expression of the gene encoding E2 protein of Bovine viral diarrhea virus in E.coli

Bovine viral diarrhea is one of the most important diseases of cattle caused by a pestivirus (BVDV) within the family Falviviridae. BVDV also affects reproduction system and results in a great loss. E2 protein is the most important structural protein of the virus for induction of protective immunity. The purpose of this study was to clone and express the E2 protein gene in E.coli. The gene was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into pMAL-c2x plasmid. The identity of the cloned gene and the accuracy of cloning were confirmed by sequencing and the protein expression in E.coli was assessed by SDS-PAGE. Antigenic nature of the recombinant E2 was determined by immunoblotting and the protein was shown to be soluble, after sonication of bacterial cells. Results indicate that the aforementioned recombinant plasmid expresses the E2 protein, efficiently.