The antibody response in HIV-1-infected donors

Although the goal of preventive HIV vaccine design is primarily the induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), recent evidence suggests that a protective response will also benefit from Fc effector functions. Here, we provide an update on the antibody response to HIV infection, including both Fab and Fc-mediated antibody responses. We also highlight recent studies showing the interplay between these functions, focusing primarily on studies published in the last year.

Identification and characterization of bNAb donors continues to provide insights into viral factors that are potentially translatable to vaccine design. Improved and more diverse measures of Fc effector function, and modulators thereof, are enabling a deeper understanding of their role in infection. New data providing mechanistic links between the innate and adaptive humoral immune responses are creating exciting opportunities for vaccine strategies, with the aim of eliciting a polyfunctional protective response.

New insights into the overall humoral response to HIV infection are defining diverse and synergistic mechanisms required for antibody protection from HIV through vaccination.