| abstract |
A method is disclosed for improving encapsidation of transgene RNA using retroviral packaging and transfer vectors. An HIV-2 transfer vector, which includes the transgene, is introduced into a packaging cell that is also transfected with (or stably expresses) an HIV-2 derived packaging vector or a combination of packaging vectors. The packaging vector has mutations in packaging signal sequences that are both upstream and downstream of the 5' splice donor site. It can also be composed of a combination of two or more partial vectors. A transfer vector, which is introduced into the packaging cell line, has a mutation that renders its splice donor site non-functional. Transgene RNA expression and encapsidation from these cells is markedly increased, but with little or no levels of infectious viral RNA encapsidation. |