The present invention provides a composition of matter, comprising: DNA
encoding a viral Vpx protein fused to DNA encoding a protein. In another
embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition of
matter, comprising: DNA encoding a viral Vpr protein fused to DNA
encoding a protein. The present invention further provides DNA, vectors
and methods for expressing a lentiviral pol gene in trans, independent of
the lentiviral gag-pol. A gene transduction element is optionally
delivered to a lentiviral vector according to the present invention. Also
provided are various methods of delivering a virus inhibitory molecule to
a target in an animal. Further provided is a pharmaceutical composition.