Cocktails of AAV vectors encoding anti-HIV bNAbs to treat the infection

INDICATION: HIV/AIDS

Non-human primate studies suggest cocktails of viral vectors encoding broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against multiple HIV antigens could help treat HIV. The antibodies consist of variable regions of previously identified human bNAbs fused to the Fc region of rhesus macaque IgG1 and encoded in adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. In rhesus macaques challenged with simian human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV), intramuscular injection of a cocktail of AAV1 vectors encoding bNAbs against HIV gp41 and two HIV gp120 epitopes decreased viremia for at least three years in two of four treated animals. Also in the model, intramuscular injection of a cocktail of AAV8 vectors encoding bNAbs targeting HIV gp120, HIV env, a viral glycan and the HIV gp41-gp120 complex transiently decreased viremia for at least one week in nine of 12 treated animals. Next steps could include testing cocktails of AAV vectors encoding the unmodified human bNAbs in HIV patients...