Immunization of Pigs with a DNA Vaccine Against Hog Cholera Virus

Two DNA recombinant constructs, pHCV2.5kb and pHCV1.25kb encoding the whole viral structural envelope glycoprotein gene (E2) of Hog Cholera Virus (HCV) were constructed. Those constructs were further delivered by a gene gun or intramuscularly inoculation into pigs respectively. Expression of E2 gene was detected in all vaccinated groups with ELISA, neutralization assay and western blot, but no obvious cellular immune response was observed in T lymphocyte counting test. After challenge with a virulent strain of HCV, it could provide a protection of 57%(16/28).