pgDC + conserved HIV peptides

pgDC + conserved HIV peptides is an investigational therapeutic vaccine approach for HIV-1 infection. It involves the use of autologous, matured dendritic cells (pgDC) loaded with a pool of highly conserved HIV peptide antigens, typically derived from Gag and Pol proteins. The rationale is to stimulate robust and broad T-cell immune responses targeting ultra-conserved regions of the virus that are less prone to mutation, thereby reducing viral escape and potentially contributing to long-term control or functional cure of HIV. This strategy aims to redirect immune responses toward these critical viral elements by presenting them via dendritic cells, which are potent antigen-presenting cells capable of activating both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells[1]. Clinical trials have been conducted in virologically suppressed patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART), but as of now, results remain preliminary or incomplete.