Characterization of VP2 gene of an Indian Bluetongue virus serotype 2 and its close phylogenetic relationship to the Taiwan isolate.

In this study we present the first report on partial amplification, sequencing and phylogenetic relationship of VP2 of the Indian isolate BTV-2. A PCR product of 1135 bp was amplified, cloned and sequenced. About 1063 bp of partial VP2 gene (1792-2854 bp region) of the Indian isolate was subjected to sequence analysis with already published sequences available in the genome database. The percent similarity of 85.2 was observed with Taiwan isolate and 59% with other isolates of BTV-2. However, 46.2% similarity with Australian BTV-1 and no significant similarity were noted with other serotypes. In-silico analysis and restriction enzyme digestion confirmed the presence of conserved SalI site at 2380 bp position in both Indian and Taiwan isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all BTV-2 isolates formed one distinct group in which BTV-2 Indian and Taiwan isolate is more closely related and further demonstrated that BTV's of the same serotype from different geographical regions were closely related at nucleotide and amino acid level, respectively.

Identification of T-helper and linear B epitope in the hypervariable region of nucleocapsid protein of PPRV and its use in the development of specific antibodies to detect viral antigen.

Peste des petits ruminants is a highly contagious viral disease of small ruminants making its diagnosis difficult from the similar symptoms of Rinderpest. Computer based prediction algorithms was applied to identify antigenic determinants on the nucleocapsid (N) protein of PPRV. Specificity and antigenicity of each peptide was evaluated by solid phase ELISA. Six specific peptide sequences were evaluated in multiple antigenic peptide (MAP) form and immune response was evaluated by supplementing universal T-helper epitope human IL-1beta peptide (VQGEESNDK, amino acids 163-171). Out of the six peptides 19mer sequence corresponding to 454-472 region of N protein of PPRV was found to be highly immunogenic and specific to PPRV. Evaluation of overlapping peptides differing in length for this 452-472 region, showed minimum length of 14 amino acid residues were required for the stable affinity binding of antigen-antibody. The results of immunization and indirect ELISA indicated the presence of T-helper epitope at the N-terminal end and linear B epitope at the C-terminal region of 454-472 19mer of nucleocapsid peptide of PPRV-nucleocapsid protein. The antipeptide antibodies developed against this region showed specificity to PPRV antigen differentiating it from RPV when used in indirect ELISA and western blot analysis.

Calcium phosphate nanoparticle prepared with foot and mouth disease virus P1-3CD gene construct protects mice and guinea pigs against the challenge virus.

Calcium phosphate nanoparticles provide safe and easily manufactured vaccine adjuvant and delivery system for DNA vaccines. In the present study FMDV "O" P1-3CD DNA vaccine was encapsulated in calcium phosphate nanoparticles of size 50-100 nm diameters. The maximum loading and entrapment efficiency of nanoparticles were studied by spectrophotometer, as well as agarose gel electrophoresis. In vitro transfection efficiency of these calcium phosphate nanoparticles was found to be as good as commercial transfecting reagent lipofectamine. In vivo analysis of the calcium phosphate nanoparticle P1-3CD (CaPNP1-3CD) FMDV "O" vaccine in mice and guinea pigs could induce significant cell mediated and humoral immune response. Also, immunized mice and guinea pigs were protected against the challenge virus.