HIV-1 gp120-directed B-cell receptor (gp120-BCR)

The HIV-1 gp120-directed B-cell receptor (BCR) is a membrane-bound immunoglobulin expressed on the surface of B cells that specifically recognizes the gp120 subunit of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. In the context of modern germline-targeting vaccine strategies, these receptors—particularly those belonging to the VRC01-class—are the primary therapeutic targets. These naive B-cell receptors possess the genetic potential to evolve into broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) through a process of affinity maturation. Vaccines such as the eOD-GT8 60mer nanoparticle are designed to specifically bind and activate these rare precursor BCRs, priming the immune system to eventually produce antibodies capable of neutralizing diverse HIV-1 strains. This approach addresses the challenge of HIV's high antigenic diversity by focusing the immune response on conserved sites of vulnerability, such as the CD4 binding site on gp120.

Other names

VRC01-class B-cell receptorHIV-1 envelope-specific B-cell receptorbNAb precursor B-cell receptorCD4-binding site-directed B-cell receptorgp120-binding B-cell receptor

Germline targeting, B cell priming, and immunogen-mediated B cell activation to induce affinity maturation toward broadly neutralizing antibodies.