Semen enhances transmitted/founder HIV-1 infection and only marginally reduces antiviral activity of broadly neutralizing antibodies.

ABSTRACT: Topically applied microbicides may play a critical role in preventing sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1); however, their efficacy can be compromised by amyloid fibrils present in semen, which significantly increase HIV-1 infectivity. This phenomenon may have contributed to the failure of most microbicide candidates in clinical settings. Understanding the impact of semen on microbicide effectiveness is thus crucial. In our study, we evaluated the influence of semen on the neutralizing activity of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), including PG16, PGT121, 10-1074, 3BNC117, and VRC01, which are potential microbicide candidates. We found that semen enhances infection of HIV-1 transmitted/founder viruses but only marginally affects the neutralizing activity

SUBMITTER: von Maltitz P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11019787 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature