Expression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag protein precursor and envelope proteins from a vesicular stomatitis virus recombinant: high-level production of virus-like particles containing HIV envelope.

Abstract

Recombinant vesicular stomatitis viruses have been developed as high-level expression vectors which serve as effective vaccine vectors in animals (Roberts et al., 1998, J. Virol. 72, 4704-4711; Roberts et al., 1999, J. Virol. 73, 3723-3732). Here we show that two genes can be expressed simultaneously from a single, live-attenuated VSV recombinant. The genes used encode the Pr55(gag) protein precursor of HIV-1 (1.7-kb gene) and an HIV-1 envelope (Env) protein (2.4 kb gene). Our results show that VSV can accommodate up to a 40% increase in genome size with only a threefold reduction in virus titer. Recombinants expressing the Pr55(gag) protein precursor with or without Env protein produced abundant HIV virus-like particles (VLPs) in addition to bullet-shaped VSV particles. HIV Env protein expressed from a VSV recombinant also expressing Gag was specifically incorporated into the HIV VLPs but not into the VSV particles. In contrast, VSV G protein was found in both VSV particles and in HIV VLPs. Such VSV/HIV recombinants producing HIV VLPs with Env protein could be an effective source of HIV-like particles inducing both cellular and antibody-mediated immunity to HIV-1.

• Authors: K Haglund, J Forman, H G Kräusslich, J K Rose
• Journal: Virology (Virology) Vol. 268 Issue 1 Pg. 112-21 (Mar 01 2000) ISSN: 0042-6822 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10683333 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
• Copyright: Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Chemical References

• AIDS Vaccines
• DNA, Recombinant
• G protein, vesicular stomatitis virus
• Gene Products, gag
• HIV Envelope Protein gp120
• Membrane Glycoproteins
• Protein Precursors
• Recombinant Fusion Proteins
• Vaccines, Attenuated
• Viral Envelope Proteins
• p55 gag precursor protein, Human immunodeficiency virus 1

Topics

• AIDS Vaccines (genetics)
• Animals
• Cell Line
• DNA, Recombinant (genetics)
• Gene Products, gag (genetics, metabolism)
• Genetic Vectors
• HIV Envelope Protein gp120 (genetics, metabolism)
• HIV-1 (genetics, physiology)
• Humans
• Membrane Glycoproteins
• Microscopy, Electron
• Plasmids (genetics)
• Protein Precursors (genetics, metabolism)
• Recombinant Fusion Proteins (genetics, metabolism)
• Vaccines, Attenuated (genetics, metabolism)
• Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus (genetics, metabolism, physiology)
• Viral Envelope Proteins (genetics)
• Virion (metabolism, physiology)