Novel Approach to Immunization Protects Monkeys from AIDS

Neutralizing antibodies protect humans against HIV infection and monkeys against simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection. However, high levels of neutralizing antibodies rarely develop after immunization with either HIV or SIV antigens or even after natural infection with the viruses.

Instead of trying the traditional approach of using viral antigens to stimulate the natural production of neutralizing antibodies, a multi-institutional team fashioned genes for antibodies (and antibody-like molecules) against SIV and inserted them into viral vectors. The vectors were injected intramuscularly into nine monkeys. Soon, the muscle cells were producing anti-SIV antibodies persistently, and these antibodies were carried throughout the body in …