Production of recombinant VP1-derived virus-like particles from novel human polyomaviruses in yeast.

Background: Eleven new human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) have been identified in the last decade. Serological studies show that these novel HPyVs sub-clinically infect humans at an early age. The routes of infection, entry pathways, and cell tropism of new HPyVs remain unknown.

Induction of insert-specific immune response in mice by hamster polyomavirus VP1 derived virus-like particles carrying LCMV GP33 CTL epitope.

Hamster polyomavirus (HaPyV) major capsid protein VP1 based chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs) carrying model GP33 CTL epitope derived from Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) were generated in yeast and examined for their capability to induce CTL response in mice. Chimeric VP1-GP33 VLPs were effectively processed in antigen presenting cells in vitro and in vivo and induced antigen-specific CD8+ T cell proliferation. Mice immunized only once with VP1-GP33 VLPs without adjuvant developed an effective GP33-specific memory T cell response: 70% were fully and 30% partially protected from LCMV infection.