Recombinant newcastle disease virus (NDV) RNA expression systems and vaccines

摘要

A recombinant RNA molecule comprises a binding site specific for an RNA-directed RNA polymerase of a Newcastle disease virus, operatively linked to a viral RNA containing a heterologous RNA sequence. Preferably the heterologous RNA encodes an antigen or epitope from HIV-1 or HIV-2. A vaccine formulation comprises a genetically engineered Newcastle disease virus containing modifications which result in an attenuated phenotype or a genetically engineered chimeric Newcastle disease virus the genome of which encodes a heterologous epitope and a physiologically acceptable excipient. Also described are methods of producing the viruses.