Germline B Cell Receptor Precursor (HIV bNAb Lineage) (gl-BCR)

The germline B cell receptor (BCR) precursor is the unmutated, germline-encoded form of a B cell receptor that has the potential to mature into a broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) against HIV. These precursors are rare and often have low affinity for native HIV envelope proteins. Germline targeting strategies aim to selectively activate these precursors using engineered immunogens to guide their development into bNAbs, overcoming the challenges of traditional vaccine approaches.

Other names

Germline B cell receptorNaive B cell receptor (bNAb lineage)bNAb precursor BCRUnmutated B cell receptorVRC01-class germline receptor

Selective binding and activation of naive B cells expressing specific germline-encoded B cell receptors with the potential to develop into broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV.