Strategies for HIV-1 vaccines that induce broadly neutralizing antibodies

Nat Rev Immunol. 2023 Mar;23(3):142-158. doi: 10.1038/s41577-022-00753-w. Epub 2022 Aug 12.

Abstract

After nearly four decades of research, a safe and effective HIV-1 vaccine remains elusive. There are many reasons why the development of a potent and durable HIV-1 vaccine is challenging, including the extraordinary genetic diversity of HIV-1 and its complex mechanisms of immune evasion. HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins are poorly recognized by the immune system, which means that potent broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are only infrequently induced in the setting of HIV-1 infection or through vaccination. Thus, the biology of HIV-1-host interactions necessitates novel strategies for vaccine development to be designed to activate and expand rare bnAb-producing B cell lineages and to select for the acquisition of critical improbable bnAb mutations. Here we discuss strategies for the induction of potent and broad HIV-1 bnAbs and outline the steps that may be necessary for ultimate success.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Vaccines*
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antigens, Viral
  • Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies
  • HIV Antibodies
  • HIV Infections*
  • HIV-1*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies
  • HIV Antibodies
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • AIDS Vaccines
  • Antigens, Viral