Abstract
We have recently developed a candidate HIV-1 vaccine based on virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing a gp120 from an Ugandan HIV-1 isolate of the clade A (HIV-VLPAs). In vivo immunogenicity experiments were performed in Balb/c mice, with an immunization schedule based on a multiple-dose regimen of HIV-VLPAs without adjuvants, showing a significant induction of both humoral and cellular immunity. The Env-specific cellular response was investigated in vitro, scoring for both the proliferative response of T helper cells and the cytolytic activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Furthermore, immune sera showed >50% neutralization activity against both the autologous field isolate and the heterologous T cell adapted B-clade HIV-1IIIB viral strain. This is one of the first examples of HIV-1 vaccines based on antigens derived from the A clade, which represents >25% of all isolates identified world wide. In particular, the A clade is predominant in sub-Saharan countries, where 70% of the global HIV-1 infections occur, and where vaccination is the only rational strategy for an affordable prevention against HIV-1 infection.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 189-201 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Antiviral Research |
Volume | 54 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2002 |
Keywords
- Clade A
- HIV-1
- Vaccine
- Virus-like particles
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Virology
- Pharmacology