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6d ago

mRNA HIV Vaccine Elicits Neutralizing Antibodies in 80% of Participants Despite Persistent Hives

Researchers plan to refine mRNA constructs to lessen urticaria through timed release of multiple HIV proteins

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Colorized scanning electron micrograph of HIV-1 virus particles (blue) both budding and attached to the surface of Hut-78/human lymphocyte cells (red). Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Credit: NIAID
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Scientists have been developing mRNA vaccines against HIV, with one approach recently showing strong early results in animal and human studies.

Overview

  • In a phase 1 trial of 108 volunteers, mRNA vaccines encoding cell-bound HIV envelope trimers induced neutralizing antibodies in 80% of participants compared with 4% for free-floating trimer constructs.
  • Seven participants developed hives, with several cases of urticaria persisting for months and marking an unexpected safety concern exclusive to mRNA-delivered HIV proteins.
  • The open-label study administered three doses over six months to evaluate both cell-bound and free-floating envelope trimer formats for immunogenicity and tolerability.
  • mRNA technology offers the potential for a single-injection HIV vaccine that encodes and releases multiple immunogens in sequence, aiming to streamline complex booster regimens.
  • Despite these promising immune responses, experts caution that further design refinements are needed and that a fully licensed HIV vaccine remains years away.