Viral vectors having reduced virulence

Abstract

The present invention provides recombinant vaccinia virus having a deletion of the region encoding the C-terminal seven amino acids of the E3L gene product and comprising exogenous DNA. Compositions comprising the recombinant vaccinia virus and methods of use thereof are also provided.

1 . An expression vector comprising a vaccinia virus having a deletion of the region encoding amino acids 184-190 of the E3L gene product wherein said vector further comprises exogenous DNA operably linked to regulatory elements that control expression of said exogenous DNA.  
   
   
       2 . The expression vector of  claim 1  wherein said exogenous DNA encodes an antigen.  
   
   
       3 . The expression vector of  claim 1  in which one or more non-essential virus-encoded gene functions have been deleted from the vaccinia virus.  
   
   
       4 . A composition comprising the expression vector of  claim 1  and a carrier.  
   
   
       5 . A method of making a recombinant gene product comprising subjecting an expression vector comprising a vaccinia virus having a deletion of the region encoding amino acids 184-190 of the E3L gene product and wherein said vector further comprises exogenous DNA that encodes said recombinant gene product operably linked to regulatory elements that control expression thereof, to conditions whereby said recombinant gene product is expressed.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising recovering said recombinant gene product.