Newswise — Seattle, WA., January 24, 2013 — Seattle BioMed researchers identified two HIV-1 Envelope immunogens that elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies when introduced as a vaccine. The study was published online in PLOS One.

The HIV-1 Envelope protein immunogens were derived from an elite neutralizer, an individual with an unusually potent antibody response effective against the majority of HIV subtypes. Seattle BioMed researchers identified two Envelope immunogens that elicited cross-reactive binding antibodies to the variable regions 1 and 2 (V1V2) region of the envelope protein and induced antibodies capable of neutralizing an array of HIV from different subtypes.

“Previous studies have shown that anti-HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies can effectively block infection with HIV-1 if present prior to infection with the virus,” said Noah Sather, Ph.D. principal scientist at Seattle BioMed and corresponding author of the study. “In addition, antibodies that target a specific part of the Envelope protein, the V1V2 region, have been shown in clinical trials to be associated with a reduced risk of infection. Thus, the ideal vaccine would introduce immunogens that elicit antibodies both targeted to the V1V2 region of the Envelope protein and capable of providing protection from a wide variety of HIV-1 subtypes.”

Follow on studies will focus on further modifying the Envelope immunogens to increase the potency and effectiveness of the vaccine.

The HIV-1 epidemic remains a significant threat to global health, with 2.3 million new HIV-1 infections and 1.6 million AIDS-related deaths each year. While access to anti-retroviral therapies has increased, the best route of defeating the epidemic is still a universally effective HIV-1 vaccine. ABOUT SEATTLE BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Seattle BioMed is the largest independent, non-profit organization in the U.S. focused solely on infectious disease research. Our research is the foundation for new drugs, vaccines and diagnostics that benefit those who need our help most: the 14 million who will otherwise die each year from infectious diseases, including malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Founded in 1976, Seattle BioMed has more than 330 staff members. By partnering with key collaborators around the globe, we strive to make discoveries that will save lives sooner. For more information, visit www.seattlebiomed.org. Research reported in this press release was supported by the National Institutes of Health, under award number 4R33AI089405. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Research reported in this press release was supported by the National Institutes of Health, under award number 4R33AI089405. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Journal Link: PLOS One