Abstract: The present invention is directed toward nucleic acids containing the full-length human immunodeficiency virus type 2 ROD (HIV-2ROD) pol gene. HIV-2, which was originally designated lymphadenopathy-associated virus type II (LAV-II), was isolated from AIDS patients in West Africa. The virus is genotypically and phenotypically distinct from HIV-1 and bears a closer genetic relationship to the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The present invention describes the preparation of HIV-2ROD proviral molecular clones from a genomic lambda phage library of CD4+-infected cells. The complete nucleotide sequence of the full-length genome was determined and the putative gag, pol, env, vif (Q), vpr (R), vpx (X), nef (F), tat, and rev (art) genes identified. The claimed invention is directed toward nucleic acids containing the full-length HIV-2ROD pol gene (nt 1829-4936). These nucleic acids should prove useful as diagnostic reagents for the detection of HIV-2 and facilitate expression of the pol gene product.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In the embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: The molecular cloning and characterization of a novel human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2), designated HIV-2.sub.ROD, is described. A recombinant .lambda. phage genomic library was screened with an HIV-2-specific probe to identify overlapping subgenomic clones. Fragments of these .lambda. phage clones were subcloned into a suitable vector to reconstitute the complete HIV-2.sub.ROD genome. The complete nucleotide sequence of this proviral clone was ascertained and the following genes and gene products identified: gag (including p16, p26, and p12), pol, vif, vpr, vpx, env, tat, rev, and nef. These gene products will be useful, inter alia, in in vitro diagnostic methods and kits for the detection of HIV-2-specific antisera.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.

Abstract: The inventors disclose nucleic acids of HIV-2 encoding the entire envelope glycoprotein and peptide regions thereof. Also described are purified and cloned nucleic acids having the entire HIV-2 genome. The nucleic acids can be used to produce polypeptides corresponding to the HIV-2 envelope gene or peptides from specific regions of the HIV-2 envelope gene. Uses in hybridization assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel lentivirus, designated the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2.sub.ROD), was isolated from West African patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). A recombinant lambda phage library was constructed from HIV-2.sub.ROD -infected CEM genomic DNA. Overlapping molecular clones were obtained and the nucleotide sequence of the complete 9.5-kilobase (kb) HIV-2.sub.ROD genome ascertained. The genetic organization of HIV-2 is analogous to that of other retroviruses and consists of the 5'LTR-gag-pol-central region-env-nef-3'LTR. The central region also encodes for the regulatory proteins Tat and Rev, as well as the ancillary proteins Vif, Vpr, and Vpx. The proteins encoded by this proviral clone will provide novel immunologic, biochemic, and diagnostic reagents useful for the detection of HIV-2.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an HIV-2 (LAV-II) infection and a kit containing reagents for the same is disclosed. These reagents include cDNA probes which are capable of hybridizing to at least a portion of the genome of HIV-2. In one embodiment, the DNA probes are capable of hybridizing to the entire genome of HIV-2. These reagents also include polypeptides encoded by some of these DNA sequences.