Plant-based production of virus-like particles from hepatitis C virus

Virus-like particles (VLP) from hepatitis C virus were successfully produced in Nicotiana benthamiana plants for the first time, by co-expressing three viral proteins (Core, E1 and E2) in a polycistron-like arrangement. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a global health challenge, underscoring the need for a preventive vaccine. Virus-like particles (VLP) offer a safe alternative, as they resemble native virions without infectious genomes. We expressed the HCV structural proteins Core, E1, and E2 in Nicotiana benthamiana using binary and deconstructed viral vector systems. Western blot confirmed expression, with the binary system achieving higher yields. Purified proteins assembled into spherical VLP (40-60 nm) were confirmed by electron microscopy. These findings demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of producing complete HCV-VLP in plants, supporting their potential as a scalable platform for vaccine development.