Novel HIV 1 Envelope immunogens derived from broadly neutralizing plasmas

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The overall aim of our studies is to design novel HIV Envelope immunogens capable of eliciting broadly reactive neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). Although attempts at eliciting broadly neutralizing antibody responses by vaccination have been unsuccessful, exceptionally potent broadly neutralizing antibody responses have been detected in some chronically infected HIV+ subjects. We propose to test new immunogens that are derived from Envelope sequences that were isolated from a well-characterized HIV+ subject whose exceptional broadly neutralizing activity targeted the CD4 receptor binding site (CD4-BS). We hypothesize that HIV-1 Envelope immunogens derived from HIV-1 infected subjects whose plasma exhibits potent, broad cross-neutralizing activity to the CD4-BS will elicit NAbs that are capable of broad cross-neutralization. This proposal is separated into two distinct phases. In the first phase, we propose the following: First, construct and characterize soluble trimeric gp140 Env proteins derived from autologous Env sequences isolated from well-characterized broadly neutralizing plasmas. Second, we will use these trimeric gp140 Envs as immunogens and monitor their ability to elicit broadly neutralizing antibody responses in animals. We will carefully dissect the NAb responses elicited by vaccination to determine both the quality and the epitope targets of the elicited NAb responses. In the second phase, we will isolate new monoclonal neutralizing antibodies from animals that develop broadly neutralizing antibodies in response to vaccinations. We will utilize both phage display libraries and antigen-specific single B cell cloning to isolate antibodies from spleen and bone marrow tissue of immunized animals. Novel antibodies and Fabs will be isolated and extensively characterized for binding and neutralizing activity. Promising Fabs will be made into full immunoglobulin G molecules and extensively characterized for cross-neutralizing potential and binding epitope. Novel anti-HIV neutralizing antibodies from this study will provide valuable new tools to the research community, and help to define new neutralization epitopes on the HIV-1 Envelope spike. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This proposal will test new HIV-1 vaccine candidates derived from the circulating viruses of HIV-1+ subjects who developed broadly neutralizing antibodies in response to natural infection. We will immunize rabbits with HIV-1 Envelope proteins, monitor them for the development of neutralizing antibodies, and isolate new neutralizing antibodies in those animals that develop broadly neutralizing antibody responses. This project will evaluate the possibility that HIV-1 Envelope sequences that are present in subjects who naturally developed broadly neutralizing antibodies can be used to elicit the same type of immune response in others by vaccination.