Baculovirus expression of non-structural protein NS2 and core protein VP7 of African horsesickness virus serotype 3 and their use as antigens in an indirect ELISA.

Non-structural protein NS2 and core protein VP7 of African horsesickness virus serotype 3 (AHSV3) were expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda cells by recombinant baculoviruses containing the relevant genes. These proteins were purified and analysed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot. NS2 and VP7 were used separately as antigens in an indirect ELISA for the detection of AHSV antibodies. Both antigens cross-reacted with hyperimmune guinea-pig antisera to infected cell lysates of all nine known AHSV serotypes and to antisera obtained from horses immunized with attenuated virus of seven AHSV serotypes.