Modification of the adenoviral transfer vector enhances expression of the Hantavirus fusion protein GnS0.7 and induces a strong immune response in C57BL/6 mice

► The HFRS caused by Hantavirus is an acute infectious disease which occurs worldwide. ► There are no effective prophylactic vaccines. ► The Gn of Hantavirus is considered a significant constitutive protein of HFRS vaccine, but it has some obvious shortcomings. ► Some modifications were made to improve the expression and immunogenicity of GnS0.7 in the adenovirus expression system. ► The results demonstrate that the CAG promoter/enhancer improves significantly the performance of GnS0.7.