Patent ID: 6203975
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: A61K,C12N

Abstract:
A method for producing an Ad.DELTA. virus which comprises the steps of:(a) introducing into a selected host cell:(i) a recombinant shuttle vector which comprises adenovirus nucleic acid sequences and a minigene, wherein said adenovirus sequences are of a first serotype and consist of the adenovirus 5' and 3' cis-elements necessary for replication and virion encapsidation; and wherein said minigene comprises a selected gene operatively linked to regulatory sequences which direct expression of said selected gene in a target cell, said adenovirus cis-elements flanking said minigene, and(ii) a helper virus comprising adenovirus gene sequences necessary for a productive viral infection and encoding an adenoviral capsid of a second serotype;(b) culturing said host cell containing the shuttle vector and the helper virus so as to permit the formation of an Ad.DELTA. virus comprising the adenovirus sequences and minigene of (i) in an adenoviral capsid of a second serotype which differs from said first serotype.