HIV-1 core proteins expressed from recombinant vaccinia viruses

The sequences encoding the core proteins p55, p25, and p18 of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) have been inserted into the vaccinia virus genome. Infection of cultured cells with the live recombinant viruses led to the expression of proteins that were recognized by sera from HIV-seropositive individuals. Immunization of mice with the recombinant virus expressing the HIV p25 protein and the p55 precursor yielded high levels of antibodies directed against the corresponding HIV antigens. The data obtained are discussed in terms of the possible use of these live recombinant viruses in the development of a strategy toward an AIDS vaccine.