Infectious clones

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods of preparing a DNA comprising steps, wherein (a) a DNA comprising a full length copy of the genomic RNA (gRNA) or an RNA virus; or (b) a DNA comprising one or several fragments of a gRNA of an RNA virus, which fragments code for an RNA dependent RNA polymerase and at least one structural or non-structural protein; or (c) a DNA having a homology of at least 60% to the sequences of (a) or (b); is cloned into a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC). Additionally, DNAs are provided, which comprise sequences derived from the genomic RNA (gRNA) of a coronavirus which sequences have a homology of at least 60% to the natural sequence of the virus and code for an RNA dependent RNA polymerase and at least one structural or no-structural protein, wherein a fragment of said DNA is capable of being transcribed into RNA which RNA can he assembled to a virion. Further, the use of these nucleic acids for preparation of viral RNA or virions as well as pharmaceutical preparations comprising these DNAs, viral RNAs or virions is disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.