[Construction of DNA and RNA based on bifunctional replicon vector derived from Semliki Forest virus]

DNA-based replicon expression vector pSMCTA and helper vector pSHCTA were constructed by replacing the SP6 promoter used in the original system pSFV1 and pSFV-helper2 derived from Semliki Forest virus (SFV) with the RNA polymerase II -dependent cytomegalovirus immediate early (CMV IE) enhancer/promoter and T7 promoter, and inserting BGH transcription termination and polyadenylation signal downstream 3'-untranslated region (UTR). The RNA polymerase II -dependent cytomegalovirus immediate early (CMV IE) enhancer/promoter and T7 promoter in pSMCTA and pSHCTA could drive transcription to produce replicon RNA in vivo and ex vivo. High level expression of foreign genes (GFP and LacZ) could be demonstrated by transfecting BHK21 cells with the new replicon expression vectors based on both DNA and RNA, and recombinant virus particles (RVP) be prepared by cotranfecting the expression vectors with the helper vectors. Foreign genes were also highly expressed in cells (BHK21) which were infected with RVP activated by alpha-chymotrypsin. The bifunctional replicon vectors can be used in highly efficient expression of foreign genes and preparation of RVP ex vivo, also in development of replicon vaccines and gene therapy vectors in vivo.