The document describes research on expressing the matrix protein of Nipah virus (NiV) in Escherichia coli. Key findings include:
1) The NiV matrix protein gene was cloned and expressed as a fusion protein in E. coli, producing a protein of about 43 kDa.
2) About 50% of the expressed matrix protein was soluble and localized in the bacterial cytoplasm.
3) Purification using nickel affinity chromatography and sucrose gradient centrifugation yielded spherical virus-like particles ranging from 20-50 nm in diameter.
4) The purified matrix protein reacted significantly with sera from pigs infected during the 1998 NiV outbreak, demonstrating potential for diagnostic applications.