PRODUCTION OF VIRAL CAPSIDS

摘要

The invention provides methods of producing "empty" RNA virus capsids (e.g. from Cowpea mosaic virus) by assembly of viral small (S) and large (L) coat proteins in such a way that encapsidation of native viral RNA is avoided. Aspects of the invention employ in planta expression of capsid components from DNA vectors encoding the S and L proteins or S-L polyproteins including them. Such capsids have utility for the encapsidation or presentation of foreign proteins or desired payloads.