Modulation of HIV-1 immunity by adjuvants

Moody, M. Anthony

Adjuvants can also be added with the vector but not encoded by it. For example, soluble CD40 ligand added to a DNA-prime/poxvirus-boost strategy enhanced T-cell responses though the effect on antibody was variable [64] . It remains to be seen if any of these strategies will ultimately prove useful for human trials. Whether other adjuvant formulations can enhance recombinant vectors is under investigation. Naito et al. [65] demonstrated in a mouse model that tethering of liposomes to a poxvirus vector overcame previous immunity and could stimulate humoral and cellular immunity. Many adjuvants, such as oil-in-water emulsions, can disrupt lipid membranes and so would be considered inappropriate for enveloped replicating vectors like poxviruses. In addition, as replicating vectors stimulate the immune system by the transient infection they cause, it is not clear that an adjuvant that is only transiently present at the site of injection would be useful. Future studies will be needed to clarify these questions.