N332-GT5 AND EOD-GT8 - SCI
& TECH
News: Breakthroughs in
germline-targeting HIV vaccine design for broad protection
What's in the news?
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Researchers at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute
have successfully induced broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV
(human immunodeficiency virus) through vaccination for the first time.
Broadly Neutralizing
Antibodies (bNAbs):
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In the 1990s, scientists discovered that some
HIV-infected individuals produced bNAbs, which neutralize many viral strains.
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bNAbs target viral protein areas crucial for
infectivity, making them less likely to change.
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Despite their effectiveness, bNAbs take years to
develop, by which time HIV has often evolved to escape them.
Making of Broadly
Neutralising Antibodies (bNAbs) based Vaccines:
Germline targeting
involves three steps such as
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Identify and engage B-cells capable of producing bNAbs.
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Use a booster
to guide these cells to produce stronger bNAbs.
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Refine bNAbs to neutralize a wide range of HIV strains.
N332-GT5:
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It targets a specific region on the surface of the
HIV virus known as the N332 glycan site.
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By engaging B-cells that have the potential to
produce bNAbs against this site, N332-GT5 aims to stimulate the immune system to generate a protective response
against a wide range of HIV strains.
eOD-GT8:
●
It is designed to target another region on the HIV
virus, known as the eOD protein.
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By leveraging nanoparticles
as carriers, eOD-GT8 aims to enhance
the immune system’s ability to recognize and neutralize HIV, ultimately
leading to the production of bNAbs.
Role of B cells and mRNA
in the context of HIV Infection:
1. B cells (B lymphocytes):
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B cells are a type of white blood cell crucial for the immune response.
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In HIV infection, B cells participate in the adaptive immune response by producing
antibodies specific to HIV antigens.
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These antibodies can neutralize HIV particles, tag
infected cells for destruction by other immune cells, and contribute to the
immune memory against HIV.
2. mRNA (messenger RNA):
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mRNA is a molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes, where
proteins are synthesized.
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In the context of HIV, mRNA is involved in the replication process of the virus.
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HIV uses its RNA genome to produce viral mRNA,
which directs the synthesis of viral proteins necessary for the assembly of new
virus particles.
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Understanding HIV mRNA is crucial for developing
antiviral therapies that target viral replication, such as mRNA-based vaccines
or mRNA inhibitors.
Go back to basics:
HIV/AIDS:
Backdrop:
●
The first cases of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome) were reported in the early 1980s, primarily among gay men in the
United States.
●
In 1983-1984,
scientists identified HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) as the cause of AIDS.
Global Spread:
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HIV/AIDS quickly became a global pandemic,
affecting millions of people worldwide.
Causes:
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HIV is transmitted through contact with certain body fluids of an infected person, including
blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
●
Common modes of HIV transmission include
unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes, and from mother to
child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Symptoms:
●
Acute HIV Infection - Many people experience
flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes,
within 2-4 weeks after infection.
●
Asymptomatic Stage - After the initial symptoms
subside, HIV often enters a latent stage where individuals may not experience
any symptoms for years.
●
Progression to AIDS - Without treatment, HIV
gradually weakens the immune system, leading to the development of
opportunistic infections and cancers. This advanced stage is known as AIDS and
is characterized by severe immune deficiency.
Vaccines Development:
Challenges:
●
Developing an HIV vaccine has been challenging due
to the virus’s ability to mutate rapidly
and evade the immune system.
Vaccine Candidates:
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Numerous vaccine candidates have been tested over
the years, but none have yet been successful in providing robust protection
against HIV infection.
Hope for the Future:
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Despite setbacks, advances in vaccine development,
such as the identification of promising candidates like N332-GT5 and eOD-GT8,
offer hope for eventually achieving an effective HIV vaccine.