Chimeric Virus-Like Particles as Vaccines: Special Topic Issue: Intervirology 1996, Vol. 39, No. 1-2

In recent years the use of chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs) as vaccines and gene vectors has gained increasing importance in both basic and applied research. In this publication 16 groups present their views and experimental data on the expression, morphogenesis, structure and immunogenicity of VLPs derived from hepatitis B virus core or surface protein, HIV gag protein, papillomaviruses, rhinoviruses, and various plant viruses. Classical expression systems of such particles in animal cell cultures are complemented by expression in yeast and transgenic plants. The advantages offered by certain chimeric particles, such as the induction of a cytolytic T lymphocyte immune response following administration of recombinant HBsAg, make VLPs promising candidates for new vaccines. DNA vaccination, a further novel mode of inducing protection against infectious agents, is also considered. Researchers and teachers in virology, immunology, molecular biology and infectious diseases will greatly appreciate this comprehensive survey of an important field of modern vaccine development.

Table of Contents:
Editorial, W.H. Gerlich et al; Spatial structure and insertion capacity of immunodominant region of hepatitis B core antigen, G. Borisova et al; Function of the large hepatitis B virus surface protein in viral particle morphogenesis, V. Bruss et al; Defined amino acids in the gag-proteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 are functionally active during virus assembly, B. Kattenbeck et al; Synthesis and assembly of chimeric human immunodeficiency virus gag pseudovirions, G.J. tobin et al; Synthesis, properties and applications of papillomavirus-like particles, M. Sapp et al; Papillomavirus-like particles for serology and vaccine development, R. Kimbauer; genetically engineered particulate virus-like structures and their use as vaccine delivery systems, P.Roy; Chimeric rhinoviruses as tools for vaccine development and characterization of protein epitopes, G. Ferstanding Arnold et al; The development of cowpea mosaic virus as a potential source of novel vaccines, C. Porta et al; Chimeric potyvirus-like particles as vaccine carriers, M.N. Jagadish et al; Safety and immunogenicity of recombinant human immunodeficiency virus-like particles in rodents and rhesus macaques, R. Wagner et al; Hepatitis B virus core and e antigen - immune recognition and use as a vaccine carrier moiety, F. Schodel et al; Virus-like particles induce MHC class I-restricted T cell responses, lessons learned from the hepatitis B small surface antigen, R. Schimbeck et al; DNA vaccines, cyberspace and self-help programs, R.G. Whalen; Chimaera and its modern virus-like descendants, R. Ulrich et al. (Part contents).