Control of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 protease activity in insect cells expressing Gag-Pol rescues assembly of immature but not mature virus-like particles

Adamson, C. S., Nermut, M. and Jones, I. M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7738-2516 (2003) Control of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 protease activity in insect cells expressing Gag-Pol rescues assembly of immature but not mature virus-like particles. Virology, 308 (1). pp. 157-165. ISSN 0042-6822 doi: 10.1016/s0042-6822(02)00141-1

Abstract/Summary

Expression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag protein in insect cells using baculovirus vectors leads to the abundant production of virus-like particles (VLPs) that represent the immature form of the virus. When Gag-Pol is included, however, VLP production is abolished, a result attributed to premature protease activation degrading the intracellular pool of Gag precursor before particle assembly can occur. As large-scale synthesis of mature noninfectious VLPs would be useful, we have sought to control HIV protease activity in insect cells to give a balance of Gag and Gag-Pol that is compatible with mature particle formation. We show here that intermediate levels of protease activity in insect cells can be attained through site-directed mutagenesis of the protease and through antiprotease drug treatment. However, despite Gag cleavage patterns that mimicked those seen in mammalian cells, VLP synthesis exhibited an essentially all-or-none response in which VLP synthesis occurred but was immature or failed completely. Our data are consistent with a requirement for specific cellular factors in addition to the correct ratio of Gag and Gag-Pol for assembly of mature retrovirus particles in heterologous cell types. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.