Safety and immunogenicity of a genetically engineered human immunodeficiency virus vaccine

Article Abstract:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system. In this system, T cells play an important role in stimulating the production of antibodies against invading microorganisms. When infection with HIV occurs, a protein on the outer surface of the virus, called gp120, binds to T cells. The gp120 protein enters into the T cell and uses it to make more virus. The net result is T cell destruction and increased virus production. A vaccine to prevent infection with HIV is needed, but has been difficult to produce. The best way to make a vaccine is to use an inactive or killed form of the virus. However, in the case of HIV, it would be dangerous to make the large amounts of virus that would be needed for a vaccine. An alternative method is to use genetic engineering to make large amounts of a specific viral protein that could be used to produce a vaccine. This type of vaccine would be noninfectious and would not be able to transmit disease. This article describes the development of an HIV vaccine made by recombinant DNA methods. The HIV DNA that makes the gp120 protein was inserted into yeast bacteria. Large amounts of the yeast were grown, and the yeast produced large amounts of the gp120 protein. Vaccine was made from a portion of the gp120 protein, known as env2-3, that will not attack and kill T cells. The vaccine was administered to 15 healthy men without HIV infection. It did not suppress the immune systems of the those who were vaccinated, and their T cell counts were normal. The vaccine did stimulate antibody production against the env2-3 protein. However, the amount of antibody in the blood (titer) was very small and would not be sufficient to fight HIV infection. More research is needed to develop an HIV vaccine that will stimulate a larger antibody response and neutralize (inactivate) HIV. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Prevention, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Vaccines, Sexually transmitted disease vaccines

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Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genomic sequences and distinct changes in CD8+ lymphocytes precede detectable levels of HIV-1 antibodies in high-risk homosexuals

Article Abstract:

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a genetic method that helps to identify DNA, the genetic material of the cell. In the PCR, a segment of DNA is amplified or copied several times in sufficient amounts for analysis and identification. The PCR was used to identify regions of specific genes of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-I), which causes AIDS. This technique was used to test 5 of 38 homosexual men at high risk of developing AIDS. HIV antibodies, or immune proteins directed against HIV, had not been detected in any of these subjects. Patients with positive PCR results had increased numbers of immune T suppressor cells and decreased numbers of immune T helper cells, a characteristic pattern of HIV infection. The function of immune B cells, which produce antibody, was impaired in patients with HIV DNA detected by PCR. The detection of HIV DNA and antibodies in patients with initially negative results on HIV antibody tests was associated with changes in the function and physical appearance of the T and B cells. The progression of HIV infection to AIDS is indicated by changes in the function and physical characteristics of immune cells, the presence of HIV DNA, and the detection of p24 antigen, an indicator of HIV infection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Analysis, Usage, Diagnosis, Measurement, Diseases, DNA, Polymerase chain reaction, T cells, Gay men, Antigens, CD8 lymphocytes, HIV antibodies

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