Plant-based porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus VLPs induce an immune response in mice

•Three PRRSV proteins were transiently co-expressed in Nicotiana sylvestris plants.•Proteins assembled into virus-like particles as observed by electron microscopy.•The particles were purified and the three proteins were detected by western blot.•The particles had the appropriate size as shown by their hydrodynamic diameter.•The particles were immunogenic in mice.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) significantly affects the swine industry worldwide. An efficient, protective vaccine is still lacking. Here, we report for the first time the generation and purification of PRRSV virus like particles (VLPs) by expressing GP5, M and N genes in Nicotiana silvestris plants. The particles were clearly visible by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with a size of 60-70 nm. Hydrodynamic diameter of the particles was obtained and it was confirmed that the VLPs had the appropriate size for PRRS virions and that the VLPs were highly pure. By measuring the Z potential we described the electrophoretic mobility behavior of VLPs and the best conditions for stability of the VLPs were determined. The particles were immunogenic in mice. A western blot of purified particles allowed detection of three coexpressed genes.These VLPs may serve as a platform to develop efficient PRRSV vaccines.