Genetic Analysis and Expression of NS3 Gene of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus 1 from India for Detection of Antibodies in Cattle

Abstract Mishra, N., Pitale, S.S. and Pradhan, H.K. 2008. Genetic analysis and expression of NS3 gene of bovine viral diarrhoea virus 1 from India for detection of antibodies in cattle. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 99–103. Considering the importance of NS3 antigen in diagnosis of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection, we analysed genetically selected Indian isolates in NS3 gene region and generated recombinant NS3 protein in Escherichia coli for its use as ELISA antigen. High degree of conservation was observed when the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence of Indian and the reference BVDV 1 isolates were analysed. The helicase domain of NS3 gene of an Indian isolate was cloned into pTriEx-2-Neo expression vector and a recombinant protein of 50 KDa was expressed as cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. The affinity purified protein showed antigenic properties in western blot with BVDV infected cattle serum. When used in ELISA, it could detect and BVDV antibodies in bovine sera. The expression of NS3 recom...