Figure 2.

In vitro expressions of antigen Gag, Env and Pol. 293T cells were prepared at a density of 1×10⁶ cells per well and 90% cell viability the night before transfection. Each plasmid (pGag, pEnv or pPol) was delivered to cells at three dose level (1 μg, 2 μg and 4 μg) respectively. Forty-eight hours after transfection, the expressions of antigens were detected by WB method, and the relative integral optical densities of antigens were measured (the average of two experiments with SD was indicated). Empty vector was used as blank control and β-actin was selected as internal control. Part A: the expressions of Gag were showed (left side): Gag-expression plasmids were delivered to 293T cells at three dose levels (1 μg, 2 μg and 4 μg) respectively, in the presence of pTat or in the absence of pTat. The expressions of Gag were quantified by detecting the relative integral optical densities of Gag antigen (right side): “pGag (1 μg)+pTat”, “pGag (2 μg)+pTat” and “pGag (4 μg)+pTat” means that pGag were delivered to cells at the dose of 1 μg, 2 μg and 4 μg respectively, in the presence of pTat. “pGag (1 μg)”, “pGag (2 μg)” and “pGag (4 μg)” means that pGag alone were delivered to cells at the dose of 1 μg, 2 μg and 4 μg, respectively. “Blank” means empty vector was delivered to cells. Part B (the expressions of Env) and C (the expressions of Pol) can be done in the same manner.