Cells that produce inventive pseudotyped retroviruses having a broad host range
have been produced. In one aspect of the invention, the cells produce retroviruses
pseudotyped with at least two different viral glycoproteins, such as togaviral
glycoproteins. In alternative embodiments, the cells produce retroviruses pseudotyped
with filoviral glycoproteins. Methods of producing the above-described cells, as
well as the pseudotyped retroviruses thus produced, are also provided. In other
embodiments, methods of screening agents effective in blocking viral entry into
a cell, including filoviral entry or entry of viruses having at least two different
viral glycoproteins disposed in their lipid bilayer, such as togaviruses, are provided.
Moreover, methods of using the inventive pseudotyped retroviruses for introducing
nucleotide sequences into target cells, and kits for forming the inventive pseudotyped
retroviruses, are also provided.