Gag-Pol region determines the tropism of SIVagm for human cells.

Simian immunodeficiency virus isolated from African green monkeys (SIVagm) does not grow in many of human cell lines such as CEM x 174, H9, and MT-4, but could replicate in some human cell lines. Sequence of SIVagm responsible for its narrow host range was determined by making and monitoring growth potential of chimeric clones between SIVagm and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The results obtained indicated that the gag-pol region determines the observed narrow host range. By monitoring virus DNA synthesis and progeny virion production, the defect(s) of SIVagm in the replication in the restricted cells was demonstrated to be located at early phase.