NRL - Research Units - NRL - Research themes
Potent broadly reactive neutralising HIV-1 antibodies
Intense and worldwide efforts to identify antibodies that can block infection of a broad spectrum of HIV-1 isolates effectively have yielded only a few antibody candidates. The outcomes of this study include the identification of individuals who generate potent, broadly reactive, anti-HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), correlation of their antiviral immune responses with isolated immortalized memory B cells producing bNAbs and identification of the regions involved. Background information and preliminary studies have identified that some long term non-progressors (LTNP) and long term survivors (LTS) generate potent bNAbs. We are characterizing these with regard to both antibody isotypes predominantly involved in neutralisation and the targeted regions in gp120 and/or gp41.
HIV-1 envelope proteins capable of generating protective antibodies
HIV affects the lives of 33 million people worldwide with an additional 2.7 million new infections diagnosed each year. A vaccine preventing infection is a global health imperative and development priority of the highest order. Such a vaccine requires both T cell-mediated immunity and a broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) response. The generation of antibodies that will completely block initial infection is a priority in contributing to the design of protective vaccines against HIV-1. Our studies of natural HIV-1 infections have characterised virus from individuals with i) long term non-progressive infections and ii) very early during infection. Viruses from these groups represent i) those which establish infection in a new host and ii) those elaborating potential viral antigens capable of generating protective antibodies.