Rotavirus b virus-like-particle compostions and antibody assays

Abstract

Compositions and methods are provided for immunization against equine rotavirus group B (ERVB). The compositions comprise ERVB structural proteins VP4, VP2, VP6, and VP7, or VP2, VP6, VP7, and a modified VP4, which can be assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs). The invention includes immunogenic compositions and vaccines for administration to non-human animals, including pregnant mares to confer passive immunity to foals. Methods of stimulating immune responses, preventing ERVB spread, conferring passive immunity, evaluating vaccine efficacy, detecting ERVB antibodies, and producing VLPs in baculovirus-infected insect cells are disclosed. The compositions may further include inactivation agents. Nucleotides and vectors encoding the ERVB proteins are also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.