There are three new neutralizing antibodies that could protect large primates and humans from the virusimmunodeficiency. Described in an article published in the magazine Science Translational Medicinethese potential approaches were developed by scientists at the Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the University of Pennsylvania.
The research team, led by Amarendra Pegu, used SHIV, a hybrid virus created by the fusion of HIV and SIV, the immunodeficiency viruses that affect humans and primates respectively. The experts then synthesized three neutralizing antibodies, VRC34.01, derived from the human immune system, and two derived from rhesus macaques. The three alternatives appeared capable of neutralizing SHIV, with the human antibody being about four times more potent than the other two.
To evaluate the antiviral properties of the most promising option, the team infused VRC34.01 into eight macaque monkeys. Five days after treatment, the animals were exposed to the virus. Seven remained immune and protection remained effective for most animals even when exposed to the viral agent at higher concentrations.
According to data fromHigher Institute of Healthcurrently approx 38.4 million of people are infected with HIV, with approximately 5.9 million infected unawares. Current statistics also suggest that as many as 1.7 million children under 15 are human immunodeficiency positive. Fortunately, the number of deaths associated with this virus continues to decrease, thanks also to the effect of combined antiretroviral therapies, but HIV and AIDS still represent important threats to public health. In 2021 they were registered 650 miles deaths.
The researchers found that antibodies directed against the HIV fusion peptide could provide effective protection against SHIV infections. These findings add to existing scientific evidence demonstrating the potential of fusion peptides as targets for targeted therapies and preventative drugs against human immunodeficiency virus.
It will be necessary to conduct further investigations, the authors point out, in order to fully understand the effect of neutralizing antibodies against the peptide and their ability to neutralize the HIV virus. “In our work – says PJ Klasse, of Weill Cornell Medicine in a related Focus – we have expanded the treatment options for preventive and therapeutic passive immunization and strengthened the possibility of eliciting antibodies through active immunization”.
by Valentina Di Paola