Virus-like particles as vaccines for paramyxovirus

The present invention discloses the method of making and using a novel, non-infective, paramyxovirus vaccine. Paramyxovirus structural proteins within a virus-likeparticle (VLP) comprise one example of such a vaccine. It is observed that the presence of matrix protein, alone, is sufficient and necessary to provide an effective VLP release. Co-expression of four paramyxovirus structural proteins, however, result in the release of non-infective VLPs with densities and efficiencies of release similar to that of infective particles. Representative diseases wherein a VLP vaccine might be useful include, but are not limited to, Newcastle disease, measles, respiratory syncytial virus infection, and parainfluenza 3 virus infection.