| abstract |
This invention relates to DNA sequences, recombinant DNA molecules and processes for producing soluble T4 protein. More particularly, this invention relates to DNA sequences that are characterized in that they code on expression in an appropriate unicellular host for soluble forms of T4, the receptor on the surface of T4<+> lymphocytes, or derivatives thereof. In accordance with this invention, the DNA sequences, recombinant DNA molecules and processes of this invention may be employed to produce soluble T4 essentially free of other proteins of human origin. This soluble protein may then advantageously be used in the immunotherapeutic and diagnostic compositions and methods of this invention. The soluble T4-based immunotherapeutic compositions and methods of this invention are useful in treating immunodeficient patients suffering from diseases caused by infective agents whose primary targets are T4<+> lymphocytes. According to a preferred embodiment, this invention relates to soluble T4-based compositions and methods which are useful in preventing, treating or detecting acquired immune deficiency syndrome, AIDS related complex and HIV infection. |