Flavivirus host-range mutations and uses thereof

摘要

Methods and compositions concerning mutant flaviviruses with host-range phenotypes are provided. Nucleotide sequences that encode mutant flavivirus proteins are also provided. In certain aspects, viruses comprising these sequences display reduced replication in mammalian cells. In further aspects of the invention, flavivirus vaccine compositions and methods for vaccination against flavivirus infection are provided.

主权项

1. A modified flavivirus envelope protein (E) comprising a E protein N-terminal transmembrane domain (E-T1 domain) having at least one mutation relative to wild type E-T1, such a mutation consisting of a proline substituted for the central glycine, which is designated as position 0 wherein a flavivirus comprising the modified flavivirus E protein has an ability to infect mammalian cells but a reduced ability to replicate therein relative to the wild-type flavivirus.