Whole-killed gp120-depleted HIV-1 antigen in a murine model for prophylactic vaccination.

Abstract In this study, the effects were examined of dose and adjuvant of a whole-killed gp120-depleted HIV-1 antigen on antibody and cytokine responses in a murine model. Immunization with increasing doses of inactivated HIV-1 antigen in Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant (IFA) resulted in increased production of IL-4 and IgG1 antibody with decreased production of interferon gamma. Immunization with inactivated HIV-1 antigen in Detox™ PC adjuvant produced T H 1 type predominant cytokine patterns along with IgG2a subclass antibody. Higher levels of interferon gamma were associated with immunization with inactivated HIV-1 antigen in Detox™ PC compared with inactivated HIV-1 in IFA or inactivated HIV-1 in saline. Inactivated HIV-1 antigen in Detox™ PC adjuvant produced a trend of lower levels of the β-chemokine MIP-1α compared with inactivated HIV-1 in IFA or saline. Dose and adjuvant play an important role in the type of immune response elicited to a whole-killed HIV vaccine. Low doses of inactivated HIV-1 antigen in Detox™ PC adjuvant are currently being studied in animal models in order to optimize cell-mediated immunity against HIV infection.