A first-generation packaging cell line for Epstein–Barr virus-derived vectors

A first-generation packaging cell line for Epstein–Barr virus-derived vectors

^*GSF–National Research Center for Environment and Health, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology and Tumor Genetics, Department Gene Vectors, Marchioninistrasse 25, D-81377 Munich, Germany; and ^†Heinrich-Pette-Institute, Department of Cell and Virus Genetics, Martinistrasse 52, D-20251 Hamburg, Germany

Edited by George Klein, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, and approved February 10, 1999 (received for review December 23, 1998)

Abstract

On the basis of the B lymphotropic Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), we have constructed a virus-free packaging cell line that allows encapsidation of plasmids into herpesvirus particles. This cell line harbors an EBV mutant whose packaging signals have been deleted. The gene vectors, which can encompass very large, contiguous pieces of foreign DNA, carry all cis-acting elements involved in amplification and encapsidation into virus-like particles as well as those essential for extrachromosomal maintenance in the recipient cell. Although this first-generation packaging cell line suffers from unwanted recombination between the helper virus genome and gene vector DNAs, this approach opens the way to delivery and stable maintenance of any transgene in human B cells.

Footnotes

↵ ‡ To whom reprint requests should be addressed. e-mail: hammerschmidt{at}gsf.de.
This paper was submitted directly (Track II) to the Proceedings Office.
ABBREVIATIONS:

EBV,

Epstein–Barr virus;

TR,

terminal repeat;

GFP,

green fluorescent protein;

VCA,

viral capsid antigen