COEXPRESSION OF 2 GENE-PRODUCTS IN THE CNS USING DOUBLE-CASSETTE DEFECTIVE HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS VECTORS

Defective herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors are an efficient means to deliver genes to cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Such vect ors containing two independent transcription units would be extremely valuable for many studies, including the comparative analysis of promo ter function and expression of multiple gene products in the CNS. We h ave constructed a 'double-cassette' vector expressing two easily detec table marker enzymes, beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) and human placenta l alkaline phosphatase (AP). Cells infected in vitro, including neuron s and glia, and in vivo expressed both gene products.