To treat HIV and prevent malaria Gates Foundation and Vir join forces to develop neutralizing antibodies

A few days ago, Vir Biotechnology announced the expansion of its collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) to promote the advancement of innovative platform technologies to provide innovative vaccine effects for the treatment of HIV (HIV) and the prevention of malaria.

New initiatives related to the collaboration include a proof-of-concept clinical trial designed to evaluate the potential utility of Vir broadly neutralizing antibodies in inhibiting viral replication and transmission in HIV-infected individuals, as well as their ability to produce vaccine-like effects (in Durable suppression of HIV without antiretroviral therapy)

Although some current treatments for HIV infection, such as antiretroviral therapy, can reduce the viral load of HIV, they cannot completely eliminate it

By modifying the Fc-terminal of antibodies, researchers at Vir and Rockefeller University not only allowed them to provide "passive immunity," but also gave them the ability to promote dendritic cell maturation and activate CD8-positive T cells

"Although HIV has transitioned from a fatal disease to a chronic disease for those with access to effective antiretroviral therapy, there remains a significant unmet need for HIV to be persistently suppressed without antiretroviral therapy.

"We look forward to applying the lessons learned to date with COVID-19, HBV infection and influenza to advance our goal of curing HIV and preventing malaria," said Dr.

References:

[1] Vir Biotechnology Launches New Antibody Research Initiative Aimed at a Functional Cure for HIV and Prevention of Malaria.