| abstract |
The susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection depends on the cell surface expression of the human CD4 molecule and a human fusion accessory factor associated with HIV infection (CXCR4). CXCR4 is a member of the 7-transmembrane segment superfamily of G-protein-coupled cell surface molecules. CXCR4 plays an essential role in the membrane fusion step of HIV infection. The establishment of stable, nonhuman cell lines and transgenic mammals having cells that coexpress human CD4 and CXCR4 provides valuable tools for the continuing research of HIV infection and the development of more effective anti-HIV therapeutics. In addition, antibodies against CXCR4, isolated and purified peptide fragments of CXCR4, and CXCR4-binding biologic agents capable of blocking membrane fusion between HIV and target cells represent potential anti-HIV therapeutics. |