Expression of the human immunodeficiency virus gag gene products by a replication-incompetent herpes simplex virus vector.

A recombinant replication-incompetent herpes simplex virus vector (vd120/Gag) that expressed the human immunodeficiency virus 1 gag gene and part of the pol gene that encodes the HIV-1 protease was constructed. Examination of cells infected with vd120/Gag revealed the presence of the Gag polyprotein Pr55gag by 12 h post-infection, as well as abundant levels of the proteolytically processed 24-kDa capsid protein. Analysis of vector-infected cells and culture supernatant indicated that the majority of the 24-kDa protein remained cell-associated. Although the HIV-1 Gag polyprotein was produced in vd120/Gag-infected cells, there was no evidence of HIV virus-like particle production upon examination of vector-infected cells by transmission electron microscopy.