Abstract: The F gene segment deleted the F0 signal sequence, with a length of 1566bp, and coding for 522 amino acids, was amplified by PCR. The F gene fragment was then inserted into the EcoRⅠsite of pR vector to obtain recombinant plasmid pR-F. The recombinant plasmid was used to transform E.coli E2, the host bacteria of T4 phage, and infected with lysozyme-defective phage T4-Z1. The F gene was integrated into genome of T4-Z1 by homogenous recombination. The recombinant phage were screened by PCR and designated as T4-Z1-F. Oil-emulsion vaccine was prepared with concentrated phage T4-Z1-F and used to inoculate 10-day-old specific-pathogen-free(SPF) chickens, all birds were given a booster at the age of 25-days. The result showed that the recombinant F protein was highly immunogenic, and was able to induce specific antibody against NDV to partially withstand virulent NDV challenge.

Key words: Newcastle disease virus, F gene, T4 phage, Immunogenicity