Abstract: Full-length, functionally intact genomes or chromosomes are directionally assembled with partial cDNA or DNA subclones of a genome. This approach facilitates the reconstruction of genomes and chromosomes in vitro for reintroduction into a living host, and allows the selected mutagenesis and genetic manipulation of sequences in vitro prior to reassembly into a full length genome molecule for reintroduction into the same or different host. This approach also provides an alternative to recombination-mediated techniques to manipulate the genomes of higher plants and animals as well as bacteria and viruses.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising a chimeric norovirus capsid protein comprising a norovirus VP1 major capsid protein backbone comprising a norovirus epitope selected from the group consisting of: a) Epitope A; b) Epitope B; c) Epitope C; d) Epitope D; e) Epitope E; f) Epitope F; and g) any combination of (a) through (f) above, wherein the norovirus epitope is from a norovirus strain that is different from the norovirus VP1 major capsid protein backbone.