The present invention provides virus vectors of the family Paramyxoviridae
in which the transcription start (S) sequence has been modified so as to
modify the expression of genes located downstream thereof, a method for
producing the vectors, and uses thereof. By measuring the transcription
initiation efficiency of the S sequence of each gene carried by Sendai
viruses (SeV), it was clarified that the S sequence of F gene has a
significantly lower ability to promote transcription than the other three
S sequences. When the S sequence of the F gene of wild type Sendai virus
was substituted by the S sequence of the P/M/HN gene-type showing a high
transcription initiation efficiency, the F gene of the resultant Sendai
virus mutant and genes located downstream thereof show elevated
expression levels. It was also revealed that this mutant proliferates
more quickly than the wild type. The vectors of this invention are useful
in elevating the expression of foreign genes and producing pharmaceutical
compositions and vaccines. Furthermore, by lowering virus gene expression
from virus vectors, it is possible to suppress transcription and/or
replication and reduce cytotoxicity of the vector genome.