Immune-based approaches to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1: active and passive immunization.

ABSTRACT: Despite more than 2 decades of research, an effective vaccine that can prevent HIV-1 infection in populations exposed to the virus remains elusive. In the pursuit of an HIV-1 vaccine, does prevention of exposure to maternal HIV-1 in utero, at birth or in early life through breast milk require special consideration? This article reviews what is known about the immune mechanisms of susceptibility and resistance to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1 and summarizes studies that have used passive or active immunization strategies to interrupt MTCT of HIV-1. Potentially modifiable infectious cofactors that may enhance transmission and/or disease progression (especially in the developing world) are described. An effective prophylactic vaccine against HIV-1 infection needs to be deployed

SUBMITTER: Lohman-Payne B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2998888 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature