The subject invention pertains to recombinant entomopox vectors which are useful
for the delivery and stable expression of heterologous DNA in vertebrate cells.
Specifically exemplified is a recombinant EPV from amsacta moorei (AmEPV).
Because of the capacity of the EPV to incorporate foreign or heterologous DNA sequences,
the vectors of the subject invention can be used to deliver DNA inserts that are
larger than 10 kb in size. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention concerns
use of the recombinant vectors for delivery and expression of biological useful
proteins in gene therapy protocols. In addition, the subject invention concerns
novel AmEVP polypeptides and the polynucleotide sequences which encode these polypeptides.