A newly identified antibody, named 007, has shown promise in targeting the V3 glycan site of the HIV-1 envelope protein. This region is known to play a crucial role in allowing the virus to enter human cells and has been a significant focus for researchers developing new therapies and preventive measures against HIV.
Most antibodies developed so far have only been able to recognize the V3 glycan site in some of the many HIV variants found worldwide. The antibody 007 differs from previously discovered antibodies because its ability to bind does not depend on a particular sugar structure that HIV-1 often changes to evade immune detection. Laboratory tests have demonstrated that 007 can neutralize virus variants resistant to classical V3 antibodies.
In studies using mice with human immune cells, 007 was found to improve the effectiveness of existing V3 antibody therapies by forcing the virus to make several genetic changes at once in order to escape treatment. The research suggests that combining 007 with other antibodies could close gaps left by current therapies and enhance their ability to neutralize HIV.
Dr Lutz Gieselmann, first author of the study, said: "The V3 glycan site has long been considered a vulnerable epitope of HIV-1, but until now it could only be partially exploited therapeutically and for vaccine development." Dr Malena Rohde, another author, added: "The identification of the antibody 007 demonstrates that this weak point can be targeted in a much more versatile way than previously assumed, thereby opening up new perspectives for vaccine development as well."
The findings are expected to impact both future combination treatments and vaccine strategies. The rights for immunotherapy use of antibody 007 have been licensed exclusively to Vir Biotechnology, which is working with support from the Gates Foundation and Cologne-based start-up Togontech. The antibody is currently undergoing preclinical development.
The research received funding from organizations including the Gates Foundation, German Research Foundation (DFG), German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), and European Research Council (ERC).
