The present invention is directed to a DNA vaccine for immunization againstHIV. The invention comprises a DNA molecule that has a sequence encoding aplurality of viral proteins capable of stimulating an immune response againstHIV. The DNA molecule is rendered safe for use as a vaccine by the disruptionof genes encoding reverse transcriptase, integrase, and Vif. The DNA moleculeis further rendered safe by at least a partial deletion of the 3' LTR.