Germline precursor B cell receptor of V3 glycan-specific broadly neutralizing antibody

Germline precursor B cell receptors of V3 glycan-specific broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are the unmutated (germline) forms of B cell receptors expressed on naïve B cells that can, upon appropriate stimulation and antigen exposure (such as HIV envelope with V3 glycan "supersite" epitopes around N332), mature through affinity maturation and somatic hypermutation into potent V3 glycan-dependent bnAbs (e.g., PGT128-class) capable of neutralizing diverse HIV-1 strains[1][2][3]. The term does not describe a single molecule but a population or class of BCRs sharing similar genetic features that enable recognition of V3 glycan epitopes after evolution through affinity maturation. These precursors are not therapeutic targets themselves but are critical considerations for vaccine design aiming to induce bnAb responses by selectively engaging these rare BCRs in the naïve repertoire using engineered, "germline-targeting" immunogens[3][6].

Other names

Germline V3 glycan bnAb precursor BCRV3 N332-dependent germline B cell receptorGermline BCR of PGT128-class bnAbs