[Expression of full-length hepatitis E virus structural gene using baculovirus expression system]

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Virology
• Biotechnology

Context:

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) poses a significant global health challenge.
• Efficient expression systems are needed for HEV research and diagnostics.
• The baculovirus expression system offers a robust platform for eukaryotic protein production.

Purpose:

• To construct a recombinant baculovirus encoding the full-length HEV structural gene.
• To express and characterize the HEV structural protein in an insect cell line.

Summary:

• The full-length HEV structural gene was cloned into the pAcUW51 baculovirus vector.
• Recombinant baculovirus was generated via co-transfection into Sf9 insect cells.
• High-level expression of HEV structural protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and immunofluorescence, showing specific reactivity with HEV-positive sera.

Impact:

• Successful expression of HEV structural protein using the baculovirus system.
• Provides a valuable tool for HEV antigen detection and diagnostic assay development.
• Facilitates further research into HEV pathogenesis and vaccine strategies.