Patent ID: 8236941

Claim:
A recombinant DNA molecule, comprising: a) a first promoter sequence having a TATA element; b) a tetracycline operator sequence comprising two op2 repressor binding sites joined by 2-20 linking nucleotides, wherein the first nucleotide in said tet operator is between 6 and 24 nucleotides 3′ to the last nucleotide in said TATA element; and c) a gene having a 5′ untranslated region, wherein said gene: i) is necessary for Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) or Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) replication, ii) lies 3′ to said operator; and iii) is operably linked to said first promoter; d) a ribozyme sequence capable of reducing the translation of said gene and located in said 5′ untranslated region of said gene.