[Expression of HBcAg in eukaryotic cells by retroviral vector mediated gene transfer].
BACKGROUND
To construct recombinant retroviral vector expressing HBcAg in eukaryotic cells.


METHODS
The HBV core gene fragment was amplified by using PCR from pADR which contains complement nucleotide sequence of HBV subtype adr and cloned into retroviral expression plasmid pLXSN, then transfected into packing cell (PT67) with lipofec AMINE. After 2-3 weeks selection with G418, large colonies were isolated and transferred to individual plates. Virus-containing medium was collected and used to infect NIH3T3, EL4 and mouse bone marrow derived dendritic cells(DC). DNA was extracted from infected cells and tested by PCR. Indirect immunofluorescence and FACS were used to detect the expression of HBcAg. Cell mediated immunity of immunized C57BL/6 mice with transduced DC was analyzed.


RESULTS
The insertion of HBV core gene fragment in the recombinant retroviral plasmid was confirmed by PCR as well as enzyme digestion with EcoR1 and BamH2. The viral titer reached 3 x 10(5) CFU/ml. The result of PCR showed that the HBV core gene had been integrated into the genome of infected NIH3T3 cells. Indirect immunofluorescence and FACS analysis showed that HBcAg had been expressed in these cells. HBcAg specific CTL responses could be generated in mice immunized with retrovirus transduced DC.


CONCLUSIONS
HBV core gene had been integrated into eukaryotic cells with retroviral vector and target gene had been expressed efficiently. These results may have some impact on gene therapy of chronic hepatitis B.
Ding
Chuan-lin
CL
Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
Yao
Kun
K
Zhang
Tian-tai
TT
Xu
Jiang-ying
JY
Xu
Lin
L
Peng
Guang-yong
GY
D016475:3T3 Cells; D000818:Animals; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D011995:Recombination, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D012190:Retroviridae / Q000235:genetics; D014162:Transfection
D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens