Complete reverse genetics rotavirus was isolated from rotavirus cDNA-transfected culture cells.

Key Word : enzymes, genetics, genome, inflammation, influenza, proliferation, reovirus, rotavirus, subunit vaccine, vector, viral disease, virus vector development

Background / Context / Abstract:

Currently there are two attenuated rotavirus vaccines, Rotarix and RotaTeq which have been commercialized. However, although not so often, the serious side effect of intussusception, where one segment of the intestine enfolds within another, happens. A safer vaccine is awaited, but split vaccines or subunit vaccines are not effective enough.
The reverse genetics (RG) system is very useful in terms of research and ultra-safe vaccine development. Many kinds of viruses have been modified using reverse genetics, including influenza, ebola virus. However, no fully artificial rotavirus has been reported. The only artificial rotaviruses are utilized helper viruses and it is almost impossible to manipulate targeted genes.

Technology Overview:

The essence of this invention is based on the finding that introduction of a cell-to-cell fusion protein and vaccinia virus capping enzyme in host cells, as transfecting 11-segmented virus genome cDNAs, dramatically enhances viral replication.
Using this technology multivalent vaccines and ultra-safe live vaccines, which can only proliferate in specific host cell culture, can easily be developed.

Benefits:

・World First fully artificial rotavirus from cDNA vector.
・Easy to delete, disrupt add any genes at the virus genome.
・Half live vaccine with no risk of proliferation can be developed.
・Generally used for reovirus family viruses.
・Production kit can be transferred.

Further Details:

Complete reverse genetics rotavirus was isolated from rotavirus cDNA-transfected culture cells.
Several genome segments were artificially point-mutated, inserted or deleted.
A gene which is considered to be important for inflammation was artificially disrupted.
Succeeded in creating a luciferase expressing virus.
PNAS, 2017 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1618424114

State of Development / Opportunity / Seeking:

・Available for exclusive and non-exclusive licensing
・Exclusive/non-exclusive evaluation for defined period (set up for options)
・Collaborative/supportive research

IP Status:

WO2018/062199 (National phase JP, EP, US)

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