Dr. Gary Matyas and Dr. Carl Alving, researchers in the Division of Retrovirology, MHRP, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), reported in the August 25th online edition of AIDS that they have experimentally induced antibodies that neutralize HIV-1 and recognize both HIV-1 envelope protein and lipids - a first in the HIV research arena.

Until now, the HIV field has been unable to induce neutralizing antibodies that have both protein-binding and lipid-binding characteristics similar to the two well-known human monoclonal antibodies, 2F5 or 4E10. These new monoclonal antibodies were produced after immunizing mice, and have binding characteristics that look very similar to the human models - offering promise for HIV vaccine research. This study employed widely used, clinically acceptable, well-tolerated and relatively inexpensive generic antigen-adjuvant constituents that potentially could be used as part of a human formulation.

Dr. Carl Alving, Chief of the Department of Adjuvant and Antigen Research, said, "Some of the strongest naturally occurring antibodies that broadly neutralize HIV have the unique characteristics of recognizing both HIV protein and lipid. It has been believed that it might be difficult to induce such antibodies experimentally, and historically, this has been considered a potential roadblock to creation of an effective HIV vaccine. This study demonstrates that such antibodies might be induced with immuno-stimulating liposomes."

Source: https://www01.hjf.org/apps/internet/hjfnewscenter.nsf/newsmainview/9F065...