Linked Multi-epitopes of Several Rotavirus Structural Proteins as Antigens*: Linked Multi-epitopes of Several Rotavirus Structural Proteins as Antigens*

The full length cDNAs of rotavirus structural protein genes, vp4, vp6 and vp7 were cloned from the rotavirus infected child stool specimen in Beijing through RT-PCR. The protein sequences and their antigenic determinants were predicted. According to the epitope peptide sequences, 4 epitopes from these structural proteins were chosen, a DNA fragment encoding all these epitopes was synthesized and cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector. Multiple epitope protein (rotavirus multiple epitopes, RME) expressed in E. coli can be recognized by the polyclonal antibody of rotavirus, and induce immune response in mice. The specific antibody IgG induced by RME can recognize human rotavirus (Wa strain), RME itself as well as individual epitope peptides. The antibody titer of IgG to RME is high (1: 40 000), while the titers to EV4, EV6 or EV7 are in a range of 1 : 10 000 to 1 : 20 000. However the IgG titer to the Wa strain is lower, i.e., 1 : 2 500. Intriguingly, the RME-induced IgG can neutralize the Wa strain rotavirus challenge in the MAC 145 cell line. This research has laid the foundations of producing effective bioengineering vaccines to rotavirus.