Application
Trimeric gp120 immunogen that induces broadly cross-reactive V1V2-antibodies for HIV-1 vaccine.
Key Benefits
- Possible oral administration.
- Broadly cross-reactive against HIV-1 panel.
- Promotes antibody responses as both a primary immunogen and boosting immunogen.
Market Summary
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically prolonged the lives of patients suffering from HIV. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress viral replication, it does not eliminate the viral reservoir. A recent study determined a major correlate of protection to be non-neutralizing antibodies directed towards the variable loops 1-2 (V1V2) on the HIV-1 gp120 envelope protein. In addition, antibodies directed toward a “hotspot” region within the V2 loop have been shown to correlate with decreased risk of infection, suggesting that the V2 loop should be preferentially targeted over the V1 loop for a vaccine response. Because of these findings there is now great interest in the development of vaccine immunogens that can promote substantial V1V2-directed antibody responses.
Technical Summary
Emory researchers have found a trimeric gp120 immunogen for HIV vaccine. This immunogen is able to promote strong, broadly cross-reactive V1V2 antibody responses in vivo. The ability to generate such cross-reactive antibodies suggests it has great potential as a vaccine antigen. The immunogen was also tested as a boosting immunogen and showed similarly broad, cross-reactive V1V2 response, suggesting it can promote V1V2 antibody responses as both a primary and a boosting immunogen.
Developmental Stage
In vivo data is available. Pre-clinical studies continue.
Publication
Kesavardhana, S. et. al. (2016). J. Biol. Chem, 292, 278-291.
Jones, A. et. al. (2018). J. Virol, 92(5), e01796-17.
Jones, A. et. al. (2019). Nat. Comm., 10(1), 798.
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