Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for utilizing recombinant alphavirus vectors. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for making and utilizing eukaryotic layered vector initiation systems.

Abstract: An enveloped vector particle contains gag and pol proteins from a retrovirus, a nucleic acid sequence and an envelope that includes VSV G envelope glycoprotein. The vector particle can be used to introduce nucleic acids into cells.

Abstract: Recombinant retroviruses carrying a vector construct capable of preventing, inhibiting, stabilizing or reversing infectious, cancerous or auto-immune diseases are disclosed. More specifically, the recombinant retroviruses of the present invention are useful for (a) stimulating a specific immune response to an antigen or a pathogenic antigen; (b) inhibiting a function of a pathogenic agent, such as a virus; and (c) inhibiting the interaction of an agent with a host cell receptor. In addition, eucaryotic cells infected with, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such a recombinant retrovirus are disclosed. Various methods for producing recombinant retroviruses having unique characteristics, and methods for producing transgenic packaging animals or insects are also disclosed.

Abstract: Recombinant retroviruses carrying a vector construct capable of preventing, inhibiting, stabilizing or reversing infectious, cancerous or auto-immune diseases are disclosed. More specifically, the recombinant retroviruses of the present invention are useful for (a) stimulating a specific immune response to an antigen or a pathogenic antigen; (b) inhibiting a function of a pathogenic agent, such as a virus; and (c) inhibiting the interaction of an agent with a host cell receptor. In addition, eucaryotic cells infected with, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such a recombinant retrovirus are disclosed. Various methods for producing recombinant retroviruses having unique characteristics, and methods for producing transgenic packaging animals or insects are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention described herein allows the production of recombinant retroviruses (retroviral vector particles) from producer cells which are safer and of higher titre than normal. In addition, methods are provided for making helper cells which, when a recombinant retrovirus genome is introduced to make a producer line, produce particles that are targeted toward particular cell types. Methods are also provided for making recombinant retrovirus systems adapted to infect a particular cell type, such as a tumor, by binding the retrovirus or recombinant retrovirus in the particular cell type. Methods are also provided for producing recombinant retroviruses which integrate in a specific small number of places in the host genome, and for producing recombinant retroviruses from transgenic animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of destroying selected tumor cells comprising administering to a warm-blooded animal a vector construct which directs the expression of at least one immunogenic, non-tumorigenic form of an altered cellular component normally associated with the selected tumor cells. Also provided are vector constructs which direct the expression of altered cellular components. Representative altered cellular components include ras.sup.*, p53.sup.*, Rb.sup.*, alter protein encoded by the Wilms' tumor gene, ubiquitin.sup.*, mucin.sup.*, DCC, APC, MCC, neu, an altered receptor, and bcr/abl. Also provided are recombinant viruses carrying a vector construct, target cells infected with the recombinant virus, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the recombinant virus and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

Abstract: Retroviral vectors for directing expression of full length factor VIII in transduced host cells, plasmids encoding the same, and host cells transformed, transfected, or transduced therewith are disclosed. Also disclosed are retroviral particles comprising such retrovital vectors, as are methods for making such particles in suitable packaging cells. Retroviral particles so produced may be amphotropic, ecotropic, polytropic, or xenotropic; alternatively, they may comprise chimeric or hybrid envelope proteins to alter host range. Also described are retrovital particles comprising retroviral vectors for directing full length factor VIII expression which are complement resistant. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising retrovital particles of the invention are also disclosed, as are methods of treating mammals, particularly humans, afflicted with hemophilia.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inhibiting the growth of selected tumors utilizing recombinant viral vectors. Briefly, within one aspect of the present invention, a method for inhibiting the growth of a selected tumor is provided comprising the step of directly administering to a warm-blooded animal a vector construct which directs the expression of at least one anti-tumor agent, such that the growth of said tumor is inhibited. Representative examples of anti-tumor agents include immune activators and tumor proliferation inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention described herein allows the production of recombinant retroviruses (retroviral vector particles) from producer cells which are safer and of higher titer than normal. In addition, methods are provided for making helper cells which, when a recombinant retrovirus genome is introduced to make a producer line, produce particles that are targeted toward particular cell types. Methods are also provided for making recombinant retrovirus systems adapted to infect a particular cell type, such as a tumor, by binding the retrovirus or recombinant retrovirus in the particular cell type. Methods are also provided for producing recombinant retroviruses which integrate in a specific small number of places in the host genome, and for producing recombinant retroviruses from transgenic animals.