Abstract: This invention relates to bispecific fusion proteins effective in viral neutralization. More specifically, such proteins have two different binding domains, an inducing-binding domain and an induced-binding domain, functionally linked by a peptide linker. Such proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding them, and their production and use in preventing or treating viral infections are provided. One prototypical bispecific fusion protein is sCD4-SCFv(17b), in which a soluble CD4 fragment (containing domains D1 and D2) is fused to a single chain Fv portion of antibody 17b via a linker.

Abstract: The susceptibility of human macrophages to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection depends on cell surface expression of the human CD4 molecule and CC cytokine receptor 5. CCR5 is a member of the 7-transmembrane segment superfamily of G-protein-coupled cell surface molecules. CCR5 plays an essential role in the membrane fusion step of infection by some HIV isolates. The establishment of stable, nonhuman cell lines and transgenic mammals having cells that coexpress human CD4 and CCR5 provides valuable tools for the continuing research of HIV infection. In addition, antibodies which bind to CCR5, CCR5 variants, and CCR5-binding agents, capable of blocking membrane fusion between HIV and target cells represent potential anti-HIV therapeutics for macrophage-tropic strains of HIV.

Abstract: The susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection depends on the cell surface expression of the human CD4 molecule and a human fusion accessory factor associated with HIV infection (CXCR4). CXCR4 is a member of the 7-transmembrane segment superfamily of G-protein-coupled cell surface molecules. CXCR4 plays an essential role in the membrane fusion step of HIV infection. The establishment of stable, nonhuman cell lines and transgenic mammals having cells that coexpress human CD4 and CXCR4 provides valuable tools for the continuing research of HIV infection and the development of more effective anti-HIV therapeutics. In addition, antibodies against CXCR4, isolated and purified peptide fragments of CXCR4, and CXCR4-binding biologic agents, capable of blocking membrane fusion between HIV and target cells represent potential anti-HIV therapeutics.

Abstract: The susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection depends on the cell surface expression of the human CD4 molecule and a human fusion accessory factor associated with HIV infection (CXCR4). CXCR4 is a member of the 7-transmembrane segment superfamily of G-protein-coupled cell surface molecules. CXCR4 plays an essential role in the membrane fusion step of HIV infection. The establishment of stable cell lines that coexpress human CD4 and CXCR4 provides valuable tools for the continuing research of HIV infection and the development of more effective anti-HIV therapeutics.