Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Dramatically Reduces HIV Load

Such antibodies could add a treatment option for HIV-positive patients.

Humans naturally produce a class of broadly neutralizing antibodies that inhibit a large number of HIV strains. Unfortunately, humans do not produce these natural antibodies in sufficient abundance to drop viral loads very much in most HIV-positive individuals. However, exogenously produced broadly neutralizing antibodies given in large amounts elicit dramatic drops in HIV viral load in both “humanized” mice (mice with human immune systems) and in monkeys (NEJM JW Gen Med Dec 1 2013 and Nature 2013; 503:224).

An international team reports the first use of a single broadly neutralizing antibody in humans. This antibody neutralizes 195 out of 237 known HIV-1 strains. In high doses, the antibody dropped HIV viral load by more than 100-fold, wit…

Reviewing Author

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Dramatically Reduces HIV Load

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Reviewing Author