Replication and transcription of viral RNAs by recombinant L proteins of New Jersey serotype of vesicular stomatitis virus

The large (L) protein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), catalytic subunit of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is responsible for the transcription and replication of VSV. The L protein of the Indiana serotype of VSV (VSVInd) has previously been cloned and expressed, and used in the reverse genetics of VSVInd. However, the cDNA clones expressing functional L proteins of the VSVNJ serotype were not available. It was necessary to obtain functional clones of the New Jersey serotype of VSV (VSVNJ) in order to study homologous viral interference. Here we report the cDNA cloning, expression, and functional analyses of L proteins from both the Hazelhurst subtype and Concan subtype of VSVNJ. The analysis of the expressed L proteins for the transcription and replication of VSV demonstrate that both VSVNJ L clones express functional RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.