Abstract: This invention is directed towards nucleic acid molecules capable of producing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) retrovirus-like particles, which are non-infectious, replication defective, and immunogenic. Recombinant HIV genomes were generated that are devoid of long terminal repeats (LTRs) but contain a heterologous, inducible metallothionein promoter. Additional modifications have been made to the primer binding site, pol, vif, and env coding regions. Upon transfection into a suitable host these DNA molecules are capable of producing HIV retrovirus-like particles that lack genomic RNA. These non-infectious particles will provide suitable antigens for HIV diagnostic assays and immunogenic preparations.

Abstract: An immunogenic HIV retrovirus-like particle which is non-infectious and non-replicating and which is useful as a candidate vaccine component against HIV infection, is produced by genetic engineering. A DNA molecule comprising the HIV genome devoid of long terminal repeats is incorporated into an expression vector, which is introduced into mammalian cells for expression of the HIV retrovirus-like particle.