Long-term memory B-cell responses in recipients of candidate human immunodeficiency virus type 1 vaccines

Vaccine. 2004 Jun 30;22(20):2626-30. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2003.12.011.

Abstract

The efficacy and practical application of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccines may depend in part on the longevity of the immune responses generated, particularly those in the memory compartment. Candidate vaccines based on the HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins generate binding and neutralizing antibodies in humans but there have been no prior studies on the long-term persistence and recall of those responses. We evaluated six healthy, HIV non-infected adults who had received a combination of recombinant canarypox HIV-1 vaccines boosted by gp120 and who had achieved a high serum titer of neutralizing antibody to HIV-1 MN. These individuals were administered a gp160 boost 4-5 years after their last vaccination. Four volunteers had detectable binding and neutralizing antibodies at the time of boosting and all six volunteers exhibited a recall binding and neutralizing antibody response. The antibodies neutralized multiple T cell line-adapted (TCLA) strains of virus, including the vaccine strain, but not primary isolates. These results demonstrate that memory B-cell responses can last for many years following HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein immunization. In principle, similar long-term memory may be possible with improved immunogens that generate broadly cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Vaccines / immunology*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology*
  • Adult
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • HIV Antibodies / blood
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp160 / immunology
  • HIV-1 / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory*
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / immunology

Substances

  • AIDS Vaccines
  • HIV Antibodies
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp160
  • Vaccines, Synthetic