Abstract
Marburg virus (MARV), the causative agent of a severe hemorrhagic fever, has a characteristic filamentous morphology. Here we report that co-expression of MARV glycoprotein and matrix protein (VP40) in mammalian cells leads to spontaneous budding of filamentous particles strikingly similar to wild-type MARV. In addition, these particles elicit an immune response in BALB/c mice. The generation of non-replicating Marburg virus-like particles (VLPs) should significantly facilitate the research on molecular mechanisms of MARV assembly and release. Furthermore, VLPs may be an excellent vaccine candidate against Marburg infection.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antibodies, Viral / blood
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Cell Line
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Cells, Cultured
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Female
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Immunohistochemistry
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Marburgvirus / immunology
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Marburgvirus / physiology*
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Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Microscopy, Electron
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Transfection
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Viral Envelope Proteins / genetics
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Viral Envelope Proteins / immunology
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Viral Envelope Proteins / metabolism*
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Viral Matrix Proteins / genetics
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Viral Matrix Proteins / immunology
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Viral Matrix Proteins / metabolism*
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Virion / immunology
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Virion / metabolism*
Substances
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Antibodies, Viral
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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VP40 protein, virus
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Viral Envelope Proteins
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Viral Matrix Proteins