Can Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Became HIV Vaccines

The U.S. NIH’s Carl Dieffenbach, Ph.D., Director of the Division of AIDS at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, spoke with Louis Shackelford, MPH, on July 25, 2023, about HIV vaccine studies being discussed at IAS 2023 and potential roles for broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs).

Noting it is an exciting time in HIV vaccine research, Carl explained that scientists are exploring how to take what we have learned about bNAbs, which prevented the acquisition of some HIV strains, and turn that into an HIV vaccine. 

In addition, Carl and Louis discussed how bNAbs are being studied for use in HIV treatment and even, possibly, a cure. 

Previous research indicates that bNAbs may also activate other immune cells to help destroy HIV-infected cells.

And a study published in February 2022 identified an additional antiviral activity of bNAbs, which block HIV-1 release by tethering viral particles at the surface of infected cells.

View and listen to their conversation at the International AIDS Society’s 12th Conference on HIV Science in Germany at this YouTube link.

As of July 27, 2023, the U.S. FDA has not approved any HIV vaccine candidate.