Briefly described, virus-like particles, methods of preparing virus-like particles, immunogenic compositions that include virus-like particles, and methods of eliciting an immune response using immunogenic compositions that include virus-like particles are described herein. A virus-like particle (VLP) can include a viral core protein that can self assemble into the VLP core and at least one viral surface envelope glycoprotein expressed on the surface of the VLP. The VLP can also optionally include at least one adjuvant molecule expressed on the surface of the VLP.

Disclosed herein is a robust system for the reverse genetics generation of a Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus replicon particle (VRP.sub.RVF) vaccine candidate. VRP.sub.RVF can actively synthesize viral RNA and proteins, but lack structural glycoprotein genes, preventing spread within immunized individuals and reducing the risk of vaccine-induced pathogenicity. Is it disclosed herein that VRP.sub.RVF immunization is both safe and efficacious, resulting in a robust immune response that is protective against RVF virus challenge within 24 hours of immunization. Provided herein are VRP.sub.RVF, methods of producing VRP.sub.RVF, and method of using VRP.sub.RVF for immunization against RVF virus infection.