Protective immunity against nervous necrosis virus in convict grouper Epinephelus septemfasciatus following vaccination with virus-like particles produced in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

•RGNNV causes viral nervous necrosis which inflicts economic losses in fish farming.•Virus-like particles (VLPs) of RGNNV were produced in yeast expression system.•Protective immunity conferred by the VLPs was evaluated in seven-band grouper.•Immunization with VLPs provoked efficiently neutralizing antibodies against RGNNV.•Immunization with VLPs enhanced survival of fish post RGNNV challenge.