PROTECTION OF CHIMPANZEES FROM HIGH-DOSE HETEROLOGOUS HIV-1 CHALLENGEBY DNA VACCINATION

Novel approaches for the generation of more effective vaccines for HIV -1 are of significant importance. In this report we analyze the immuno genicity and efficacy of an HIV-1 DNA vaccine encoding env, rev and ga g/pol in a chimpanzee model system. The immunized animals developed sp ecific cellular and humoral immune responses. Animals were challenged with a heterologous chimpanzee titered stock of HIV-1 SF2 virus and fo llowed for 48 weeks after challenge. Polymerase chain reaction coupled with reverse transcription (RT-PCR) results indicated infection in th e control animal, whereas those animals vaccinated with the DNA constr ucts were protected from the establishment of infection. These studies serve as ait important benchmark for the use of DNA vaccine technolog y for the production of protective immune responses.