| abstract |
The present invention provides a non-infectious immunotherapeutic containing retroviral particles devoid of outer envelope proteins or containing selected antigens isolated from a retrovirus. In one aspect, the immunogen is useful for immunizing an individual previously infected by a retrovirus including HIV, so as to induce factors against progression of the infection. In another aspect, there is provided a method of rendering a viral immunogen non-infectious. The immunogen may also be used to produce antibodies for passive immunotherapy, alone or in conjunction with active immunotherapy, in individuals infected with a retrovirus, including HIV, preferably those individuals exhibiting low levels of antibodies to retroviral gene products other than the outer envelope. |