Maturation Pathways of Cross-Reactive HIV-1 Neutralizing Antibodies
Author Information
Author(s): Xiao Xiaodong, Chen Weizao, Feng Yang, Dimitrov Dimiter S.
Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
Hypothesis
The relatively high degree of specific somatic hypermutations may preclude binding of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) to closest germline antibodies.
Conclusion
Identifying antibodies that are intermediates in the pathways to maturation could help design novel vaccine immunogens to enhance the elicitation of broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Supporting Evidence
- A germline-like b12 lacks measurable binding to an Env as measured by ELISA.
- A germline-like scFv X5 bound Env with high affinity.
- Intermediate antibodies neutralized only some HIV-1 isolates with relatively weak potency.
Takeaway
Scientists are studying how certain antibodies that fight HIV develop over time, hoping to use this knowledge to create better vaccines.
Methodology
The study involved identifying intermediate antibodies and testing their neutralizing activity against various HIV-1 isolates.
Limitations
The study's findings are based on a limited number of isolates tested.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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