The invention relates to chimeric molecules comprising a virus coat sequence
and a receptor sequence that can inter-act with each other to form a complex that
is capable of binding a co-receptor. Such chimeric molecules therefore exhibit
functional properties characteristic of a receptor-coat protein complex and are
useful as agents that inhibit virus infection of cells due to occupancy of a co-receptor
present on the cell. In particular aspects, the chimeric polypeptide includes an
immunodeficiency virus envelope polypeptide, such as that of HIV, SIV, FIV, FeLV,
FPV and herpes virus. Receptor sequences suitable for use in a chimeric polypeptide
include, for example, CD4 D1D2 and CD4M9 sequences.
