B-cell receptor specific for HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (BCR-HIV Env)

The B-cell receptor (BCR) specific for the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) is the primary target for immunogens designed to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV-1. These receptors are membrane-bound immunoglobulins on B cells that recognize the viral Env trimer, which is the sole protein on the HIV-1 surface (Jardine et al., 2016). In modern HIV vaccine research, specific germline BCRs are targeted by engineered immunogens, such as eOD-GT8, to initiate the development of bNAb lineages through a process known as germline targeting (Schief et al., 2015). This strategy aims to overcome the virus's extensive genetic diversity and glycan shielding by guiding the BCR through successive rounds of affinity maturation and somatic hypermutation (Leggat et al., 2022). The interaction between the immunogen and the BCR triggers B-cell activation and proliferation, eventually leading to the secretion of high-affinity antibodies capable of neutralizing diverse HIV-1 strains. Understanding the structural and genetic characteristics of these BCRs is vital for designing vaccines that can provide long-lasting protection against HIV-1 infection (Stamatatos et al., 2021). Challenges in targeting these receptors include the extreme rarity of bNAb-precursor BCRs in the human repertoire and the potential for inducing off-target autoreactive responses.

Other names

HIV-1 envelope-specific B-cell receptorAnti-HIV BCRHIV-1 Env-reactive B-cell receptorHIV-specific BCRHIV-1 Env-binding B-cell receptor

Germline targeting and induction of affinity maturation to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies