The maginot line and AIDS vaccines

• Published in: Medical hypotheses Vol. 48; no. 6; pp. 527 - 529
• Main Authors: Stricker, R.B., Goldberg, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01-06-1997; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adjuvants, Immunologic - administration & dosage; AIDS Vaccines - administration & dosage; AIDS Vaccines - immunology; AIDS Vaccines - isolation & purification; AIDS/HIV; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; HIV - immunology; HIV Antibodies - biosynthesis; HIV Infections - immunology; HIV Infections - prevention & control; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Immunodeficiencies; Immunodeficiencies. Immunoglobulinopathies; Immunopathology; Medical sciences; Models, Biological; Th1 Cells - immunology; Infection; Human; Prevention; Immunopathology; Immunoprophylaxis; Viral disease; Animal; Vaccination; AIDS; Immune deficiency
• ISSN: 0306-9877; 1532-2777
• DOI: 10.1016/S0306-9877(97)90124-9

Despite extensive and costly efforts, attempts to develop a vaccine against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the causative agent of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), have been unsuccessful. Using the Maginot Line as a metaphor, we discuss the reasons why an antibody-based vaccine strategy against HIV has failed. The concept of a vaccine that exclusively promotes cell-mediated immunity against the virus is outlined, and important factors in the formulation of this novel vaccine are delineated. In particular, vaccine adjuvants and HIV peptides that elicit a cell-mediated immune response are crucial components of this immunization strategy. Examination of primate immune systems that resist retroviral pathogenicity will also play an important role in the development of a successful AIDS vaccine.