Noninfectious human immunodeficiency virus type 1 mutants deficient in genomic RNA

All retroviruses contain, in the nucleocapsid domain of the Gag protein, one or two copies of the sequence Cys-X2-Cys-X4-His-X4-Cys. We have generated a series of mutants in the two copies of this motif present in human immunodeficiency virus type 1. These mutants encoded virus particles that were apparently composed of the normal complement of viral proteins but contained only 2 to 20% of the normal level of genomic RNA. No infectivity could be detected in the mutant particles, while 10(5) infectious U were present in an equivalent amount of wild-type particles. Thus, the mutants have another defect in addition to the inefficiency with which they encapsidate genomic RNA. Our results show that both copies of the motif are required for normal RNA packaging and for infectivity. Mutants of this type may have important applications, including nonhazardous materials for research, immunogens in vaccine and immunotherapy studies, and diagnostic reagents.