Immunisation with bacterial expressed VP2 and VP5 of bluetongue virus (BTV) protect α/β interferon-receptor knock-out (IFNAR−/−) mice from homologous lethal challenge

We conclude that immunisation with bacterially-expressed VP2 domains can induce strong serotype-specific NAb responses. Bacterial expression could represent a cost effective and risk-free alternative to the use of live or inactivated vaccines, particularly if viruses prove to be difficult to propagate in cell culture (like BTV-25). A vaccine based on bacterially expressed VP2 and VP5 of BTV is also DIVA-compatible.