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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Expression and Purification of Virus-like Particles for Vaccination
Published on: June 2, 2016
Isolation of a recombinant type 3/type 2 poliovirus with a chimeric capsid VP1 from sewage in Shandong, China
Zexin Tao1, Haiyan Wang, Aiqiang Xu
1Division of EPI, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 16992 Jingshi Road, Jinan 250014, PR China.
Abstract:
The genetic and phenotypic characterization of poliovirus strain P3/Jinan/1/09, isolated from sewage sample in Jinan city, Shandong province, China, was described. The strain had a Sabin type 3/type 2/type 3 recombinant genome, with the first crossover site located in capsid VP1 coding region between nucleotide positions 3293 and 3294 (numbering according to Sabin 3), and the second crossover site in 3D region between positions 6374 and 6378. The recombinant had introduced six Sabin 2-derived amino acids into the carboxyl terminus of Sabin 3 VP1 capsid protein. The complete genome of the isolate revealed eight nucleotide substitutions in Sabin 3 region with two substitutions resulting in amino acid alteration, and two missense substitutions in the Sabin 2 region. An estimation based on the evolution rate of the P1 coding region of Sabin 3 background suggested that evolution time of strain P3/Jinan/1/09 might be 76-80 days. The person who excreted the recombinant was not known and no evidence was obtained for its circulation in population via acute flaccid paralysis surveillance. The virus showed Sabin 3 serological characterization in neutralization test, and it did not lose temperature sensitivity phenotype at 40 degrees C. The significance of environmental surveillance and the presence of natural capsid recombinant poliovirus strain in the context of the global polio eradication initiative are discussed.
Insights
A novel poliovirus strain with a mixed Sabin 3/type 2/type 3 genome was identified in China. This natural capsid recombinant poliovirus showed Sabin 3 characteristics and did not lose temperature sensitivity, highlighting environmental surveillance importance.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Poliovirus remains a global health concern, necessitating continuous surveillance.
- Recombinant poliovirus strains can emerge and pose challenges to eradication efforts.
- Environmental surveillance is crucial for detecting poliovirus circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically and phenotypically characterize a novel poliovirus strain (P3/Jinan/1/09) isolated from sewage.
- To understand the implications of natural capsid recombinant poliovirus in the context of polio eradication.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing to determine the genetic makeup of the poliovirus strain.
- Analysis of crossover sites and nucleotide/amino acid substitutions.
- Phenotypic characterization including neutralization tests and temperature sensitivity assays.
Main Results:
- The identified strain, P3/Jinan/1/09, possessed a Sabin type 3/type 2/type 3 recombinant genome.
- The recombinant incorporated six Sabin 2-derived amino acids into the Sabin 3 VP1 capsid protein.
- The virus exhibited Sabin 3 serological characteristics and maintained temperature sensitivity at 40°C.
Conclusions:
- The discovery of natural capsid recombinant poliovirus underscores the need for robust environmental surveillance.
- This finding highlights potential complexities in achieving global polio eradication.
- Further monitoring of such recombinant strains is essential.
