Characterization and immunogenicity of norovirus capsid-derived virus-like particles purified by anion exchange chromatography

Arch Virol. 2013 May;158(5):933-42. doi: 10.1007/s00705-012-1565-7. Epub 2012 Dec 11.

Abstract

Recombinant baculovirus (BV) expression systems are widely applied in the production of viral capsid proteins and virus-like particles (VLPs) for use as immunogens and vaccine candidates. Traditional density gradient purification of VLPs does not enable complete elimination of BV-derived impurities, including live viruses, envelope glycoprotein gp64 and baculoviral DNA. We used an additional purification system based on ionic strength to purify norovirus (NoV) GII-4 capsid-derived VLPs. The anion exchange chromatography purification led to highly purified VLPs free from BV impurities with intact morphology. In addition, highly purified VLPs induced strong NoV-specific antibody responses in BALB/c mice. Here, we describe a method for NoV VLP purification and several methods for determining their purity, including quantitative PCR for BV DNA detection.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Baculoviridae / genetics
  • Capsid / immunology*
  • Capsid Proteins / immunology*
  • Capsid Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Chromatography, Ion Exchange / methods*
  • Female
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Norovirus / immunology*
  • Norovirus / isolation & purification
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology
  • Recombinant Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / administration & dosage
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / genetics
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / immunology
  • Viral Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Viral Vaccines / immunology*

Substances

  • Capsid Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Vaccines, Synthetic
  • Viral Vaccines