A new study by researchers from the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and partners, was published on January 14th in PLOS Pathogens. It helps AIDS vaccine researchers further understand how HIV interacts with its host, and how some people naturally produce antibodies against the virus’ many variants.
IAVI and many fellow researchers are working to design and develop a vaccine that can mimic and accelerate the lengthy process of producing powerful antibodies that can neutralize many of the virus’ variants.
This research utilized samples from 439 newly infected volunteers in Protocol C, a large observational study by IAVI and partners in Eastern and South Africa supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). About 15 per cent of the volunteers developed broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAb) responses, on average three years after infection. Researchers say gender, age and geographical origin have no influence on the development of bNAbs. However, the study showed that broad neutralization was associated with high viral load, low levels of particular immune cells, infection with one particular HIV subtype and the presence of a particular gene in the host.
According to Mark Feinberg, IAVI President and CEO, “the volunteers who participate in these studies are critical and valued partners in the effort to design a safe and effective AIDS vaccine.”
