Recombinant Baculoviruses Containing Inserts of the Major Structural Genes (vp1) of the Human Polyomaviruses JCV and BKV

The development of sensitive and specific tests for JC virus and BK virus activity may provide tools essential in the steps required to find a treatment for these fatal infections. This invention describes a Recombinant Vpl protein (rVp1) that can be used 1) as an antigen source for ELISA assays 2) for studies of viral proteins in cells and 3) for the self assembly of icosahedral particles encapsidating DNA [gene expression of choice in range of up to 5.1kb size gene].

rVp1 can be utilized in ELISA assays to detect both JCV and BKV antibodies. The JCV and BKV rVp1 proteins may serve as antigens for the production of useful anti-sera and monoclonal-antibodies for polyomavirus research, as well as for the detection of existing and/or changing levels of antibodies in human sera by way of ELISA assays. Such ELISA studies allow for tracking of the spread and/or reactivation of polyomavirus infections in the human population, of special importance for individuals at high risk of polyomavirus associated pathologies. The rVp1s eliminate the need to produce infectious, native polyomavirus virions as antigens for such work.

The rVp1 proteins may also be utilized as vector delivery systems. The rVp1 proteins self-assemble into Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) which can be dissociated, reconstituted in the presence of exogenous DNA (that is non-specifically encapsidated), and then internalized through cell membranes that native virions normally cross.