Self-replicating vector for DNA immunization against HIV.

A nucleotide sequence encoding the hiv regulatory protein nef, rev or tat or an immunologically active fragment thereof is inserted into a vector comprising papiloma virus nucleotide sequences necessary and sufficient for long-term persistence. The resulting vectors are self-replicating and have a high copy number. They express the hiv genes in high amounts for a long period of time. The vectors elicit both a humoral and cell-mediated immune response and therefore potential dna immunization vaccines against hiv. The is directed to saidd vectors and vaccines and to a method for preparing the vectors. The invention is further directed to a host cell comprising the vector, to the use of the vector in the manufacture of a vaccine and to a method of preventing or treating hiv.

Self-replicating vector for dna immunization against hiv