Rapid production of recombinant rotaviruses by overexpression of NSP2 and NSP5 genes with modified nucleotide sequences

ABSTRACT Reverse genetics systems for rotaviruses (RV) facilitate the generation of genetically engineered RVs by transfection of 11 plasmids encoding 11 genomic viral RNA segments. In addition to viral genome expression, overexpression of NSP2 and NSP5 has been used to increase the rescue efficiency of recombinant RVs. Here, we showed that the overexpression of nucleotide sequence-modified NSP2 and NSP5 enabled the rapid and efficient production of recombinant RVs. Using improved reverse genetics, we established a reverse genetics system for human and bovine RV clinical isolates, as well as laboratory strains of bovine RV (NCDV and UK) and porcine RV (Gottfried). In addition, we rescued low-replicating recombinant RVs carrying a mutant NSP4 lacking the double-layered particle-binding domain, which was deficient in the efficient production of mature virions. These advancements in reverse genetics enabled the generation of molecular clones of RV clinical isolates and recombinant RVs harboring critical amino acid mutations, offering a versatile platform for investigating RV biology and pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Recombinant rotavirus (RV) synthesis via reverse genetics relies on both the viral propagation capacity and the efficiency of the experimental system. Since the establishment of our reverse genetics system, several enhancements have been implemented to augment the rescue efficiency. Nevertheless, challenges persist in generating RV clinical strains and recombinant viruses with low replication capacities. Notably, this improved reverse genetics system successfully facilitated the establishment of molecular clones of human and bovine RV clinical isolates. Fecal samples from patients with RV typically harbor quasi-species or, occasionally, multiple genotypes of RV. In the present study, we performed the genetic sequencing of clinical viral strains during the early propagation stages in cultured cells. Subsequently, infectious viruses were synthesized, allowing the characterization of circulating viruses in nature. This approach provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity and dynamics of RV populations and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of viral pathogenesis and evolution.