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Defining Kinetic Properties of HIV-Specific CD8⁺ T-Cell Responses in Acute Infection. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7030069. [PMID: 30836625 PMCID: PMC6462943 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7030069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence indicate that CD8 + T cells are important in the control of HIV-1 (HIV) replication. However, CD8 + T cells induced by natural infection cannot eliminate the virus or reduce viral loads to acceptably low levels in most infected individuals. Understanding the basic quantitative features of CD8 + T-cell responses induced during HIV infection may therefore inform us about the limits that HIV vaccines, which aim to induce protective CD8 + T-cell responses, must exceed. Using previously published experimental data from a cohort of HIV-infected individuals with sampling times from acute to chronic infection we defined the quantitative properties of CD8 + T-cell responses to the whole HIV proteome. In contrast with a commonly held view, we found that the relative number of HIV-specific CD8 + T-cell responses (response breadth) changed little over the course of infection (first 400 days post-infection), with moderate but statistically significant changes occurring only during the first 35 symptomatic days. This challenges the idea that a change in the T-cell response breadth over time is responsible for the slow speed of viral escape from CD8 + T cells in the chronic infection. The breadth of HIV-specific CD8 + T-cell responses was not correlated with the average viral load for our small cohort of patients. Metrics of relative immunodominance of HIV-specific CD8 + T-cell responses such as Shannon entropy or the Evenness index were also not significantly correlated with the average viral load. Our mathematical-model-driven analysis suggested extremely slow expansion kinetics for the majority of HIV-specific CD8 + T-cell responses and the presence of intra- and interclonal competition between multiple CD8 + T-cell responses; such competition may limit the magnitude of CD8 + T-cell responses, specific to different epitopes, and the overall number of T-cell responses induced by vaccination. Further understanding of mechanisms underlying interactions between the virus and virus-specific CD8 + T-cell response will be instrumental in determining which T-cell-based vaccines will induce T-cell responses providing durable protection against HIV infection.
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Improving ethical and participatory practice for marginalized populations in biomedical HIV prevention trials: lessons from Thailand. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100058. [PMID: 24949864 PMCID: PMC4064984 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This paper presents findings from a qualitative investigation of ethical and participatory issues related to the conduct of biomedical HIV prevention trials among marginalized populations in Thailand. This research was deemed important to conduct, as several large-scale biomedical HIV prevention trials among marginalized populations had closed prematurely in other countries, and a better understanding of how to prevent similar trial closures from occurring in the future was desired. Methods In-depth key informant interviews were held in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, translated and thematically analyzed. The Good Participatory Practice Guidelines for Biomedical HIV Prevention Trials (GPP) guided this work. Results Fourteen interviews were conducted: 10 with policymakers, academic and community-based researchers and trial staff and four with representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Suggested ways to improve ethical and participatory practice centered on standards of HIV prevention, informed consent, communication and human rights. In particular, the need to overcome language and literacy differences was identified. Key informants felt communication was the basis of ethical understanding and trust within biomedical HIV prevention trial contexts, and thus fundamental to trial participants' ability to exercise free will. Discussion Biomedical HIV prevention trials present opportunities for inclusive and productive ethical and participatory practice. Key informants suggested that efforts to improve practice could result in better relationships between research stakeholders and research investigative teams and by extension, better, more ethical participatory trials. This research took place in Thailand and its findings apply primarily to Thailand. However, given the universality of many ethical considerations, the results of this study can inform the improvement of ethical and participatory practice in other parts of the world where biomedical HIV prevention trials occur, and where clinical trials in marginalized populations continue.
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Li J, Dufrene SL, Okulicz JF. Systemic preexposure prophylaxis for HIV: translating clinical data to clinical practice. Ann Pharmacother 2014; 48:507-18. [PMID: 24473492 DOI: 10.1177/1060028014520880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the real-world implications of oral tenofovir-emtricitabine (TDF-FTC) for HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in clinical practice and highlight important considerations for its implementation. DATA SOURCES A search of PubMed (January 1996 through June 2013) was conducted using the terms HIV preexposure prophylaxis, HIV prevention, tenofovir, and emtricitabine. Abstracts from 2012-2013 HIV/AIDS conferences were also reviewed. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION All pertinent original studies and review articles published in English were evaluated for inclusion. Reference citations from identified articles were examined for additional content. DATA SYNTHESIS Although antiretroviral therapy has been highly successful in reducing AIDS outcomes and death in HIV-infected patients worldwide, transmission of HIV remains a major global health problem. The recent approval of oral TDF-FTC for HIV PrEP represents the latest biomedical intervention to help control this epidemic. Four published randomized studies evaluated the efficacy and safety of this combination to prevent HIV transmission in several at-risk populations, including men who have sex with men, serodiscordant couples, and heterosexuals residing in endemic regions. Overall, these studies demonstrated significant risk reductions in the incidence of new HIV infections with good short-term tolerability. Despite promising results from clinical studies, several limitations may hinder the utility of PrEP in clinical practice. Most importantly, PrEP was studied in the context of a comprehensive prevention program, including intensive counseling on adherence, high-risk behaviors, and traditional preventative measures. If PrEP is implemented without these adjunct measures, concerns about failure and increased resistance may eventually be realized. CONCLUSION The greatest impact of PrEP, both clinically and financially, will likely arise from judicious application in select high-risk populations. If used appropriately, PrEP has the potential to augment reductions in the current incidence of new HIV infections, and pharmacists will have an important role in the careful selection and counseling of these targeted populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Li
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Gilmore HJ, Liu A, Koester KA, Amico KR, McMahan V, Goicochea P, Vargas L, Lubensky D, Buchbinder S, Grant R. Participant experiences and facilitators and barriers to pill use among men who have sex with men in the iPrEx pre-exposure prophylaxis trial in San Francisco. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2013; 27:560-6. [PMID: 24093809 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2013.0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2010, the iPrEx study demonstrated efficacy of daily emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in reducing HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men. Adherence to study product was critical for PrEP efficacy, and varied considerably, with FTC/TDF detection rates highest in the United States. We conducted a qualitative study to gain insights into the experiences of iPrEx participants in San Francisco (SF) where there was high confirmed adherence, to understand individual and contextual factors influencing study product use in this community. In 2009 and 2011, we conducted focus groups and in-depth interviews in 36 and 16 SF iPrEx participants, respectively. Qualitative analyses indicate that participants joined the study out of altruism. They had a clear understanding of study product use, and pill taking was facilitated by establishing or building on an existing routine. Participants valued healthcare provided by the study and relationships with staff, whom they perceived as nonjudgmental, and found client-centered counseling to be an important part of the PrEP package. This facilitated pill taking and accurate reporting of missed doses. Adherence barriers included changes in routine, side effects/intercurrent illnesses, and stress. Future PrEP adherence interventions should leverage existing routines and establish client-centered relationships/ environments to support pill taking and promote accurate reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey J. Gilmore
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California
| | - Albert Liu
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California
| | - Kimberly Ann Koester
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - K. Rivet Amico
- Department of Psychology, Center for Health/HIV Intervention and Prevention, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Vanessa McMahan
- Gladstone Institutes, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Pedro Goicochea
- Gladstone Institutes, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | | | | | - Susan Buchbinder
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California
| | - Robert Grant
- Gladstone Institutes, University of California, San Francisco, California
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Zhai Y, Zhong Z, Zariffard M, Spear GT, Qiao L. Bovine papillomavirus-like particles presenting conserved epitopes from membrane-proximal external region of HIV-1 gp41 induced mucosal and systemic antibodies. Vaccine 2013; 31:5422-9. [PMID: 24055348 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2013] [Revised: 07/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Two conserved epitopes, located in the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp41, are recognized by two HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies 2F5 and 4E10, and are promising targets for vaccine design in efforts to elicit anti-HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies. Since most HIV-1 infections initiate at mucosal surfaces, induction of mucosal neutralizing antibodies is necessary and of utmost importance to counteract HIV-1 infection. Here, we utilized a mucosal vaccine vector, bovine papillomavirus (BPV) virus-like particles (VLPs), as a platform to present HIV-1 neutralizing epitopes by inserting the extended 2F5 or 4E10 epitope or the MPER domain into D-E loop of BPV L1 respectively. The chimeric VLPs presenting MPER domain resembled the HIV-1 natural epitopes better than the chimeric VLPs presenting single epitopes. Oral immunization of mice with the chimeric VLPs displaying the 2F5 epitope or MPER domain elicited epitope-specific serum IgGs and mucosal secretory IgAs. The induced antibodies specifically recognized the native conformation of MPER in the context of HIV-1 envelope protein. The antibodies induced by chimeric VLPs presenting MPER domain are able to partially neutralize HIV-1 viruses from clade B and clade C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yougang Zhai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
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Translational research insights from completed HIV vaccine efficacy trials. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2013; 63 Suppl 2:S150-4. [PMID: 23764628 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e31829a3985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The development of a safe and effective HIV vaccine remains a challenge. The modest efficacy seen in the RV144 vaccine trial represented an important milestone for the field. Results from all efficacy studies done to date have generated new information, which has advanced the HIV vaccine field in important ways. In this article, we review the translational research insights from the vaccine efficacy trials completed and fully analyzed to date. We also describe the recent advances in the search for broadly neutralizing antibodies and discuss potential approaches to circumvent the challenge posed by the enormous diversity of HIV-1. The experience from the past 5 years highlights the importance of conducting efficacy studies that continue to move us closer toward the goal of a safe, effective, durable, and universal HIV preventive vaccine.
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Deschamps MM, Zorrilla CD, Morgan CA, Donastorg Y, Metch B, Madenwald T, Joseph P, Severe K, Garced S, Perez M, Escamilia G, Swann E, Pape JW. Recruitment of Caribbean female commercial sex workers at high risk of HIV infection. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2013; 34:92-98. [PMID: 24096973 PMCID: PMC4008335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate novel eligibility criteria and outreach methods to identify and recruit women at high risk of HIV-1 infection in the Caribbean. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted in 2009-2012 among 799 female commercial sex workers in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Puerto Rico. Minimum eligibility criteria included exchange of sex for goods, services, or money in the previous 6 months and unprotected vaginal or anal sex with a man during the same period. Sites used local epidemiology to develop more stringent eligibility criteria and recruitment strategies. Participants were asked questions about HIV/AIDS and their level of concern about participating in an HIV vaccine trial. Logistic regression modeling was used to assess predictors of prevalent HIV infection and willingness to participate in a future HIV vaccine study. RESULTS HIV prevalence at screening was 4.6%. Crack cocaine use [odds ratio (OR) = 4.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.8-9.0)] was associated with and having sex with clients in a hotel or motel [OR = 0.5, CI (0.3-1.0)] was inversely associated with HIV infection. A total of 88.9% of enrolled women were definitely or probably willing to participate in a future HIV vaccine trial. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that local eligibility criteria and recruitment methods can be developed to identify and recruit commercial sex workers with higher HIV prevalence than the general population who express willingness to join an HIV vaccine trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Marcelle Deschamps
- Groupe Haitien d’Etude du Sarcome de Kaposi et des Infections Opportunistes, Port au Prince, Haiti
| | - Carmen D. Zorrilla
- Maternal and Infant Studies Center, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Cecilia A. Morgan
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Yeycy Donastorg
- Unidad de Vacunas, Instituto Dermatologico y Cirugía de Piel (IDCP)/ Centro de Orientación e Investigación Integral (COIN) / Dirección Nacional de Control de Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual y SIDA (DIGECITSS), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Barbara Metch
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Tamra Madenwald
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Patrice Joseph
- Groupe Haitien d’Etude du Sarcome de Kaposi et des Infections Opportunistes, Port au Prince, Haiti
| | - Karine Severe
- Groupe Haitien d’Etude du Sarcome de Kaposi et des Infections Opportunistes, Port au Prince, Haiti
| | - Sheyla Garced
- Maternal and Infant Studies Center, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Marta Perez
- Unidad de Vacunas, Instituto Dermatologico y Cirugía de Piel (IDCP)/ Centro de Orientación e Investigación Integral (COIN) / Dirección Nacional de Control de Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual y SIDA (DIGECITSS), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Gina Escamilia
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Edith Swann
- Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jean William Pape
- Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
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Leroux-Roels G, Maes C, Clement F, van Engelenburg F, van den Dobbelsteen M, Adler M, Amacker M, Lopalco L, Bomsel M, Chalifour A, Fleury S. Randomized Phase I: Safety, Immunogenicity and Mucosal Antiviral Activity in Young Healthy Women Vaccinated with HIV-1 Gp41 P1 Peptide on Virosomes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55438. [PMID: 23437055 PMCID: PMC3577797 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Mucosal antibodies harboring various antiviral activities may best protect mucosal surfaces against early HIV-1 entry at mucosal sites and they should be ideally induced by prophylactic HIV-1 vaccines for optimal prevention of sexually transmitted HIV-1. A phase I, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in twenty-four healthy HIV-uninfected young women. The study objectives were to assess the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of virosomes harboring surface HIV-1 gp41-derived P1 lipidated peptides (MYM-V101). Participants received placebo or MYM-V101 vaccine at 10 μg/dose or 50 μg/dose intramuscularly at week 0 and 8, and intranasally at week 16 and 24. MYM-V101 was safe and well-tolerated at both doses administered by the intramuscular and intranasal routes, with the majority of subjects remaining free of local and general symptoms. P1-specific serum IgGs and IgAs were induced in all high dose recipients after the first injection. After the last vaccination, vaginal and rectal P1-specific IgGs could be detected in all high dose recipients. Approximately 63% and 43% of the low and high dose recipients were respectively tested positive for vaginal P1-IgAs, while 29% of the subjects from the high dose group tested positive for rectal IgAs. Serum samples had total specific IgG and IgA antibody concentrations ≥ 0.4 μg/mL, while mucosal samples were usually below 0.01 μg/mL. Vaginal secretions from MYM-V101 vaccinated subjects were inhibiting HIV-1 transcytosis but had no detectable neutralizing activity. P1-specific Th1 responses could not be detected on PBMC. This study demonstrates the excellent safety and tolerability of MYM-V101, eliciting systemic and mucosal antibodies in the majority of subjects. Vaccine-induced mucosal anti-gp41 antibodies toward conserved gp41 motifs were harboring HIV-1 transcytosis inhibition activity and may contribute to reduce sexually-transmitted HIV-1. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01084343.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geert Leroux-Roels
- Center for Vaccinology (CEVAC), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Cathy Maes
- Center for Vaccinology (CEVAC), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Clement
- Center for Vaccinology (CEVAC), Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Lucia Lopalco
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Morgane Bomsel
- Mucosal Entry of HIV-1 and Mucosal Immunity, Cell Biology and Host Pathogen Interactions Department, Cochin Institute, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France
- INSERM U1016, Paris, France
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Safety and immunogenicity of DNA prime and modified vaccinia ankara virus-HIV subtype C vaccine boost in healthy adults. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2013; 20:397-408. [PMID: 23345581 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00637-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I trial was conducted in 32 HIV-uninfected healthy volunteers to assess the safety and immunogenicity of 3 doses of DNA vaccine (Advax) plus 1 dose of recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) (TBC-M4) or 3 doses of TBC-M4 alone (groups A and B, respectively). Both vaccine regimens were found to be safe and well tolerated. Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) assay responses were detected in 1/10 (10%) individuals in group A after three Advax primes and in 9/9 individuals (100%) after the MVA boost. In group B, IFN-γ ELISPOT responses were detected in 6/12 (50%) and 7/11 (64%) individuals after the second and third MVA vaccinations, respectively. Responses to all vaccine components, but predominantly to Env, were seen. The breadth and magnitude of the T cell response and viral inhibition were greater in group A than in group B, indicating that the quality of the T-cell response was enhanced by the DNA prime. Intracellular cytokine staining indicated that the T-cell responses were polyfunctional but were skewed toward Env with a CD4(+) phenotype. At 2 weeks after the last vaccination, HIV-specific antibody responses were detected in all (100%) group B and 1/11 (9.1%) group A vaccinees. Vaccinia virus-specific responses were detected in all (100%) group B and 2/11 (18.2%) group A vaccinees. In conclusion, HIV-specific T-cell responses were seen in the majority of volunteers in groups A and B but with a trend toward greater quality of the T-cell response in group A. Antibody responses were better in group B than in group A.
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The changing face of HIV vaccine research. J Int AIDS Soc 2012; 15:17407. [PMID: 22789610 PMCID: PMC3499796 DOI: 10.7448/ias.15.2.17407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Revised: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
While there has been remarkable progress in understanding the biology of HIV-1 and its recognition by the human immune system, we have not yet developed an efficacious HIV-1 vaccine. Vaccine challenges include the genetic diversity and mutability of HIV-1 which create a plethora of constantly changing antigens, the structural features of the viral envelope glycoprotein that disguise conserved receptor-binding sites from the immune system, and the presence of carbohydrate moieties that shield potential epitopes from antibodies. Despite these challenges, there has been significant scientific progress in recent years. In 2009, a large-scale clinical trial known as RV144 demonstrated that a HIV-1 vaccine could modestly reduce the incidence of HIV-1 infection. Further, the identification of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (such as VRC01, a human monoclonal antibody capable of neutralizing over 90% of natural HIV-1 isolates, as well as PG and PGT antibodies that recognize conserved glycopeptide epitopes) has revealed new opportunities for vaccine design. Our ability to understand HIV-1 structure and antibody epitopes at the atomic level, the rapid advance of computational and bioinformatics approaches to immunogen design, and our newly acquired knowledge that it is possible for a vaccine to reduce the risk of HIV-1 infection, have all opened up new and promising pathways towards the development of an urgently needed effective HIV-1 vaccine. This article summarizes challenges to the development of an HIV-1 vaccine, lessons learned from scientific investigation and completed vaccine trials, and promising developments in HIV-1 vaccine design.
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De Groot AS, Levitz L, Ardito MT, Skowron G, Mayer KH, Buus S, Boyle CM, Martin WD. Further progress on defining highly conserved immunogenic epitopes for a global HIV vaccine: HLA-A3-restricted GAIA vaccine epitopes. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2012; 8:987-1000. [PMID: 22777092 DOI: 10.4161/hv.20528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Two major obstacles confronting HIV vaccine design have been the extensive viral diversity of HIV-1 globally and viral evolution driven by escape from CD8(+) cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte (CTL)-mediated immune pressure. Regions of the viral genome that are not able to escape immune response and that are conserved in sequence and across time may represent the "Achilles' heel" of HIV and would be excellent candidates for vaccine development. In this study, T-cell epitopes were selected using immunoinformatics tools, combining HLA-A3 binding predictions with relative sequence conservation in the context of global HIV evolution. Twenty-seven HLA-A3 epitopes were chosen from an analysis performed in 2003 on 10,803 HIV-1 sequences, and additional sequences were selected in 2009 based on an expanded set of 43,822 sequences. These epitopes were tested in vitro for HLA binding and for immunogenicity with PBMCs of HIV-infected donors from Providence, Rhode Island. Validation of these HLA-A3 epitopes conserved across time, clades, and geography supports the hypothesis that epitopes such as these would be candidates for inclusion in our globally relevant GAIA HIV vaccine constructs.
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Newman PA. Integrating social and biomedical science in HIV vaccine research: obstacles, opportunities and ways forward. Expert Rev Vaccines 2012; 11:1-3. [PMID: 22149699 DOI: 10.1586/erv.11.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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