Abstract: Provided are hydrophobic targeting sequences, which may serve to target heterologous proteins to a variety of cellular membranes. In particular, the structural components of the nuclear envelope, or those components which become nucleus-associated, may be targeted with the sequences provided. Also provided are methods of targeting heterologous proteins to particular membranes, and the use of these targeted proteins in therapeutic, diagnostic and insecticidal applications.

Abstract: Seven heterologous signal sequence are described for use with genes for insect controlling proteins, such that when the signal sequence and protein genes are inserted into an insect virus, that virus demonstrates an earlier onset of morbidity than a wild-type insect virus which lacks the gene for the insect controlling protein.

Abstract: The engineering of foreign vertebrate gene constructs by recombinant DNA techniques for the more efficient processing and secretion of foreign genes in insect systems is done by replacing the foreign vertebrate protein signal peptide sequences with protein signal sequences from insect cell secreted proteins. A baculovirus expression vector system is constructed wherein the natural signal DNA peptide sequence associated with the desired foreign gene, such as CD4 (T cell surface protein T4) is replaced by the signal DNA sequence from the insect signal peptides coding for the cuticle gene or adipokinetic hormone.

Abstract: This invention relates to specifically designing and genetically engineering recombinant baculovirus for producing, in a compatible insect system, a desired protein, virus, protein hybrid, or virus hybrid. In particular aspects, this invention relates to the use of different baculovirus promoters for the ultimate purpose of constructing a recombinant baculovirus designed for the investigator's specific need. For example, the recombinant baculovirus of this invention can be designed to produce a viral pesticide.This invention also describes the construction of a genetically engineered virus or virus hybrid (e.g. animal or human pathogen) which is not capable of replicating itself but is essentially identical to the authentic pathogen in terms of structure and antigenicity.

Abstract: The engineering of foreign vertebrate gene constructs by recombinant DNA techniques for the more efficient processing and secretion of foreign genes in insect systems is done by replacing the foreign vertebrate protein signal peptide sequences with protein signal sequences from insect cell secreted proteins. A baculovirus expression vector system is constructed wherein the natural signal DNA peptide sequence associated with the desired foreign gene, such as CD4 (T cell surface protein T4) is replaced by the signal DNA sequence from the insect signal peptides coding for the cuticle gene or adipokinetic hormone.

Abstract: A baculovirus expression vector system is constructed wherein the natural signal DNA peptide sequence associated with the desired foreign gene, such as CD4 (T cell surface protein T4) is replaced by the signal DNA sequence from the Lepidopteran adipokinetic hormone (AKH) precursor signal peptides. The exemplary Manduca sexta AKH signal sequence is represented as follows: ##STR1## .

Abstract: A method for producng a recombinant baculovirus expression vector, capable of expressing a selected gene in a host insect cell, is disclosed. The method involves cleaving baculovirus DNA to produce a DNA fragment comprising a polyhedrin gene or portion thereof, including a polyhedrin promoter. A recombinant transfer vector is prepared by inserting said DNA fragment into a cloning vehicle and thereafter inserting a selected gene into the thus modified cloning vehicle such that it is under the transcriptional control of the polyhedrin promoter. The recombinant transfer vector is contacted with a baculovirus DNA so as to effect recombination and incorporation of the selected gene into the baculovirus genome. The resultant recombinant baculovirus is then used to infect susceptible insects or cultured insect cells and the protein product from the incorporated selected gene is produced from the infection.

Abstract: A method for producing a recombinant baculovirus expression vector, capable of expression of a selected gene in a host insect cell, is disclosed. The preferred method involves cleaving baculovirus DNA to produce a DNA fragment comprising a polyhedrin gene or portion thereof, including a polyhedrin promoter. A recombinant shuttle vector is prepared by inserting said DNA fragment into a cloning vehicle and thereafter inserting a selected gene into the thus modified cloning vehicle such that it is under the transcriptional control of the polyhedrin promoter. The recombinant shuttle vector is contacted with a baculovirus DNA so as to effect recombination and incorporation of the selected gene into the baculovirus genome.