A DNA-based West Nile virus replicon elicits humoral and cellular immune responses in mice

► WNV subgenomic replicons were developed under the control of the CMV promoter. ► The DNA-based WNV replicon can express eGFP and Rluc in BHK21 cells. ► Immunization with WNV replicon in mice induced NS1-specific antibody response. ► Cellular immune response was induced by the DNA-based WNV replicons.