VIRUS COAT PROTEIN/RECEPTOR CHIMERAS AND METHODS OF USE

摘要

The invention relates to chimeric molecules comprising a virus coat sequenceand a receptor sequence that can inter-act with each other to form a complexthat is capable of binding a co-receptor. Such chimeric molecules thereforeexhibit functional properties characteristic of a receptor-coat proteincomplex and are useful as agents that inhibit virus infection of cells due tooccupancy of a co-receptor present on the cell. In particular aspects, thechimeric polypeptide includes an immunodeficiency virus envelope polypeptide,such as that of HN , SN, FIV, FeL V, FPV and herpes virus. Receptor sequencessuitable for use in a chimeric polypeptide include, for example, CD4 DID2 andCD4M9 sequences.