[Insertion of glycoprotein gene between P and M gene influences the pathogenicity of the rabies virus Flury LEP].

OBJECTIVE

To study the biological characteristics and pathogenicity of a recombinant rabies virus Flury LEP (low egg passage) that has two glycoprotein genes (G gene).

METHODS

By using reverse genetics techniques, we constructed a recombinant virus Flury LEP that has an additional G gene between P and M gene (rLEP-PGM). Then we studied the biological characteristics of the recombinant virus and its pathogenicity on mice.

RESULTS

The in vitro growth characteristic of rLEP-PGM were similar to the LEP strain. Western blot analysis of glycoprotein expression showed that the glycoprotein expression level of rLEP-PGM was 1.5 times higher than LEP. The LD50 of rLEP-PGM and LEP was 3 FFU and 1 FFU by intracerebral injection. However, the LD50 of intramuscular injection was 4 x 10(4) Lg FFU and 3.2 x 10(5) Lg FFU, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Insertion of an additional G gene between P and M gene can significantly raise the expression level of glycoprotein and enhance the ability to invade central nervous system from peripheral sites.