HIV vaccines: T cell, Antibodies or Both?

 From T cells to Antibodies: Back and Forth search for an ideal HIV vaccine

With negative data pouring out of major Clinical Trials associated with  HIV-1 vaccines, even though some are encouraging, emphasis has shifted from T cell-based vaccines to Antibody-based vaccines. This is mainly due to precise determination of HIV-1 protein structure, that has been corroborated by several laboratories. Additionally, the isolation of broadly neutralizing antibodies from patients who resist the disease (CAPRISA), further invigorated the vaccine community. What does this mean for vector development? Louis Picker's groundbreaking study in Rhesus macaques showing significant protection against SIV challenge using a cytomegalovirus vector determined that the mechanism is due to an unconventional induction of CD8 T cell response restricted by MHC class II proteins. Is this system unique to SIV? Will this work in HIV? While it is too early to tell, the next best experiment would be to conduct this with a SHIV strain that combines both HIV and SIV proteins.

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