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Expression and self-assembly of recombinant capsid protein from the antigenically distinct Hawaii human calicivirus
K Y Green1, A Z Kapikian, J Valdesuso
1Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. kgreen@atlas.niaid.nih.gov
Insights
Hawaii virus, a cause of epidemic gastroenteritis, can now be studied more easily. Researchers developed Hawaii virus-like particles (VLPs) to detect immune responses, aiding future epidemiological research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Norwalk and Hawaii viruses are distinct Caliciviridae members causing epidemic gastroenteritis.
- Most research has focused on Norwalk virus, with less attention on Hawaii virus's role.
- Understanding Hawaii virus is crucial for controlling gastroenteritis outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for detecting serologic responses to Hawaii virus.
- To produce Hawaii virus-like particles (VLPs) for immunological studies.
- To facilitate larger-scale epidemiological investigations of Hawaii virus.
Main Methods:
- Production of Hawaii virus-like particles (VLPs) through capsid protein expression in a baculovirus system.
- Utilizing these VLPs as antigens in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Evaluating the efficiency of the developed ELISA in detecting serologic responses.
Main Results:
- Successfully produced Hawaii virus-like particles (VLPs).
- Developed an efficient enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using Hawaii VLPs.
- The assay effectively detected serologic responses to Hawaii virus.
Conclusions:
- The availability of Hawaii VLPs and the developed ELISA provide a valuable tool for research.
- This advancement will enable more extensive epidemiological studies on Hawaii virus.
- Further research can now better elucidate the significance of Hawaii virus in gastroenteritis outbreaks.
Abstract:
The Norwalk and Hawaii viruses are antigenically distinct members of the family Caliciviridae and are considered to be important etiologic agents of epidemic gastroenteritis, with most studies focusing on the role of Norwalk virus. To further investigate the importance of Hawaii virus, Hawaii virus-like particles (VLPs) were produced by expression of its capsid protein in the baculovirus system and these VLPs were used as the antigen in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that was efficient in the detection of a serologic response to Hawaii virus. The ready availability of Hawaii VLPs should enable larger-scale epidemiological studies to further elucidate the importance of this agent.