Method for preventing HIV-1 infection of CD4+ cells

Abstract

This invention provides methods for inhibiting fusion of HIV-1 to CD4 − cells which comprise contacting CD4 − cells with a non-chemokine agent capable of binding to a chemokine receptor in an amount and under conditions such that fusion of HIV-1 to the CD4 + cells is inhibited. This invention also provides methods for inhibiting HIV-1 infection of CD4 + cells which comprise contacting CD4 + cells with a non-chemokine agent capable of binding to a chemokine receptor in an amount and under conditions such that fusion of HIV-1 to the CD4 + cells is inhibited, thereby inhibiting the HIV-1 infection. This invention provides non-chemokine agents capable of binding to the chemokine receptor and inhibiting fusion of HIV-1 to CD4 + cells. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an amount of the non-chemokine agent capable of binding to the chemokine receptor and inhibiting fusion of HIV-1 to CD4 + cells effective to prevent fusion of HIV-1 to CD 4 + cells and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

1 - 50 . (canceled)  
     
     
         51 . An isolated antibody which binds the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2 when said polypeptide is expressed on the surface of a cell.  
     
     
         52 . The antibody of  claim 51 , wherein said antibody is monoclonal.  
     
     
         53 . The antibody of  claim 51 , wherein said antibody is humanized.  
     
     
         54 . An antibody that specifically binds to the extracellular domain of a chemokine receptor 88C polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence in SEQ ID NO:2, 
 wherein said antibody fails to cross-react with an MCP-1 receptor (CCCKR-2), and    wherein the antibody binds chemokine receptor 88C expressed on the surface of cells and inhibits human or simian human immunodeficiency (HIV or SIV) infection of said cells.    
     
     
         55 . A monoclonal antibody according to  claim 54 .  
     
     
         56 . A humanized antibody according to  claim 54.