Building Better HIV Antibodies

Researchers from the California Institute of Technology recently discovered a method for re-designing a naturally occurring HIV antibody that better targets the host receptor biding site. Through studies, it was identified that NIH45-46, the particular HIV bonding antibody, helped to neutralize the virus' ability for entry of HIV into the cell; and through modification, a new antibody was developed, NIH45-46G54W, that is actually better able to grab onto and interfere with gp120, the protein on the surface of the virus need for entry. With modifications, the antibody was able to target many more sub types of HIV, and increase the overall potency by one order of magnitude. Shown to the left is a diagram of the increased potency of the new HIV antibody(green and blue); this is explained by an insertion (pink) that contacts the inner domain of the HIV gp120 spike protein (yellow).This discovery is a huge step towards a treatment that will stop HIV and AIDS in its track; this isn't necessarily a treatment for HIV, but is a barrier that can drastically slow the onset of AIDS. This antibody can prevent the further progression of the virus and its detrimental effects on the body. This man-made antibody has the potential to change the face of HIV therapeutics, and generate new medicines that up to this point could not have been possible.