Construction and Rescue of a Rabies Virus with Duplicated Glycoprotein Gene

Abstract

Methods: An additional glycoprotein gene of the rabies virus PV strain was inserted between the glycoprotein and polymerase genes of the virus. The viral proteins were expressed at the T7BHK cell line to rescue the recombinant virus. Results: The recombinant virus containing two consecutive glycoprotein genes was rescued from T7BHK cells. The virus particles were functional and successfully infected the permissive BSR cell line. Conclusion: The new virus strain with an additive copy of the glycoprotein gene has a good potential to be utilized in different studies, including cell biology and immunological properties of the rabies virus. In this study, the recombinant rabies virus was successfully rescued from cell culture which would way