Production of biologically active human RelA (p65) in baculovirus-infected insect cells

A recombinant baculovirus was constructed to express a cDNA encoding RelA (p65), a member of the NF-kappa B/Rel family of proteins. Infection of Spodoptera frugiderda insect cells with the recombinant baculovirus resulted in the production of the biologically active protein as measured by immunoblotting using RelA-specific antisera and by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. The recombinant protein bound specifically to an oligonucleotide containing the NF-kappa B consensus motif but not to that containing the unrelated Oct-1 consensus motif. Thus insect cell-derived RelA possess properties similar to the native protein and may be used in physical, biochemical, and pharmacological studies.