Recent progress in immune-based interventions to prevent HIV-1 transmission to children

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• 150,000 new paediatric HIV-1 infections occurred globally in 2015, highlighting challenges in elimination efforts.
• Existing prevention strategies require innovative approaches to achieve an AIDS-free generation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore immune-based interventions for preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1.
• To highlight the potential of paediatric HIV vaccines and passive immunization for MTCT prevention.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent discoveries in infant immune responses to HIV.
• Examination of proof-of-concept studies using broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) in nonhuman primates.
• Discussion of ongoing clinical trials for HIV antibodies in infants and adults.

Main Results:

• Infant immune responses to HIV show promise for paediatric vaccine development.
• Passive immunization with HIV-1 Env-specific monoclonal antibodies has demonstrated efficacy in preventing SHIV transmission in newborns.
• Progress in isolating and characterizing bNAbs offers new therapeutic and preventive possibilities.

Conclusions:

• Immune-based interventions are vital tools for addressing persistent challenges in MTCT prevention.
• Active exploration of these strategies is critical for reducing infant HIV infections and meeting WHO Fast-Track 2030 goals.