Merck + Co., Inc.

R Bruce Register

Jules A Shafer

A method for introducing a mutation into a desired site in Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 uses a set of starting vectors, where each starting vector has a fragment of the substantially complete HSV-1 genome and also DNA which overlaps with a sequential genomic fragment contained in other starting vectors, so that upon co-transfection of a host cell, replication of viral DNA, and recombination, a mutated replicable virus is formed. The starting vector containing a gene which is to be mutated is replaced by a replacement vectors. The replacement vectors contain a copy of the mutated gene and overlapping DNA, and genomic DNA which was present in the starting vector. A host cell is transformed with the replacement vectors and the remaining starting vectors under conditions allowing replication of viral DNA and recombination to form a replicating mutated virus. In preferred embodiments, the protease gene is mutated.

Growing community of inventors

Lansdale, PA, United States of America

R Bruce Register