Chimeric parvovirus B19 capsids for the presentation of foreign epitopes

Chimeric proteins consisting of the VP2 capsid protein of human parvovirus B19 and defined linear epitopes from human herpes simplex virus type 1 and mouse hepatitis virus A59 inserted at the N-terminus and at a predicted surface region were expressed by recombinant baculoviruses. The chimeric proteins expressed the inserted epitopes and assembled into empty capsids. Immunoelectron microscopy indicated that the epitopes inserted in the loop were exposed on the surface of the chimeric particles. The chimeric capsids were immunogenic in mice and antibodies specific for the inserted sequences were induced. In the case of MHV, antibodies were produced that recognized the epitope in the context of native virus. Mice immunized with the chimeric capsids were partially protected against a lethal challenge infection with either MHV or HSV.