Abstract: Retroviral vector constructs are described which have a 5′ LTR, a tRNA binding site, a packaging signal, one or more heterologous sequences, an origin of second strand synthesis and a 3′ LTR, wherein the vector construct lacks retroviral gag/pol or env coding sequences. In addition, gag/pol, and env expression cassettes are described wherein the expression cassettes lack a consecutive sequence of more than 8 nucleotides in common. The above-described retroviral vector constructs, gag/pol and env expression cassettes may be utilized to construct producer cell lines which preclude the formation of replication competent virus.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 7, 2000
Date of Patent:
December 25, 2001
Assignee:
Chiron Corporation
Inventors:
James G. Respess, Nicholas J. DePolo, Sunil Chada, Sybille Sauter, Mordechai Bodner, David A. Driver