- Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Scripps Research developed an HIV vaccine that trains immune cells to overcome HIV's defenses.
- The vaccine prompts the body to produce high numbers of rare 'broadly neutralizing' antibodies, achieving the best HIV-fighting antibody response ever seen in primates.
- Human trials for this vaccine have already begun, following successful results in rhesus macaques where 44% generated broad neutralizing antibodies.
- The vaccine uses a 'germline targeting' approach, guiding naive B cells through a series of priming and booster shots to mature into antibody-producing cells.
- Researchers aim to improve the regimen to achieve 100% response rates and believe the approach is likely to succeed in humans due to immunogenetics.