| abstract |
Methods for producing virus-like particles (VLPs) in plants are provided. The method includes introducing the first nucleic acid into a plant, or a part of a plant. The first nucleic acid comprises a first regulatory region that is active in plants, operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a natural rabies virus structural protein. The nucleotide sequence may further comprise one or more amplification elements. Alternatively, the second nucleic acid may be introduced into a plant, or part of a plant. The second nucleic acid comprises a second regulatory region active in plants, operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a matrix protein, such as, but not limited to, a rabies matrix protein. The plant or part of the plant is cultured under conditions permitting the expression of the nucleic acid to produce VLPs. |