SUBCLONING OF HIV-2 NEF GENES IN ESCHERICHIA-COLI AND IMMUNOLOGICAL REACTIVITY OF EXPRESSED FUSION PROTEINS

The nef gene located in the 3' region of the HIV-2 genome encodes an N -terminally myristylated protein of 27-35 kD, likely to be involved in the regulation of viral transcription. The nef genes of HIV-2 isolate s GH-1, ROD, ST, BEN, and D194.17 were inserted into E. coli pEX vecto rs and expression of Nef beta-galactosidase fusion proteins was detect ed in stained gels. All fusion proteins specifically reacted with a ra bbit serum raised against bacterially expressed Nef from HIV-2D194.17. Sera from monkeys inoculated with HIV-2BEN or SIV(MAC)251 recognized the Nef proteins of only certain HIV-2 isolates. No cross-reactivity o f these sera with HIV-1 Nef and of a rabbit anti-HIV-1-Nef serum with the described HIV-2 Nef fusion proteins was observed.