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Cologne Scientists Identify Broadly Neutralizing HIV Antibody With Over-90% Lab Neutralization

Specialists say only human trials will determine dosing, safety and effectiveness.

Overview

  • Researchers isolated antibody 04_A06 from the blood of 32 elite controllers after screening 831 antibodies against 337 HIV-1 subtypes.
  • In laboratory assays, 04_A06 neutralized more than 90–95% of tested HIV-1 variants and targets the virus’s CD4 binding site.
  • In humanized mice infected with the HIV-1 YU2 strain, treatment with 04_A06 fully suppressed viral levels.
  • A modeling analysis of an extended version projected over 93% protection if given three times within 24 weeks, which remains to be confirmed in people.
  • The work was published in Nature Immunology, the University of Cologne filed a patent, and independent experts cautioned that the findings are preclinical.