Human immunodeficiency virus 1 Gag, Rev, Vpr, and Nef antigens with CD40 ligand (HIV-1 Gag/Rev/Vpr/Nef/CD40L)

This entity represents a multi-component therapeutic vaccine construct rather than a single molecular target. It consists of antigenic epitopes derived from four essential Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) proteins: Gag (structural polyprotein), Rev (regulatory protein), Vpr (accessory protein), and Nef (negative effector protein). These proteins are critical for viral assembly, mRNA export, nuclear import, and immune evasion, respectively (UniProt P04591, P04618, P05926, P04601). By targeting multiple proteins, the construct aims to reduce the likelihood of viral escape through mutation. The inclusion of co-expressed CD40 ligand (CD40L, also known as CD154) serves as a molecular adjuvant to boost the vaccine's immunogenicity. CD40L is a member of the TNF superfamily that binds to CD40 on antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells, triggering their maturation and enhancing their ability to prime T-cell responses (UniProt P29965). This combination is designed to elicit potent cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T-cell responses to control HIV-1 infection or prevent its progression. Research into such constructs often utilizes DNA plasmid or viral vector delivery systems to ensure the simultaneous expression of the antigens and the adjuvant within the host's cells.

Other names

HIV-1 multi-antigen vaccine constructGag-Rev-Vpr-Nef-CD40LHIV-1 polyvalent vaccine with CD154CD40L-adjuvanted HIV-1 vaccine

Induction of broad-spectrum cellular and humoral immune responses against multiple HIV-1 proteins, enhanced by CD40L-mediated activation of dendritic cells and B cells via the CD40 receptor.