Abstract: The present invention encompasses membranous baculovirus-derived vesicle compositions having exposed on their external surfaces a ligator capable of selectively binding a ligand to be detected. The compositions also have exposed on their outer surfaces a signal reagent capable of reacting with another signal reagent to generate a signal capable of being detected. The present invention also encompasses assay methods for determining the presence and amount of a ligand in a sample using the membranous vesicle compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention comprises animal derived cells, especially erythrocytes, which have been artificially modified (and referred to as engineered erythrocytes or RBCs) so as to incorporate in their plasma membranes an antigen, CD4 protein derived from lymphocytes) which will cause them to selectively seek out and fuse with other cells that are infected with a virus, especially the AIDS virus. These modified cells can be further altered so as to contain in their cytoplasm a cytotoxic agent which, after the cell has fused with a target cell, will result in the pooling of their respective cytoplasms and the death of both cells. Such modified cells can be used as a basis for an in vitro diagnostic assay involving cells derived from the blood of patients suspected of having AIDS.

Abstract: A method of incorporating human CD4 or glycophorin into a red blood cell membrane is provided comprising exposing the red blood cell to an electric field while the cell is suspended in an electro-insertion medium in the presence of a buffered solution (suspension) of the proteins. These proteins bear a hydrophobic membrane spanning sequence. The resultant cell of the electro-insertion is then contacted with a resealing medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerosol composition for in vivo imaging or ex vivo diagnosis of tumors, which composition contains one or more soluble fragments of bacterial wall or cell peptidoglycan or equivalent synthetic compounds which are labelled with a radioactive, paramagnetic or fluorescent element and encapsulated in liposomes and a substrate which can be used for administration by aerosol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerosol composition for in vivo imaging or ex vivo diagnosis of tumors, which composition contains one or more soluble fragments of bacterial wall or cell peptidoglycan or equivalent synthetic compounds which are labelled with a radioactive, paramagnetic or fluorescent element and encapsulated in liposomes and a substrate which can be used for administration by aerosol.

Abstract: The invention provides erythrocytes of improved O.sub.2 -release properties having fused thereto small allosteric effectors, f.i. inositol hexaphosphate-containing lipid vesicles. Also included in the invention is a method for making said erythrocytes and plasma containing said erythrocytes. This application is specifically directed to said inositol hexaphosphate-containing lipid vesicles.

Abstract: The invention provides erythrocytes of improved O.sub.2 -release properties having fused thereto small allosteric effectors, f.i. inositol hexaphosphate-containing lipid vesicles. Also included in the invention is a method for making said erythrocytes and plasma containing said erythrocytes.

Abstract: The invention provides erythrocytes of improved O.sub.2 -release properties having fused thereto small allosteric effectors, f.i. inositol hexaphosphate-containing lipid vesicles. Also included in the invention is a method for making said erythrocytes and plasma containing said erythrocytes. The above-identified lipid vesicles provide an additional aspect of the invention.