HIV-Specific Neutralizing Antibodies
Year: 2001
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: Infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) generates cellular and humoral immune responses of various magnitudes to multiple virus-specific antigens. Perhaps the most beneficial B cell response is one that is directed against the surface gp120 and transmembrane gp41 envelope glycoproteins of the virus; both glycoproteins are major targets for the antibody-mediated neutralization of HIV-1 infectivity. To ensure its survival, the virus has evolved a number of immune-evasion strategies that limit the potential benefit of neutralizing antibodies. Chief among these is a high degree of genetic and antigenic variation exhibited by the gp120 and gp41, making the virus a constant moving target for immune surveillance. Critical neutralization epitopes may also be masked by N-linked glycans and other structural elements in the native oligomeric envelope glycoprotein complex of the virus. This chapter gives a general overview of how HIV-1 is neutralized by antibody, why the neutralizing antibody response fails to control infection and, finally, what is being done to develop an HIV-1 vaccine that has an effective antibody component.
Source: Humana Press eBooks
Author: David C. Montefiori
Language: English
Topic: HIV Research and Treatment
Subfield: Virology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W2212310945