Canine parvovirus empty capsids produced by expression in a baculovirus vector: use in analysis of viral properties and immunization of dogs.

The VP-2 genes of canine parvovirus (CPV) and a recombinant consisting of CPV and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) sequences were cloned into baculovirus expression vectors, fused to the baculovirus polyhedrin promoter. Recombinant baculoviruses were prepared and the properties of the parvovirus proteins expressed in insect cells examined. The proteins produced were the same size as the authentic CPV VP-2 protein, and were produced late after infection; the quantity of proteins recovered from the insect cell cultures was similar to those produced in CPV infections.