OBJECTIVETo express St. Louis encephalitis virus-like particles in mammalian cells, it will provide a prerequisite for further immunological diagnostic studies.

METHODS293T-cell were transiently transfected with recombinant PreM-E plasmid. Expression and antigenicity of the purified protein were determined by transmission electron microscope (TEM), Western-Blot, immunofluorescence assay and ELISA.

RESULTSRecombinant subviral particles, about 50 nm in diameter, were observed by TEM in the supernatant of transfected cells. The results of Western-Blot, IFA and ELISA showed the recombinant proteins retained immunoreactivity similar to those of native virus proteins.

CONCLUSIONSt. Louis encephalitis virus-like particles has good antigenicity and physical appearance. It will provide a prerequisite for further immune diagnostic reagent.

Encephalitis Virus, St. Louis ; immunology ; Encephalitis, St. Louis ; diagnosis ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Plasmids ; Recombinant Proteins ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Transfection ; Virion ; immunology ; isolation & purification