Abstract: The present invention provides targeted lentiviral vectors that are psuedotyped with mutated Sindbis envelopes. For example, mutations in the Sindbis E2 protein are used to alter viral titer, specificity, specificity index, tropism, and susceptibility to host immune response. Typically, one or more of the E1, E2, or E3 proteins can be mutated at one or more amino acid positions. The psuedotyped, targeted lentiviral vectors of the invention are used to transduce heterologous genes into a cell and can be used for in vivo and ex vivo therapeutic applications, as well as for diagnostic and research tool applications.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle. In yet a further aspect, the invention provides methods for expression of a small RNA molecule within a cell, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, wherein expression of the small RNA molecule is relatively non-cytotoxic to the cell. The invention also includes small RNA molecules, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, that are relatively non-cytotoxic to cells.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector. The methods can be used to express double stranded RNA complexes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell, that interfere with a viral life cycle by down regulating either the viral genome, a viral genome transcript, or a host cell that. In another aspect the invention provides methods for treating patients having suffering from infection, particularly infection with HIV.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle. In yet a further aspect, the invention provides methods for expression of a small RNA molecule within a cell, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, wherein expression of the small RNA molecule is relatively non-cytotoxic to the cell. The invention also includes small RNA molecules, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, that are relatively non-cytotoxic to cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to retroviral vectors, particularly lentiviral vectors, pseudotyped with Sindbis envelope and targeted to specific cell types via a targeting moiety linked to the envelope.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle. In yet a further aspect, the invention provides methods for expression of a small RNA molecule within a cell, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, wherein expression of the small RNA molecule is relatively non-cytotoxic to the cell. The invention also includes small RNA molecules, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, that are relatively non-cytotoxic to cells.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). The methods can be used to express double stranded RNA complexes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell, that interfere with a viral life cycle by down regulating either the viral genome, a viral genome transcript, or a host cell that. In another aspect the invention provides methods for treating patients having suffering from infection, particularly infection with HIV. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to retroviral vectors, particularly lentiviral vectors, pseudotyped with Sindbis envelope and targeted to specific cell types via a targeting moiety linked to the envelope.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a novel human T-cell lymphotropic, or leukemia, virus type II (HTLV-II) isolate designated NRA. HTLV-IINRA was originally isolated from a patient with atypical hairy cell leukemia. Preliminary restriction analysis of this isolate demonstrated that it differs genetically from the prototypical HTLV-II isolate Mo. HTLV-IINRA proviral molecular clones were obtained and the entire nucleotide sequence of the virus ascertained. The claimed invention is particularly directed toward the gp46 and p21e envelope proteins encoded by the env gene. Methods and kits for the detection of HTLV-II antibodies employing these envelope proteins are also described.

Abstract: The essential role of the Vpr protein of HIV in the progression of HIV infection is disclosed. Recognition of this role permits assay for potential drug candidates by virtue of their ability to interfere with the interaction of Vpr with its intracellular targets. Thus, cells that are modified to contain an expression system for the production of Vpr are cultured in the presence and absence of the drug candidate and the growth rates compared. The ability of a candidate to enhance the growth of a culture producing Vpr indicates its potential as an anti-AIDS therapeutic.

Abstract: The essential role of the Vpr protein of HIV in the progression of HIV infection is disclosed. Recognition of this role permits assay for potential drug candidates by virtue of their ability to interfere with the interaction of Vpr with its intracellular targets. Thus, cells that are modified to contain an expression system for the production of Vpr are cultured in the presence and absence of the drug candidate and the growth rates compared. The ability of a candidate to enhance the growth of a culture producing Vpr indicates its potential as an anti-AIDS therapeutic.

Abstract: Polypeptides, fragments thereof, antisera and monoclonal antibodies thereto are provided for the detection of retroviruses in the HTLV family capable of inducing transformation in human lymphocytes and other immune cells, regulation of viral replication and transformation or infection of human cells.