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Breakthrough Raises Hope for HIV Vaccine

Antibodies could help scientists combat elusive virus' defenses

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 3, 2009 3:55 PM CDT

(Newser) – Researchers have found two antibodies that neutralize the AIDS virus more successfully than any identified in the past, resurrecting hopes that it may be possible to develop an effective vaccine, Time reports. The new antibodies are effective against a broad range of HIV variants, neutralizing the virus’ most effective defense: an ability to rapidly mutate in the face of treatment.

A vaccine is still far off—now that the potent antibodies have been identified, scientists need to find an immune signal that will cause the body to produce them in large amounts. Then they need to package that signal in a vaccine. “That's a big catch, a second hurdle that we have not gone over yet,” said prominent HIV researcher Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute on Allergy and Infectious Disease.

[Images (1)]

[Quotes (1)]

HIV, colored red, attaches itself to a lymphocyte in this file photo taken with a scanning electron microscope. (Wikimedia Commons)

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They certainly don't get everything. But if you are able to get 80% or more of viruses circulating out there with one single antibody, that's terrific, considering how variable these viruses are.
- Dennis Burton

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 5 comments

riffran

Sep 4, 2009 6:56 AM CDT

I sure hope they can cure it..bad stuff

Rocket448

Sep 3, 2009 11:32 AM CDT

It is a breakthrough BUT they haven't figured out how to use it in a human body yet. And yes it gives us hope, to know that smart, dedicated people are fighting hard to bring the HIV scourge under control. YES!

Unaffiliated

Sep 3, 2009 10:33 AM CDT

"A vaccine is still far off...", and "That's a big catch, a second hurdle that we have not gone over yet." Even the headline couches the findings by saying the "Breakthrough Raises Hope."

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Health

HIV • vaccine • immune system • mutation • antibodies • virus • AIDS vaccine • National Institute on Allergy and Infectious Disease • Anthony Fauci

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Breakthrough Raises Hope for HIV Vaccine