Expression and characterization of virus-like particles containing rubella virus structural proteins

Rubella virus (RV) virions contain two envelope glycoproteins (E1 and E2) and a capsid protein (C). Noninfectious RV-like particles (VLPs) containing three structural proteins were expressed in a BHK cell line (BHK-24S) by using an inducible promoter. These VLPs were found to resemble RV virons in terms of their size, their morphology, and some biological activities. In immunoblotting studies, VLPs were found to bind similarly to native RV virions with 10 of a panel of 12 RV-specific murine monoclonal antibodies. Immunization of mice with VLPs induced specific antibody responses against RV structural proteins as well as virus-neutralizing and hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies. After immunization of mice with VLPs, in vitro challenge of isolated lymphocytes with inactivated RV and individual RV structural proteins stimulated proliferation. Our data suggest the possibility of using VLPs as immunogens for serodiagnostic assays and RV vaccines.