Expression and purification of a chimeric protein consisting of the ectodomains of M and GP5 proteins of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)

► A novel chimeric protein was expressed in E. coli inclusion bodies. ► A process to purify and refold the protein was developed. ► The protein is effective in blocking the infcetion of PRRSV. ► The protein can be a promising vaccine candidate against PRRSV.