Researchers at the University of Amsterdam, in collaboration with the Batista Lab at the Ragon Institute, have developed a potential new approach for an HIV vaccine. The study, published in Science Immunology, focuses on creating a vaccine component that can stimulate the immune system to produce powerful antibodies against HIV.

Titled “Germline-targeting HIV vaccination induces neutralizing antibodies to the CD4 binding site,” the paper details how the researchers designed a vaccine component called BG505 SOSIP GT1.1. This immunogen is engineered to engage and activate a specific type of immune cell that can in turn develop into cells that produce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). BnAbs are capable of fighting off diverse strains of HIV.

In non-human tests conducted in the study, a single dose of BG505 SOSIP GT1.1 successfully expanded immune cells that specifically target the CD4 binding site on the HIV virus, a site that is key in the virus’s ability to infect human cells. The study found that some of the antibodies produced were effective against a variety of HIV strains.

These findings provide important preclinical support for ongoing human trials and highlight the potential of this new vaccine approach to advance the development of an effective HIV vaccine.