A rapid recombination assay of HIV-1 using murine CD52 as a novel biomarker

Biomarkers are commonly used for verification of infection in conjunction with the development of viral vectors or experiments involving virus infection. Leukocyte surface antigens (CDs) are a prime option for biomarkers since they can be easily visualized and analyzed by flow cytometry after indirect fluorescent staining. For analyses of human cells, murine CD24 (Heat Stable Antigen: HSA) and CD90.2 (Thy-1.2) are currently being used. In the study reported here, we attempted to develop a rapid system for measuring retroviral genome recombination efficiency. For this purpose, we looked for an alternative CD molecule which could be used as a marker on a viral vector concurrently with other markers. We found that murine CD52 is suitable for this purpose because of its small gene size, low inhibitory effect on virus production, and measurable level of surface expression. With this novel biomarker, we succeeded in developing a rapid viral recombination measuring system using a flow cytometer.