Virus-like particles of hepatitis B virus core protein containing five mimotopes of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) protect chickens against IBDV

► HBc-5EPIS was made by inserting 5 mimotope of IBDV VP2 into MIR of HBc. ► HBc-5EPIS was efficiently expressed by E. coli and formed VLP. ► HBc-5EPIS VLP efficiently elicited anti-IBDV antibodies in SFP chickens. ► HBc-5EPIS immunization protected chickens against challenge by virulent IBDV.