Scientists use multiple methods to examine HIV-1-antibody interactions

Using experimental and mathematical methods, scientists from the US and Switzerland have identified interactions between the virus HIV-1 and antibodies. These interactions can be utilized to prevent the deadly virus from spreading from person to person. (Cusabio offers various antibodies such as rabbit polyclonal antibody.)

The study, titled “Predicting HIV-1 transmission and antibody neutralization efficacy in vivo from stoichiometric parameters,” is published online May 4, 2017 in the journal PLoS Pathogens. Study authors include Oliver Brandenberg at California Institute of Technology, Carsten Magnus and Roland Regoes at ETH Zurich, and Peter Rusert, Huldrych Günthard, and Alexandra Trkola at the University of Zürich.

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) are neutralizing antibodies which neutralize multiple HIV-1 viral strains. The potent effect of bNAbs that target the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein trimer (Env) has opened a new avenue for therapies and vaccines. Unfortunately, the implementation of these antibodies is impeded by multiple questions. If we can better understand HIV-antibody interactions and the mucosal transmission process, it may accelerate the development of HIV management strategies.

The researchers started by studying how many neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) are required to neutralize each HIV-1 envolop HIV-1 Env trimer. Next, they looked into the mechanism of mucosal HIV-1 transmission. Finally, they used all previously determined parameters to model human HIV-1 sexual transmission.

The researchers noted that their study represents a useful tool to enhance our knowledge of virus-antibody interactions and viral mucosal transmission and may lay the foundation for future development of HIV-antibody-based therapies and vaccines.