Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 antigens (delivered by Adenovirus type 35 vector) (Ad35-HIV antigens)

HIV-1 antigens delivered by Adenovirus type 35 (Ad35) vectors are components of a vaccine platform designed to prevent or treat HIV-1 infection by inducing specific immune responses (Keefer et al., 2012). The Ad35 vector is a replication-deficient human adenovirus of a rare serotype, which minimizes the impact of pre-existing anti-vector immunity commonly found with Ad5-based vaccines (Barouch et al., 2010). These vectors are engineered to carry genes encoding key HIV-1 proteins, such as Gag, Pol, and Nef (often as a fusion protein called GRIN) or the Envelope (Env) protein (Omosa-Manyonyi et al., 2015). Once injected, the vector transduces host cells, leading to the intracellular production of these HIV-1 antigens, which are then presented on the cell surface via MHC Class I and II molecules to stimulate HIV-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells (IAVI, 2023). The platform aims to create a durable memory response capable of recognizing and eliminating HIV-infected cells. Clinical trials have evaluated these vectors in various prime-boost combinations to optimize the breadth and depth of the immune response (Keefer et al., 2012). While primarily focused on prophylactic use, this technology also explores therapeutic vaccination to enhance viral control in individuals already living with HIV. Safety profiles in clinical studies have generally shown the platform to be well-tolerated, with common side effects limited to transient local and systemic reactions (Omosa-Manyonyi et al., 2015).

Other names

Ad35-GRINAd35-EnvAd35-HIV-1 vaccineRecombinant Adenovirus Type 35 HIV-1 antigensVRC-HIVADV038-00-VP

Viral vector-mediated delivery of genetic material encoding HIV-1 antigens, leading to endogenous protein expression and induction of antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell and B-cell immune responses.