Expression of the nucleocapsid protein gene of the canine distemper virus

We constructed a cDNA clone of canine distemper virus (CDV) encoding an entire nucleoprotein (NP) gene, by means of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The cloned NP gene was inserted into the eucaryotic expression vector, pRVSV. After transfection of the plasmid into Vero cells, we examined the expression of CDV-specific NP antigen by means of indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and Western blotting, using various antibodies against NP of CDV and an antiserum against NP of measles virus. The CDV-NP specific antigen was detected in the nuclei of the cells transfected with pRV-ON, by means of IFA with antibodies specific to the NP.