Development of Fish Edible Vaccines on the Yeast and Redmicroalgae Platforms

Betanodaviruses are causative agents of viral nervous necrosis (VNN), a devastating disease of cultured marine fish worldwide. Betanodavirus (BTN) genome is composed of two single-stranded, positive-sense RNA molecules. The larger genomic segment, RNA1 (3.1 kb), encodes the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, while the smaller genomic segment, RNA 2 (1.4kb), encodes the coat protein. This structural protein is the host-protective antigen of VNN which assembles to form virus-like particles (VLPs). BTNs are classified into four genotypes, designated red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV), barfin flounder nervous necrosis virus (BFNNV), tiger puffer nervous necrosis virus (TPNNV), and striped jack nervous necrosis virus (SJNNV), based on phylogenetic analysis of the coat protein sequences. RGNNV type is quite important as it has a broad host-range, infecting warm-water fish species. At present, there is no commercial vaccine available to prevent VNN in fish. The general goal of this research was to develop oral fish vaccines in yeast and red microalgae (Porphyridium sp.) against the RGNNV genotype. To achieve this, we planned to clone and sequence the coat protein gene of RGNNV, express the coat protein gene of RGNNV in yeast and red microalgae and evaluate the immune response in fish fed with recombinantVLPs antigens produced in yeast and algae. The collaboration between the Israeli group and the US group, having wide experience in red microalgae biochemistry, molecular genetics and large-scale cultivation, and the development of viral vaccines and eukaryotic protein expression systems, respectively, was synergistic to produce a vaccine for fish that would be cost-effective and efficacious against the betanodavirus infection.