Characterization of the Expression and Immunogenicity of Poliovirus Replicons that Encode Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIV mac 239 Gag or Envelope SU Proteins

The effectiveness of the poliovirus vaccines to induce both systemic and mucosal immunity has prompted the development of this virus as a vector in which to express foreign proteins. Our laboratory has previously reported on the construction and characterization of poliovirus genomes that encode HIV-1 proteins (Porter DC, et al.: J Virol 1996;70:2643-2649). To develop this system further, we have constructed poliovirus genomes, referred to as replicons, which encode the SIV_mac239 Gag or Env SU in place of the poliovirus capsid gene (P1). Since the replicons do not encode capsid proteins, they are encapsidated into poliovirions by passage with a recombinant vaccinia virus, VVP1, which provides the poliovirus capsid proteins in trans. Using this system, we have derived stocks of the encapsidated replicons which encode the SIV_mac239 Gag or Env SU protein. Infection of cells with the replicon that encodes SIV_mac239 Gag resulted in the expression of a 55-kDa protein that was released from the infected cells. Analysis of the sedimentation of the released proteins by sucrose density gradient centrifugation revealed that the protein was released from the cell in the form of a virus-like particle. Infection of cells with the replicons encoding the SIV_mac239 Env SU resulted in the expression of a 63-kDa protein, corresponding to the molecular mass predicted for the nonglycosylated SIV_mac239 SU protein. A second protein with a molecular mass greater than 160 kDa was also immunoprecipitated. After enzymatic deglycosylation, this protein migrated at a molecular mass consistent with that for an Env SU dimer. Analysis of the medium from cells infected with the replicon encoding SIV_mac239 Env SU revealed the presence of a protein of molecular mass 85-90 kDa, possibly representing a fragment of the SIV_mac239 Env SU protein. To determine the immunogenicity of the replicons encoding SIV_mac239 Gag or Env SU, transgenic mice that express the human receptor for poliovirus, and are thus susceptible to poliovirus, were immunized via the intramuscular route. A serum antibody response to SIV envelope was detected following booster immunization, establishing that the encapsidated replicon was immunogenic. Finally, we demonstrate that the replicons have the capacity to infect peripheral blood mononuclear monocytes/macrophages, suggesting that this cell is a possible target for in vivo infection. The results of our studies, then, lend further support for the development and application of recombinant poliovirus replicons in a vaccine strategy.