Genomic Integration Occurs in the Packaging Cell Via Unexported Lentiviral Precursors

Objective: To use HIV-1 based lentivirus components to produce gene integration and the formation of a stable cell line in the packaging cell line without viral infection.

Results: A co-transfection of a Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293 packaging cell line with Gag-pol (GP) and a transfer vector, without the envelope vector, produces a stable cell line after 2 weeks of selection. Furthermore, a matrix protein deficient GP in the packaging vector enhances this integration. This supports that, in theory, unexported lentiviral cores produced within the packaging cell can infect itself without requiring the release of any lentiviral particles.

Conclusion: If the packaging cell is also the target cell, then gene integration leading to a stable cell line can be accomplished without viral particle infection.