IgG Fc/HIV-gp120/C3d fusion protein

Abstract

The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogen and, in particular, to an immunogen for inducing antibodies that neutralize a wide spectrum of HIV primary isolates. The invention also relates to a method of inducing anti-HIV antibodies using same.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 60 / 397,605, filed July 23, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0002] The present invention relates generally to an immunogen, and in particular to an immunogen for inducing antibodies, which is capable of neutralizing a wide range of HIV strains. The invention also relates to methods of using the immunogen to induce anti-HIV antibodies. Background technique [0003] Due to the worldwide spread of HIV infection, an effective HIV vaccine is urgently needed. A major obstacle to the development of an HIV vaccine is the extreme variability of HIV and the speed and extent of HIV mutation. (Wain-Hobson in The Evolutionary biology of Retroviruses, SSB Morse Ed. Raven Press, NY, pgs 185-209 (1994)). [0004] Myers, Korber, and colleagues analyzed global HIV viral sequences and grouped HIV strains into groups, or clades, and also provided the basis for identifying m...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These authors suggest that nearly 10% of HIV strains are recombinant chimeras, implying that vaccines based on a single HIV clade cannot achieve immune function in subjects against chimeric HIV strains

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