Comparative studies on tat mutants of three primate lentiviruses

A frame-shift tat gene mutant of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), which showed no detectable trans-activation potential, was constructed in vitro. Upon transfection, this clone directed the synthesis of virus mRNAs, gag proteins and virion-associated reverse transcriptase (RT) at a low level as was observed with the tat mutants of HIV-2 and simian immunodeficiency virus isolated from African green monkey (SIVAGM). Using these mutant viruses, trans-activation efficiency of viral gene expression by tat was compared among HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIVAGM. SIVAGM seemed to be less dependent on tat for RT production than HIV-1 and HIV-2.