P11-20. HIV-1 gp41-specific mucosal IgAs from highly exposed but IgG seronegative women block HIV-1 epithelial transcytosis and neutralize CD4+ cell infection

Background AIDS is mainly a sexually transmitted disease and accordingly, mucosal tissues are the primary sites of natural HIV1 transmission. Mucosal IgA antibody specific for HIV-1 envelope gp41-subunit is one correlate of protection in individuals who are highly sexually exposed to HIV-1 but remain persistently IgG seronegative (HEPS). Understanding these peculiar IgAs at the gene and functional level is only possible with monoclonal IgAs.