Construction and characterization of human rotavirus recombinant VP8* subunit parenteral vaccine candidates

► We generated rotavirus subunit ΔVP8* vaccine with P[8], P[6] or P[4] specificity. ► Each ΔVP8* protein was highly soluble and was generated in high yield in E. coli. ► Each ΔVP8* protein induced high levels of neutralizing antibodies in guinea pigs. ► These ΔVP8* parenteral vaccines may be more effective in low-income countries.