ARS | Publication request: FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF MAREK'S DISEASE VIRUS GENES

Submitted to: American Veterinary Medical Association Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 20, 1996
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Marek's disease virus (MDV) genes were sequenced and modified using the polymerase chain reaction to remove the potential fowlpox virus (FPV) early transcription termination signals and then cloned into FPV transfer vector. Recombinant FPVs were obtained and expressed several proteins from serotype 1 MDV immediate early regulatory genes and glycoprotein genes. These rFPVs swere evaluated for ability to protect maternal antibody positive and negative chickens against challenge with highly virulent MD isolates. Results indicate that rFPV/gB1 was the only recombinant tested that provided significant protection. Using the chimeric constructs in rFPV viruses, we have mapped neutralizing and protective epitopes.