Abstract: A method of infecting target cells with retroviral vector particles having target cell specificity. The retroviral vector particles have a chimeric envelope protein consisting of an antigen binding site of an antibody or another peptide, fused to the envelope protein the retroviral vector. The antigen binding site or other peptide disrupts the natural viral receptor binding site. The method includes producing the retroviral vector and contacting the vector with the target cell such that the vector is internalized by the cell.

Abstract: The current methods of gene therapy do not allow for the efficient transduction of nerve cells, thereby limiting treatment of diseases or disorders involving the nervous system. The present invention is a method of treating a disease or disorder wherein an avian retrovirus (spleen necrosis virus, SNV) is engineered to express a rabies virus glycoprotein that allows for the specific targeting of nerve cells. Since SNV is not infectious to human cells the retrovirus of the present invention is safe. Further, incorporation of a glycoprotein gene, specifically the N2C gene, and a therapeutic gene(s) of interest into the retroviral vector allows for the specific and efficient transduction of nerve cells with the gene(s) of interest, thereby treating a disease or disorder involving nerve cells.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to retroviral vector particles having target cell specificity which comprise a retroviral vector having an antigen binding site of an antibody fused to the envelope protein of the retroviral vector, wherein the antigen binding site of the antibody replaces the natural viral receptor binding site.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to retroviral vector particles having target cell specificity which comprises a retroviral vector having a targeting peptide fused to the envelope protein of the retroviral vector to form a targeting envelope, wherein the targeting peptide replaces or disrupts the natural viral receptor binding site and the targeting peptide is the antigen binding site of an antibody, the receptor binding peptide of another virus, or is a peptide that specifically binds to a specific receptor of the target.