CONJUGATES OF SOLUBLE T4 PROTEINS AND TOXINS AND METHODS FOR TREATING OR PREVENTING AIDS, ARC AND HIV INFECTION

摘要

This invention relates to compositions and methods useful for the treatment and prevention of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), AIDS related complex (ARC), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) injection. More particularly, this invention relates to immunotoxins formed by conjugating a toxin to a soluble T4 protein, an HIV virus receptor that binds to the HIV virus or to target cells carrying the gp120/160 HIV marker. This invention also relates to methods for secreting soluble T4-toxin fusion protein conjugates through the cell membrane of a host. The compositions and methods of this invention advantageously provide a highly specific, site-directed delivery system for delivery of toxin to HIV infected cells and to circulating HIV virus.