Immunochemical engineering of cell surfaces to generate virus resistance

Abstract

Modern immunochemical engineering allows the creation of cells that either secrete antibodies or incorporate them into various cellular compartments, including the plasma membrane. Because the receptors for most viruses are known, if one can achieve the proper stoichiometry and geometry, plasma membrane-associated antibodies to these receptors should block viral infection. In this report, we test this concept for two different viruses, human rhinovirus and HIV. Plasma membrane-tethered antibodies efficiently rendered cells permanently nonpermissive for infection by both these viruses. Membrane-bound antibodies were much more efficient than free antibody in preventing infection, likely because of the effective molarity of membrane bound antibodies. Such resistant cells may restore immune-competence to otherwise compromised HIV patients.