ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the immune effects of virus-like particles ( VLPs) of VP1 pro-teins derived from norovirus GⅠ. 1 and GⅡ. 4 genotypes expressed in Hansenula polymorpha expression sys-tem. Methods SDS-PAGE and Western blot assay were performed to detect the purity of GⅠ. 1 and GⅡ. 4 VP1 proteins after purification. Morphologies of the recombinant VLPs were observed under transmission electron microscopy ( TEM) . Sizes and distributions of the VLPs were analyzed by dynamic light scattering analyzer. BT50(50% of blocking titer) was detected by HBGA (histo-blood group antigen) blocking assay in BALB/c mice immunized with different regimens. Results SDS-PAGE analysis of the purified recombinant GⅠ. 1 and GⅡ. 4 VP1 proteins showed that their purity were greater than 90%. Western blot assay con-firmed the specific bands of VLPs. TEM images showed that the sizes of purified GⅠ. 1 and GⅡ. 4 VP1 VLPs were at a mean diameter of 30-50 nm with clear border and high homogeneity, which was similar to that of wild virus. BT50 significantly increased in the groups, in which Al( OH) 3 was used as adjuvant. Con-clusion Animal studies have shown that administration of GⅠ. 1 and GⅡ. 4 VP1 VLPs in the presence of Al( OH) 3 induces detectable HBGA-blocking antibody, indicating that GⅠ. 1 and GⅡ. 4 VP1 VLPs are promising candidates for norovirus vaccine.