Abstract: A method of making a genetically-engineered cell line which is susceptible to infection by foot-and-mouth disease virus and allows the virus to replicate is disclosed. The method involves fusing the DNA encoding ICAM-1 with the DNA encoding an antibody specific for foot-and-mouth disease virus and expressing the resulting chimeric cell surface receptor protein. The chimeric cell surface receptor protein allows foot-and-mouth disease virus to bind, leading to subsequent infection and replication of foot-and-mouth disease virus. A genetically-engineered cell which expresses the chimeric cell surface receptor protein is also claimed.

Abstract: A safe, effective vaccine for the protection of susceptible animals against foot-and-mouth disease has been produced. The vaccine comprises a mutant virus from which the amino acid sequence Gly-Val-Arg-Gly-Asp-Phe (SEQ ID NO: 8) from the G-H loop of VP1 has been deleted and replaced with the amino acid sequence Asn-Pro. The mutant virus retains its antigenicity but is not infectious.