HIV-1 CAPSID MUTANTS INHIBIT THE REPLICATION OF WILD-TYPE VIRUS AT BOTH EARLY AND LATE INFECTION PHASES

In-frame mutations were introduced into various portions of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gag gene, and potentials of the mutants to suppress the replication of wild-type HIV-1 were monitored. In contrast to results obtained with matrix and nucleocapsid mutants, almost all capsid mutants blocked HIV-1 replication completely in sin gle-round replication assays. A capsid mutant designated C6b was demon strated to be one of the most efficient inhibitors for HIV-1 reported to date, and to be effective at both early and late viral replication phases. T-cells, which are engineered to express the C6b Gag in respon se to HIV-1 infection, were perfectly resistant to HIV-1. (C) 1997 Fed eration of European Biochemical Societies.