Env-independent protection of intrarectal SIV challenge by vaccine induction of Gag/Vif-specific CD8⁺ T cells but not CD4⁺ T cells.

ABSTRACT: Effective T cell induction is an important strategy in HIV-vaccine development. However, it has been indicated that vaccine-induced HIV-specific CD4⁺ T cells, the preferential targets of HIV infection, might increase viral acquisition after HIV exposure. We have recently developed an immunogen (CaV11), tandemly connected overlapping 11-mer peptides spanning the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Gag capsid and Vif proteins, to selectively induce Gag- and Vif-specific CD8⁺ T cells but not CD4⁺ T cells. Here, we show protective efficacy of a CaV11-expressing vaccine against repeated intrarectal low-dose SIVmac239 challenge in rhesus macaques. Eight of the twelve vaccinated macaques were protected after eight challenges. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated signif

SUBMITTER: Ishii H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9092394 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature