Production and characterization of mammalian virus-like particles from modified vaccinia virus Ankara vectors expressing influenza H5N1 hemagglutinin and neuraminidase

► Recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara vectors express influenza H5N1 proteins. ► Mammalian virus-like particles (VLPs) containing influenza proteins are produced. ► VLPs are generated from recombinant MVA vectors expressing H5N1 hemagglutinin alone. ► Increased VLP production can be achieved if neuraminidase (NA) is co-expressed. ► VLPs elicit a protective immune response in a mouse challenge model.