Generation and Characterization of Recombinant Vaccinia Viruses Expressing a Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein , Genotype 1 B , Individually or As a Polyprotein

Hepatitis C virus Core is an intriguing protein with important roles in life cycle of this pathogen. In the present work, recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing a genotype 1b HCV Core protein, individually (vvCore) or as a polyprotein Core-E1-E2 (vvRE), were generated and characterized. In general, viral titer of recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing the Core protein in BSC40 infected cells was similar to the one detected in BSC40 cells infected with the Western Reserve vaccinia virus control. Additionally, intraperitonial inoculation of BALB/c mice with 10 plaque forming units (pfu) of vvCore or vvRE effectively infected animals. Viral load detected in ovaries of infected mice was similar for recombinant viruses or vaccinia virus control. Moreover, up to 10 pfu of recombinant vaccinia viruses were inoculated to BALB/c mice without lethal consequences. Remarkably, after single inoculation of recombinant vaccinia viruses, specific antibodies or IFN-gamma secreting cells against the HCV Core antigen were not detectable. The generated recombinant vaccinia viruses, expressing the HCV Core, are valuable instruments for the development of surrogate challenge models and for the future investigation of in vitro and in vivo aspects related to this viral antigen.