Gene fragment coding for a rabies virus glycoprotein and process for producing a rabies virus glycoprotein using the same.

摘要

A gene fragment is described which encodes a rabies virus glycoprotein. Furthermore, a recombinant rabies virus glycoprotein expressed by using said gene fragment which is extremely useful for preparing rabies vaccines and diagnostic reagents and a process for preparing a rabies virus glycoprotein are described which process comprises introducing into eukaryotic cells a shuttle vector wherein the gene fragment coding for a rabies virus glycoprotein is inserted downstream of a promoter capable of functioning in eukaryotic cells, and culturing said transformed cells to yield a rabies virus glycoprotein in the cytoplasm of said cells. Since the G protein can be expressed in the cytoplasm as a granule, not coupled to the cell membrane, the process of this invention can give the desired G protein in high yields and high purity. The G protein of this invention can not only react with antibodies against the G protein but also induces antibodies having an activity of neutralizing rabies virus when injected into animals.