Down regulation of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) expression by Vif antisense RNA expression vectors in transfected cells

Nucleic Acids Res Suppl. 2002:(2):123-4. doi: 10.1093/nass/2.1.123.

Abstract

The HIV-1 vif gene is a potential candidate in the quest for anti-retroviral interventions, due to its unique role in the target cell infection. We employed the antisense RNA strategy to determine the antiviral activity of intracellularly expressed anti-sense RNAs of various lengths complementary to the targeted HIV-1 vif gene. Expression vectors mediating the delivery of the vif-ORF, 5'-Vif, M-vif, and 3'-vif antisense RNAs under the CMV promoter were constructed using pcDNA 3.1. The COS cells transfected with the antisense vectors showed a steady-state of antisense RNA expression levels. In contrast, those co-transfected with the Infectious molecular clone, pNL-E, exhibited a significant reduction in the steady-state antisense RNA levels, which correlated with a significant reduction in p24 antigen production. Thus, this expression method for these antisense RNAs provides a promising gene therapy strategy for HIV-1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Cytomegalovirus / genetics
  • Down-Regulation / genetics*
  • Gene Products, vif / genetics*
  • Genetic Vectors*
  • HIV-1 / genetics*
  • Open Reading Frames
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA, Antisense / genetics*
  • Transfection*
  • vif Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Substances

  • Gene Products, vif
  • RNA, Antisense
  • vif Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus