Expression of coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR)-Fc fusion protein in Pichia pastoris and characterization of its anti-coxsackievirus activity

► Coding sequence of CAR-Fc fusion protein was optimized for expression in Pichia pastoris. ► CAR-Fc fusion protein has been successfully expressed, purified and identified in Pichia pastoris expression system. ► Purified CAR-Fc fusion protein was confirmed to have the binding activity with CVB3 directly. ► CAR-Fc fusion protein was confirmed to have bioactivity in blocking CVB3 virus infection in vitro and in vivo, with reduced mortality, myocardial edema, viral loads and inflammation.