HIV Defense

The advent of antiretroviral drugs and effective AIDS prevention programs have substantially reduced the flood of HIV cases in wealthier parts of the world. In developing countries, however, new infections are increasing at an alarming rate— many displaying heightened resistance to our most potent drugs. Effective prevention of viral infection is vitally needed in these poorer regions, where 95% of AIDS cases occur.

This project, under the directorship of professor Tsafrir Mor,  explores novel methods of halting infection at the mucosal surfaces—the most common points of entry into the body for the HIV virus. Typically, HIV is transmitted from person to person when infected bodily secretions come in contact with mucosal surfaces, mainly those lining the gastrointestinal and urogenital tract.

Engaging the mucosal surfaces, the critical threshold for viral entry, holds the potential to stop HIV in its tracks before colonization of host cells, proliferation and rapid mutation can occur. A vaccine targeting the mucosal system has the potential to target a wide range of HIV-1 subtypes and block transmission of the virus through the epithelium.

A critical component of this research involves the study of rare cases known as HEPS (Heavily Exposed Consistently Seronegative); individuals with unusual, and still poorly understood, properties of immunity that appear to prevent HIV from colonizing host cells and causing immune deficiency disease. This work is augmented with research into naturally occurring, neutralizing antibodies, which may provide sterilizing immunity to HIV.

A preventative AIDS vaccine can only help stem the tide of cases in poor countries where the disease is most prevalent, if it can be produced cheaply and administered in a practical manner. With this in mind, Mor’s group has been investigating the impressive potential of plant-based anti-retroviral applications, which would permit oral delivery of the vaccine. Much work remains before the dream of an HIV vaccine becomes a reality. Trial experiments however, have demonstrated encouraging results in terms of engaging systemic and mucosal antibodies against invasion across the epithelial layer, offering hope for the eventual eradication of a leading killer.

Funded with support from: National Institutes of Health