Current research suggests that gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) may be one of the primary HIV reservoirs in the body. Recent advances in the field of Orthoreovirus reverse genetics allow for the possibility of this GI targeting virus to be used in the creation of an HIV vaccine. We provide support that based on the segmented nature of the Orthoreovirus genome, 5' duplication of the segments ORF is the best possibility for insertion of the HIV p24 capsid protein coding sequence for use as a vaccine antigen. We show there exists a maximum practical length for the length of code which can be added via the 5' duplication method, over which, recombination to original wild type occurs. This limit is an important consideration for future work and design with the Orthoreovirus.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Habib, Cameron Wassim

Contributors

• Nibert, Max

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042910-085501

Advisor

• Heilman, Destin

Year

• 2010

Sponsor

• Harvard Medical School

Date created

• 2010-04-29

Location

• Boston

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Interdisciplinary

Rights statement

• In Copyright