Directing HIV-1 for degradation by non-target cells, using bi-specific single-chain llama antibodies.

ABSTRACT: While vaccination against HIV-1 has been so far unsuccessful, recently broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein were shown to induce long-term suppression in the absence of antiretroviral therapy in patients with antibody-sensitive viral reservoirs. The requirement of neutralizing antibodies indicates that the antibody mediated removal (clearance) of HIV-1 in itself is not efficient enough in these immune compromised patients. Here we present a novel, alternative approach that is independent of a functional immune system to clear HIV-1, by capturing the virus and redirecting it to non-target cells where it is internalized and degraded. We use bispecific antibodies with domains derived from small single chain Llama antibodies (VHHs). These bind with one do

SUBMITTER: Stam JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9352707 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature