SUPPRESSION OF HIV-2 REPLICATION BY HIV-1 GAG MUTANTS

Gag gene mutants of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) were a nalyzed for their potentials of inhibiting the replication of wild-typ e (wt) HIV-2, the second AIDS virus, in a single-round of viral replic ation. Of twenty-two HIV-1 gag mutants examined, seven were found to e fficiently interfere with the replication of wt HIV-2. Some mutants, w hich can suppress the replication of wt HIV-1, did not show this inhib itory effect. These mutants were defective at the late phase of viral replication. A mutant designated NL-C1a was demonstrated to be very ef fective against the replication of HIV-1 and HIV-2 in monocytic cells as well as in lymphocytic cells. (C) 1998 Academic Press.