[Promising experiments with DNA vaccine against HIV. A complete eradication of the virus is a formidable task]

The past few years have witnessed encouraging progress in experimental HIV vaccination. Several new vaccine candidates have been shown to elicit immune response and provide protection in animals, and the first immunotherapy trials in humans have been reported. Difficulties remain to be overcome, however. No consensus exists regarding trials in humans. Some researchers and clinicians believe that we must await a vaccine demonstrably and reproducibly effective in animals. Immunogenicity alone is considered insufficient to ensure clinical protection. Others consider animal experiments valuable, but believe that actual trials should be made in humans in the target population. Trials are urgently needed in countries with high transmission rates, even if optimal efficacy cannot be guaranteed.