Clone N3 and C from Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) gp41 gene were expressed using the pET expression system. When induced by IPTG at 37℃, both two clones did not express in E.coli BL21(DE)3. Howerver, when induced at 16℃, the two clones were both overexpressed, and the amount of the product was about 20% of the total bacteria protein. In Western blotting test, the protein product could react with HIV-positive serum. After IPTG induction, E. coli cells had much higher death rate at 37℃ than at 16℃; [3H]uridine release assay also showed that after IPTG induction, E. coli had a higher release at 37℃. The results suggested that overexpression of the two proteins was due to their decreased toxicity at lower temperature.
