TBEV.The efficacy of the VLPs was subsequently evaluated in C57BL/6 mice,and the resultant IgG serum could neutralize both Far-Eastern and European subtypes of TBEV.These findings indicated that the VLP-based vaccine elicited the production of cross-subtype reactive antibodies.The VLPs provided protection to mice lacking the type I interferon receptor(IFNAR^(-/-))against lethal TBEV challenge,with undetectable viral load in brain and intestinal tissues.Furthermore,the group that received the VLP vaccine did not exhibit significant pathological changes and the inflammatory factors were significantly suppressed compared to the control group.Immunization with the VLP vaccine induced the production of multiple-cytokine-producing antiviral CD4+T cells in vivo,including TNF-α^(+),IL-2^(+),and IFN-γ^(+)T cells.Altogether,the findings suggest that noninfectious VLPs can serve as a potentially safe and effective vaccine candidate against diverse subtypes of TBEV.

Monoclonal neutralizing antibodies against EV71 screened from mice immunized with yeast-produced virus-like particles

Periodic outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease(HFMD) occur in children under 5 years old, and can cause death in some cases. The C4 strain of enterovirus 71(EV71) is the main pathogen that causes HFMD in China. Although no drugs against EV71 are available, some studies have shown that candidate vaccines or viral capsid proteins can produce anti-EV71 immunity. In this study, female BABL/c mice(6–8 weeks old) were immunized with virus-like particles(VLPs) of EV71 produced in yeast to screen for anti-EV71 antibodies. Two hybridomas that could produce neutralizing antibodies against EV71 were obtained. Both neutralizing m Abs(D4 and G12) were confirmed to bind the VP1 capsid protein of EV71, and could protect > 95% cells from 100 TCID50 EV71 infection at 25 μg/m L solution(lowest concentration). Those two neutralizing m Abs identified in the study may be promising candidates in development for m Abs to treat EV71 infection, and utilized as suitable reagents for use in diagnostic tests and biological studies.

Virus-like particle vaccinology,from bench to bedside

Virus-like particles(VLPs)have become key tools in biology,medicine and even engineering.After their initial use to resolve viral structures at the atomic level,VLPs were rapidly harnessed to develop antiviral vaccines followed by their use as display platforms to generate any kind of vaccine.Most recently,VLPs have been employed as nanomachines to deliver pharmaceutically active products to specific sites and into specific cells in the body.Here,we focus on the use of VLPs for the development of vaccines with broad fields of indications ranging from classical vaccines against viruses to therapeutic vaccines against chronic inflammation,pain,allergy and cancer.In this review,we take a walk through time,starting with the latest developments in experimental preclinical VLP-based vaccines and ending with marketed vaccines,which earn billions of dollars every year,paving the way for the next wave of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines already visible on the horizon.

Zika Virus Baculovirus-Expressed Virus-Like Particles Induce Neutralizing Antibodies in Mice

The newly emerged mosquito-borne Zika virus(ZIKV) strains pose a global challenge owing to its ability to cause microcephaly and neurological disorders. Several ZIKV vaccine candidates have been proposed, including inactivated and live attenuated virus vaccines, vector-based vaccines, DNA and RNA vaccines. These have been shown to be efficacious in preclinical studies in mice and nonhuman primates, but their use will potentially be a threat to immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women. Virus-like particles(VLPs) are empty particles composed merely of viral proteins, which can serve as a safe and valuable tool for clinical prevention and treatment strategies. In this study, we used a new strategy to produce ZIKV VLPs based on the baculovirus expression system and demonstrated the feasibility of their use as a vaccine candidate. The pre-membrane(prM) and envelope(E) proteins were co-expressed in insect cells and selfassembled into particles similar to ZIKV. We found that the ZIKV VLPs could be quickly and easily prepared in large quantities using this system. The VLPs were shown to have good immunogenicity in immunized mice, as they stimulated high levels of virus neutralizing antibody titers, ZIKV-specific IgG titers and potent memory T cell responses. Thus, the baculovirus-based ZIKV VLP vaccine is a safe, effective and economical vaccine candidate for use against ZIKV.

Immunogenicity and virus-like particle formation of rotavirus capsid proteins produced in transgenic plants

The human pathogen, group A rotavirus, is the most prevalent cause of acute infantile and pediatric gastroenteritis worldwide, especially in developing countries. There is an urgent demand for safer, more effective and cheaper vaccines against rotavirus infection. Plant-derived antigens may provide an exclusive way to produce economical subunit vaccines. Virus-like particles, constituting viral capsid proteins without viral nucleic acids, are considered a far safer candidate compared with live attenuated viral vaccines. In this study, the rotavirus capsid proteins VP2, VP6 and VP7 were co-expressed in transgenic tobacco plants, and their expression levels, formation of rotavirus-like particles (RV VLPs) and immunogenicity were extensively studied. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis revealed that the expression level of vp6 was the highest while vp7 was expressed at the lowest levels. The RV VLPs were purified from transgenic tobacco plants and analyzed by electron microscopy and Western blot. Results indicated that the plant-derived VP2, VP6 and VP7 proteins self-assembled into 2/6 or 2/6/7 RV VLPs with a diameter of 60-80 nm. When orally delivered into mice with cholera toxin as an adjuvant, the total soluble protein extracted from transgenic tobacco plants induced rotavirus-specific antibodies comparable with those of attenuated rotavirus vaccines, while VP 2/6/7 induced higher serum IgG and fecal IgA titers compared with VP 2/6.