CONDITIONALLY REPLICATING VIRAL VECTORS AND THEIR USE

摘要

The present invention provides improved conditionally replicating vectors th at have improved safety against the generation of replication competent vectors or virus. Also disclosed are methods of making, propagating and selectively packaging, modifying, and using such vectors. Included are improved helper constructs, host cells, for use with the improved vectors as well as pharmaceutical compositions and host cells comprising the vectors, the use o f vector containing host cells to screen drugs, and methods of using the vecto rs to determine gene function. The methods also include the prophylatic and therapeutic treatment of disease, especially viral infection, and HIV infection in particular.