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New antibody–drug conjugate strategy to block HIV infection

Researchers developed antibody–drug conjugates that combine CD4 mimic and neutralizing antibodies to target HIV entry, showing seven times better efficacy than existing approaches. The strategy aims to block HIV before it enters the host cell, offering a more targeted therapeutic profile and potentially reducing adverse effects.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2026

In recognition of World AIDS Day 2025, Gregory Folkers and Anthony Fauci reflect on progress made in antiretroviral treatments and prevention of HIV/AIDS, highlighting promising therapeutic developments and looking ahead to what is needed to end the AIDS

Experts Gregory Folkers and Anthony Fauci highlight promising therapeutic developments in antiretroviral treatments for HIV/AIDS. The authors emphasize the need for continued research to end the AIDS epidemic, citing recent advances as unfinished business.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 1, 2025

The quest for an HIV vaccine

Researchers have developed a stable Env protein trimer, SOSIP.664, that can elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. The breakthrough came after decades of work and multiple modifications to the protein, which is harder to engineer than its counterpart on SARS-CoV-2.

A step toward more effective vaccines

Researchers at Stanford University developed a nanoparticle platform to make vaccines more effective against various pathogens. The platform allows for the elicitation of different immune responses, enabling the identification of the most effective type of protection.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 7, 2024

HIV vaccines tested in PrEPVacc fail to reduce infections

The PrEPVacc HIV vaccine trial found no significant reduction in HIV infections among participants. The study reported more infections in the vaccine arms compared to the placebo groups, but the results are inconclusive due to wide statistical confidence intervals.

SourcePrEPVacc·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 23, 2024

Advancing toward a preventative HIV vaccine

Researchers conducted four preclinical studies indicating they're closer to an immunization regimen that could produce rare antibodies effective against a wide range of HIV strains. The findings build on a 2022 phase I clinical trial and represent a key step forward in an immunization strategy that could protect against the virus.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2024

Novel vaccine concept generates immune responses that could produce multiple types of HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies

Researchers have successfully stimulated animals' immune systems to induce rare precursor B cells that can produce HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies. The findings are an encouraging step in developing a preventive HIV vaccine, targeting the challenging task of genetically diverse HIV.

A boost for HIV vaccine research

Researchers at Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard have developed a comprehensive platform for HIV vaccine research using the mRNA-LNP system. The platform has shown promising results in preclinically validating next-step boost immunogens and providing new insights into the basic biology of antibody responses.

GPS-like system shows promise as HIV vaccine strategy to elicit critical antibodies

A new approach developed by Duke Human Vaccine Institute guides the immune system through specific steps to make broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. The mutation-guided vaccine strategy has shown promise in triggering the immune system to produce desired antibodies, potentially applicable to vaccines targeting other diseases.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 9, 2024

Experimental HIV vaccine regimens likely to be ineffective in preventing HIV acquisition, PrEPVacc study reports

A new HIV prevention study, PrEPVacc, has stopped further vaccinations due to little or no chance of demonstrating vaccine efficacy in preventing HIV acquisition. The trial, testing two different combinations of HIV vaccines and a new oral PrEP drug formulation, aims to find out if either can prevent HIV infection.

SourcePrEPVacc·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 6, 2023

Researchers use ‘natural’ system to identify proteins most useful for developing an effective HIV vaccine

A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led team identified protein fragments that stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack HIV. The study's technique, called reductionist cell-free antigen processing, replicates the complex events in the human immune system, enabling the identification of immunodominant epitopes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 30, 2023

Researchers identify strong T-cell response in first-in-human nanoparticle HIV vaccine

The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, shows robust T-cell responses in volunteers participating in a phase 1 clinical trial of a self-assembling nanoparticle HIV vaccine. The antigen used stimulates VRC01-class B cells, an immune response considered promising for boosting in further studies.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 24, 2023

Herpes vaccines could mean billions of dollars of cost savings and prevent the loss of millions of quality of life years by reducing HSV-2 infections and HSV-2 driven HIV infections, according to a modelling study in 90 low and middle income countries

A modelling study in 90 low- and middle-income countries estimates that herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections drive significant healthcare cost savings and improved quality of life. The study suggests that widespread HSV-2 vaccination could prevent millions of quality of life years lost due to HSV-2 and HIV co-infections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2022

The NIH/DAIDS Cross-Network (ACTG/HVTN/IMPAACT) TB Vaccine Working Group calls for people living with HIV to be included in tuberculosis vaccine development

People living with HIV are at high risk of tuberculosis infection and disease, yet many questions remain unanswered about developing an effective TB vaccine. The NIH/DAIDS Cross-Network calls for their inclusion in clinical trials to prioritize access to safe and effective TB vaccines.

SourcePublic Relations Pacific LLC·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateOct 11, 2022

New method of nasal vaccine delivery could lead to better vaccines for HIV and COVID-19

Researchers have developed a new way to deliver vaccines through mucosal tissues in the nose, generating strong immune responses in mice and non-human primates. The technology bypasses traditional barriers to delivery by engineering antigens to bind onto albumin, allowing them to effectively target immune tissues.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

Risk of breakthrough Covid-19 infection after vaccination is higher among people with HIV

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that people with HIV are at a higher risk of breakthrough COVID-19 infections after vaccination. The study analyzed data from nearly 114,000 fully vaccinated individuals and found that the HIV group had a 28% higher rate of breakthrough infections compared to the non-HIV group.

After sprint for COVID-19 vaccines, HVTN researchers return to HIV marathon with fresh determination and knowledge, launch clinical research registry and ad campaign

The HIV Vaccine Trials Network is launching a new registry to connect people interested in supporting HIV vaccine research with clinical trials in their communities. The 'Help End HIV' campaign aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for HIV clinical trial volunteers, particularly among young people.

Wistar scientists move HIV vaccine research forward by developing an immunogen that produces tier-2 antibodies—the kind that matter for combatting HIV

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have developed a DNA-encoded immunogen that produces tier-2 neutralizing antibodies in mice, opening up new possibilities for HIV vaccine development. The study demonstrates the potential of using native-like trimer to generate broadly neutralizing antibody responses.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2022