Induction of protection from HIV-1 challenge in chimpanzees by DNA vaccination.
Int Conf AIDS 1996 Jul 7-12; 11:18 (abstract no. Th.A.923) Boyer JD, Ugen KE, Wang B, Bagarazzi M, Chattergoon M, Javadian A, Ciccareli R, Coney L, Weiner DB, Carrano RA; Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
We have previously reported on the utility of DNA inoculation as a vaccine strategy for HIV-1. Chimpanzees were immunized with two DNA vectors coding for either the HIV-1 env protein, strain MN or the gag/pol proteins, strain IIIB under the control of CMV promoters. Both cellular and humoral immune responses were induced in these animals. CTL responses were as high as 20% and the antibody responses were neutralizing. These animals have recently been challenged with 250 TCID(50) of HIV-1 strain SF2. Monitoring of the immune responses in the chimpanzees continued after challenge. In addition RT-PCR was used to assess infection status of the animals. The immunized chimpanzees have remained HIV-1 negative past 26 weeks, while the control chimpanzees has remained RT-PCR positive from week 2 post challenge. Together we have now demonstrated safety and immune effectiveness of this approach in rodents, rabbits and small and large primate model. Furthermore, results from a Phase I clinical trials in which HIV-1 seropositive patients were immunized with our envelope DNA based vaccine will be discussed.
Keywords: AEGIS, HIV-1, Pan troglodytes, Vaccination, Gene Products, env, Vaccines, DNA, DNA, Viral, DNA, Immunization, Animal, Human, Rabbits, ICA11
