Expression of feline leukaemia virus gp85 and gag proteins and assembly into virus-like particles using the baculovirus expression vector system

In order to test components of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) as subunit vaccines, we have constructed recombinant baculoviruses that express the FeLV envelope glycoprotein gp85 [Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV)-gp85] and the structural protein, gag (AcNPVgag). The gag protein is expressed and shed into the medium of infected cells as particles which have a buoyant density on sucrose gradients and appearance by electron microscopy similar to those of authentic FeLV virions. The gag precursor protein within the particles is not fully processed and appears to be a result of partial cleavage of the gag polypeptide. Insect cells that are coinfected with AcNPVgag and AcNPVgp85 shed particles that contain both the gag protein and the gp85 glycoprotein.