EXPRESSION AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE FELINE HERPESVIRUS TYPE-1 GLYCOPROTEIN-B (GP143 108)/

The gene for feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) glycoprotein B (gB) has been cloned into an expression vector, pRVSVneo, containing the long terminal repeat of Rous sarcoma virus and polyadenylation signal of SV 40. This expression vector containing FHV-1 gB gene, pRVSVgBneo, was t ransfected into Crandell feline kidney (CRFK) cells which are suscepti ble to FHV-1 infection. By indirect immunofluorescence analysis, the e xpressed gB was recognized with a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs ) against FHV-1 gp143/108. Immunoprecipitation analysis using a MAb 34 H12 showed that molecular weights of the gB were 143 and 108 kDa under non-denaturing conditions and 108, 70, 64, and 58 kDa under denaturin g conditions, The molecular weights were similar to those of the gB ex pressed in FHV-1-infected CRFK cells. In addition, when plasmid DNAs w ere injected into mice to obtain gB-monospecific serum, the pooled ser um from mice inoculated with pRVSVgBneo, but not with pRVSVgDneo or pR VSVneo, recognized the FHV-1 gB polypeptides.