Novel Infection System of Recombinant BmBDV DNA into BmN Cells of Silkworm, Bombyx mori

Bombyx mori bidensovirus (BmBDV) was previously termed as Bombyx mori densovirus type 2 and later it was reclassified in the new genus bidensovirus of the new family Bidnaviridae. The genome of BmBDV Zhenjiang isolate (BmBDV-Z) consists of two non-homologous single-stranded linear DNA molecules VD1 and VD2 which are encapsidated into separate virion. To investigate the infectivity of BmBDV DNA, recombinant plasmids pGEM-VD1 inserted with VD1 genome were transfected into the BmN cells of silkworm. Structural proteins of BmBDV were detected with Western blot and immunofluorescence assay, which indicates pGEM-VD1 replicated in the transfected BmN cells and viral proteins were also expressed. Through TEM observation, we identified about 20 nm BmBDV-like viral particles, which confirmed that BmBDV can be generated after transfection. Subsequently, a recombinant baculovirus BmBac-VD1 inserted with VD1 genome was constructed. Results of Western blot and immunofluorescence assay indicated that viral structural proteins of BmBDV were expressed in the BmBac-VD1-infected cells. Baculiform and spherical virions were also observed in infected cells by TEM, and two kinds of virions were separated. However, results of molecular biological detection revealed that infectious sequence from BmBac-VD1 was packaged within spherical virion. Therefore, we suggested that vector inserted with BmBDV genomic DNA showed infectivity, and BmBDV-like viral particles packaging recombinant DNA can be produced in the cultured BmN cells. Outcome of our current research provided not only a new method of infection to explore the gene function of BmBDV in vitro but also a protocol to facilitate development of more effective new-type pesticides.