Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the E-coli-expressed domain III of Japanese encephalitis virus envelope protein in mice

Domain III of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) envelope protein (E-DIII) was synthesized in E. coli as a fusion protein containing maltose-binding protein (MBP-E-DIII) or six contiguous histidine residues (His-E-DIII) at its N-terminus. MBP-E-DIII was found both in the soluble as well as the insoluble fraction of the bacterial lysate, while His-E-DIII was found exclusively in the inclusion bodies. These purified proteins were examined in mice for their immunogenicity in presence of an aluminium hydroxide based-adjuvant Alhydrogel and Freund's adjuvant. While both proteins generated anti-JEV antibodies that neutralized JEV activity in vitro, His-E-DIII generated higher antibody titers than MBP-E-DIII. Mice immunized with His-E-DIII in presence of Alhydrogel generated antibody titers similar to those induced by the commercial vaccine and protected mice against lethal JEV challenge.