The invention relates to the discovery of an HEV strain from a chronically infected patient. The virus grow unusually well in numerous cell cultures. Thus, the invention provides cell cultures, vectors, and vaccine compositions based on the virus.

Hepatitis E vims (HEV)-based virus like particles (VLP) made with a modified capsid protein containing at least a portion of open reading frame 2 (ORF2) protein and encapsulated insulin protein or insulin encoding nucleic acid are provided. Also provided are methods of targeted delivery of insulin using the HEV VLP.