DNA-mediated protection against classical swine fever virus

Four eukaryotic expression plasmids containing the entire E2 gene sequence of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) were constructed: (a) pcDST, with 5' signal and 3' transmembrane sequences; (b) pcDSW, with 5' signal sequence only; (c) pcDWT, with transmembrane sequences only; and (d) pcDWW, containing the E2 gene alone. All four plasmids were readily transfected into BHK-21 cells, with pcDST and pcDSW resulting in secretion of E2 antigen. The latter two plasmids were also shown to induce a humoral immune response against CSFV in mice when administered intramuscularly, but no immune responses were detected with either pcDWT or pcDWW. The antibody level elicited by pcDSW was higher than that induced by pcDST. When pcDSW was used to immunize rabbits and pigs, both species were shown to be protected from challenge with virulent CSFV (hog cholera lapinized virus for rabbits and Shimen strain for pigs).