IMPROVED EXPRESSION OF HIV POLYPEPTIDES AND PRODUCTION OF VIRUS-LIKE PARTICLES

摘要

The present invention relates to the efficient expression of HIV polypeptide s in a variety of cell types, including, but not limited to, mammalian, insect, and plant cells. Synthetic expression cassettes encoding the HIV Gag-containing polypeptides arc described, as are uses of the expression cassettes in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Env-, tat- or Gag-containing proteins. The inventio n provides methods of producing Vitus-Like Particles (VLPs), as well as, uses of the VLPs including, but not limited to, vehicles for tire presentation of antigens and stimulation of immune response in subjects to whom the VLPs are administered.