OBJECTIVETo construct eukaryotic expression plasmid IRES-gD-IL-2 which contains both HSV-1 glycoprotein D (gD) gene and IL-2 gene and to induce it to express in antigen presenting cell (APC) -- dendritic cells (DCs).

METHODSThe whole sequence of gD and IL-2 were amplified by PCR assay. After confirmation by PCR, double-enzyme digestion and sequencing, these genes were directly cloned into eukaryotic expression vector IRES, then were transfected into DCs. Western blotting was employed to identify the transcription and expression of gD gene.

RESULTSThe results of PCR and enzyme digestion showed that the recombinant expression plasmid contained correct fragments, and the transcription and expression of gD were confirmed by Western blotting.

CONCLUSIONThe recombinant expression vector IRES-gD-IL-2 was constructed, the results of the Western blotting showed that the recombinant protein could be identified by gD- specific antibody, therefore the protein has immunologic competence.