Source: Hindu

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Context

• Recent studies from the Scripps Research Institute and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have introduced promising developments in this quest.
• These studies present two nanoparticle-based vaccine candidates, N332-GT5 and eOD-GT8, aimed at eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV.

Details

Historical Context

• Over four decades since the first reported cases of AIDS, the scientific community continues its relentless pursuit of an effective HIV vaccine.
• In 1981, Dr. Michael Gottlieb's seminal paper reported the first cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), marking the beginning of a global health crisis.
• Unlike many infectious diseases that humanity has managed to control through vaccination, HIV has remained a formidable challenge.

Challenges in HIV Vaccine Development

• High Mutation Rate:
  • HIV's replication process is highly error-prone, leading to numerous variants within a single patient.
  • This genetic variability complicates the development of a universally effective vaccine.
• Immune System Evasion:
  • HIV evolves rapidly, outpacing the immune system's ability to produce effective antibodies.
  • The virus's ability to mutate faster than the immune system can respond makes traditional vaccination strategies ineffective.

Immune Response Mechanisms

• Role of B-cells:
  • B-cells produce antibodies that target specific viral proteins.
  • When a B-cell encounters a matching protein fragment, it refines its antibodies to bind more effectively to the virus, neutralizing it.
• Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies (bNAbs):
  • A small subset of HIV-infected individuals naturally produce bNAbs that target conserved regions of the virus.
  • These antibodies can neutralize a wide range of HIV strains but typically take years to develop.

Breakthroughs in Vaccine Research

• Germline Targeting Strategy:
  • Involves three steps: identifying and engaging B-cells capable of maturing into bNAb producers, boosting these cells to generate stronger bNAbs, and refining these antibodies to neutralize diverse HIV strains.
• Vaccine Candidates: N332-GT5 and eOD-GT8:
  • Developed by the Scripps Research Institute and MIT, these candidates aim to engage B-cells and stimulate the production of bNAbs.
  • Demonstrated efficacy in increasing bNAb production in animal models (mice and macaques).
• mRNA Vaccines:
  • The mRNA-based approach is highlighted for its potential due to ease of development and production.
  • Antibodies generated in response to these vaccines showed binding patterns similar to established bNAbs.

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Sources:

Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.  Despite decades of research, an effective vaccine against HIV remains elusive. Discuss the challenges associated with developing an HIV vaccine and highlight recent advancements that offer promise in this field. (150 Words)