Conserved HIV-1 antigenic regions (HIVconsv)

Conserved HIV-1 antigenic regions are segments of the HIV-1 proteome that remain relatively invariant across different viral strains due to their essential roles in viral fitness and replication (Hanke, 2019, Expert Rev Vaccines). These regions are primarily located within internal proteins like Gag and Pol, as well as specific sites on the Envelope (Env) glycoprotein, such as the CD4 binding site and the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) (Burton & Hangartner, 2016, Annu Rev Immunol). In the context of vaccine development, these regions are used to focus the immune system's T-cell and B-cell responses on "Achilles heels" of the virus, making it harder for HIV-1 to escape through mutation (Mothe et al., 2015, J Transl Med). Therapeutic candidates like the HIVconsvX vaccine and the HTI (HIV-1 T-cell Immunogen) aim to induce robust CD8+ T-cell responses that can recognize and eliminate cells infected with diverse HIV-1 variants (Bailon et al., 2022, Nature Communications). Furthermore, broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) such as VRC01 and 10-1074 target conserved epitopes on the Env protein to prevent viral entry into host CD4+ T cells (Corey et al., 2021, Nature). Targeting these conserved regions is a primary strategy for both preventing new infections and managing the viral reservoir in patients seeking a functional cure.

Other names

Conserved HIV-1 epitopesHIV-1 conserved elementsConserved HIV-1 sequencesHIV-1 T-cell immunogensHIV-1 CE

Induction of broadly reactive T-cell or B-cell immune responses targeting functionally constrained viral sequences to prevent or control HIV-1 infection and limit viral escape.