The present invention relates to compositions comprising and methods of producing genetically engineered bacteriophages, bacteriophage-like particles and non-replicating transduction particles (NRTPs) that contain non-native tail fibers that display altered host specificity and/or reactivity. The present invention also relates to methods of using these bacteriophages and NRTPs for the development of novel diagnostics, therapeutics and/or research reagents for bacteria-related diseases.

The present invention relates to compositions comprising and methods of producing genetically engineered bacteriophages, bacteriophage-like particles and non-replicating transduction particles (NRTPs) that contain non-native tail fibers that display altered host specificity and/or reactivity. The present invention also relates to methods of using these bacteriophages and NRTPs for the development of novel diagnostics, therapeutics and/or research reagents for bacteria-related diseases.

Described is hybrid viral vector comprising: a first virus such as bacteriophage T4; one or more second virus such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) attached to the first virus through cross-bridges, such as avidin-biotin cross-bridges; one or more DNA molecules packaged in the first virus; one or more nucleic acid molecules packaged in the second virus; and one or more proteins displayed on the surface of the first virus. Also described are methods of making and using such a hybrid viral vector.

Described is hybrid viral vector comprising: a first virus such as bacteriophage T4; one or more second virus such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) attached to the first virus through cross-bridges, such as avidin-biotin cross-bridges; one or more DNA molecules packaged in the first virus; one or more nucleic acid molecules packaged in the second virus; and one or more proteins displayed on the surface of the first virus. Also described are methods of making and using such a hybrid viral vector.

The present invention relates to compositions comprising and methods of producing genetically engineered bacteriophages, bacteriophage-like particles and non-replicating transduction particles (NRTPs) that contain non-native tail fibers that display altered host specificity and/or reactivity. The present invention also relates to methods of using these bacteriophages and NRTPs for the development of novel diagnostics, therapeutics and/or research reagents for bacteria-related diseases.

Described is hybrid viral vector comprising: a first virus such as bacteriophage T4; one or more second virus such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) attached to the first virus through cross-bridges, such as avidin-biotin cross-bridges; one or more DNA molecules packaged in the first virus; one or more nucleic acid molecules packaged in the second virus; and one or more proteins displayed on the surface of the first virus. Also described are methods of making and using such a hybrid viral vector.

Described herein is a soluble HIV-1 retrovirus transmembrane glycoprotein gp41 trimer (Soc-gp41M-Fd) containing a partial ectodomain and the cytoplasmic domain, that is fused to the small outer capsid (Soc) protein of bacteriophage T4 and the Foldon domain of the bacteriophage T4 fibritin (Fd). The gp41 trimer that has a prehairpin structure could be utilized to understand the mechanism of viral entry and as a candidate for development of HIV-1 vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. Other secondary embodiments of the gp41 proteins containing different modifications are also disclosed. According to one embodiment, the gp41 trimer is further attached to a cell penetration peptide (CPP). Methods of producing gp41 trimers are also disclosed.