An immunogenic proteoliposome containing a transmembrane protein or
oligomeric complexes containing such proteins, including viral envelope
glycoproteins, in a lipid membrane around an elliptoid or spherical
shape. The shape preferably also contains an attractant such as
streptavidin or avidin and the lipid membrane contains a moiety that
binds to the attractant such as biotin. The immunogenic transmembrane
protein is bound to a ligand which is anchored in the shape. Methods for
making the immunogenic proteoliposomes are provided uses of the
proteoliposome are described, including their use as immunogens to elicit
immune reaction, and their use in screening assays, including their use
as antigens to screen antibody libraries, as well as for drug screening
and the identification of ligands.