HIV Vaccines Based on Novel MULV-HIV Fusion Proteins.
Abstract
We have continued our efforts to develop an effective HIV-1 vaccine based on the VI/V2 domain of gp120. Studies with human sera and with antibodies isolated from immunized animals have shown that the V1/V2 domain contains highly conserved epitopes that can act as potent neutralizing targets for a broad range of primary HIV-1 isolates. We have prepared a prototype immunogen, based on the Case-A2 isolate, that contains the clade B V2 consensus sequence, and have shown that this antigen induces highly cross-reactive anti-V1/V2 antibodies in both rats and macaques, and that specific fractions of these antibodies possess potent cross-neutralizing activity. We are continuing to analyze this immunogen in both the rat and macaque models, and we expect to further analyze the humoral responses to immunization with this protein, including the isolation of monoclonal antibodies against various epitopes in the V1/V2 domain. Our goal during the coming year is to more fully characterize the epitopes mediating the potent neutralization, and to modify the immunogen so that those epitopes are presented more specifically and efficiently. The macaque immunizations will provide sufficient amounts of antibodies for full characterization, and may allow challenge studies to be performed with appropriate SHIV strains.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA354728
Entities
People
- Abraham Pinter
Organizations
- Public Health Research Institute