Recombinant vesicular stomatitis viruses from DNA.

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.92.10.4477
• Publication Date: 2006-06-02T00:47:34Z
• Authors: N D Lawson; E A Stillman; M A Whitt; J K Rose
• Keywords: Vesicular Stomatitis; T7 RNA polymerase; RNA virus; Recombinant virus

We assembled a DNA clone containing the 11,161-nt sequence of prototype rhabdovirus, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), such that it could be transcribed by bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase to yield full-length positive-strand complementary VSV genome. Expression this in cells also expressing nucleocapsid protein and two subunits resulted production with growth characteristics wild-type VSV. Recovery from was verified (i) presence genetic tags generating restriction sites derived genome, (ii) direct sequencing genomic recovered virus, (iii) recombinant which glycoprotein second serotype. The ability generate opens numerous possibilities for analysis replication. In addition, because can grown very high titers large quantities relative ease, may possible genetically engineer VSVs displaying foreign antigens. Such modified viruses useful as vaccines conferring protection against other viruses.