Trends in the development of baculovirus expression vectors

Abstract

We describe the current status and potential use of baculovirus vectors for the expression of foreign genes in insect cells. Trends in the development of transfer vectors for the expression of foreign genes under the control of the strong polyhedrin promoter of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus and strategies for maximizing levels of expression are discussed. Baculovirus vectors have achieved widespread acceptance for their ability to express proteins of agricultural and medical importance. A baculovirus vector was used to express the first recombinant HIV envelope proteins to receive F.D.A. approval for clinical evaluation as a candidate vaccine for AIDS. These insect DNA virus vectors are contributing to understanding the molecular biology of gene and protein function and regulation in both vertebrate and insect systems. © 1988 Nature Publishing Group.