Patent ID: 6531123
Filing Date: 2003-03-11
Classification: A01K,A61K,C07K,C12N

Abstract:
A packaging vector comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding Gag and Pol proteins of a reference lentivirus, said packaging vector differing from said reference lentivirus at least in that(a) its major splice donor site, while functional, differs in sequence from that of said reference lentivirus sufficiently so that said major splice donor site is not a potential site for homologous recombination between said packaging vector and said reference lentivirus, and (b) it lacks a functional major packaging signal, which vector, after introduction into a suitable host cell, is capable of causing such cell, either through expression from said vector alone, or through co-expression from said vector and a second vector providing for expression of a compatible envelope protein, to produce packaging vector particles comprising functional Gag and Pol proteins and having a normal or a pseudotyped envelope, where said particles are free of the RNA form of said packaging vector as a result of (b) above, where said cell, as a result of said expression or co-expression, produces particles encapsulating the RNA form of a transducing vector possessing a compatible and functional packaging signal if said transducing vector is introduced into said cell where said reference lentivirus is selected from the group consisting of HIV-1, HIV-2 and SIV.