ALVAC-HIV Vaccine Targeting Dendritic Cells in Healthy Volunteers
Author Information
Author(s): Eller Michael A., Slike Bonnie M., Cox Josephine H., Lesho Emil, Wang Zhining, Currier Jeffrey R., Darden Janice M., Polonis Victoria R., Vahey Maryanne T., Peel Sheila, Robb Merlin L., Michael Nelson L., Marovich Mary A.
Primary Institution: U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
Hypothesis
Direct ex vivo targeting of human dendritic cells would enhance the immune response compared to conventional vaccine delivery methods.
Conclusion
The ALVAC-HIV vaccine delivered with autologous ex vivo transfected dendritic cells was safe and generated the most robust immune responses.
Supporting Evidence
- All vaccine delivery routes were well tolerated.
- Binding antibodies were observed to both the ALVAC vector and HIV-1 proteins.
- Proliferative immune responses were most frequent in the dendritic cell arm.
Takeaway
This study tested a new way to give a vaccine by using special immune cells called dendritic cells, and it worked better than regular methods.
Methodology
Healthy volunteers received the ALVAC-HIV vaccine or placebo via different injection methods, and their immune responses were measured over time.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and changes in the loading sequence of dendritic cells that were not part of the original design.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 42.2 years, with an even distribution of males and females.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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