The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

The United States of America as Represented by the Department of Health

Robert W Doms

Bernard Moss

Christopher C Broder

Patricia L Earl

Immunogenic compositions and methods of stimulating an immune response against the envelope protein of HIV-1. Immunogenic compositions include a purified oligomeric structure that comprises a C-terminally truncated form of HIV-1 gp160 protein that is missing the gp41 transmembrane domain. The gp120-gp41 proteolytic processing site is retained in one form of the composition and is deleted in a different form of the composition. In one embodiment, the engineered env protein is proteolytically cleaved, but the gp120 and gp41 components of the complex remain noncovalently associated. Immunization with these compositions advantageously stimulates the production of conformation-dependent antibodies.

Oligomeric HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins

The present invention relates to methods for producing recombinant HIV-1 envelope (env) oligomers for use as immunogens. When gp140 oligomeric glycoproteins were purified by sucrose velocity gradient sedimentation, and then used to immunize mice, the resulting humoral immune response was skewed toward the production of antibodies that recognize conformation-dependent epitopes on the HIV-1 env protein. Assays for HIV-1 infections are described, as well as immonogens for vaccinating against HIV-1 infection.

Growing community of inventors

Berwyn, PA, United States of America

Robert W Doms