The invention provides immunogenic compositions which enhance beta-
chemokine levels in a
mammal. The immunogenic compositions contain an HIV
antigen, an isolated
nucleic acid molecule containing an immunostimulatory sequence (ISS) and an
adjuvant. The HIV
antigen can be a whole-killed HIV
virus devoid of outer envelope
protein gp120. Alternatively, the HIV
antigen can be a whole-killed HIV
virus, or a p24 antigen. Also provided are kits, the components of which, when combined, produce the immunogenic compositions of the invention. The invention also provides methods of making the immunogenic compositions, by combining an HIV antigen, an isolated
nucleic acid molecule containing an immunostimulatory sequence (ISS) and an
adjuvant. The invention further provides a method of immunizing a
mammal, by enhancing beta-
chemokine production in the
mammal by administering to the mammal an immunogenic composition containing an HIV antigen, an isolated
nucleic acid molecule containing an immunostimulatory sequence (ISS) and an
adjuvant. Also provided is a method of inhibiting AIDS, by enhancing beta-
chemokine production in the mammal by administering to the mammal an immunogenic composition containing an HIV antigen, an isolated
nucleic acid molecule containing an immunostimulatory sequence (ISS) and an adjuvant.