Bispecific antibody-derived molecules to target persistent HIV infection

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Despite effective antiviral therapy, HIV-1 infection persists in reservoirs.
• Latency-reversing agents aim to induce viral expression for immune clearance.
• Bispecific molecules offer a strategy to eliminate infected cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review bispecific antibody-based molecules for targeting persistent HIV-1 infection.
• To explore strategies for eliminating HIV reservoirs using engineered immune responses.

Main Methods:

• Review of bispecific DART® molecules and other dual-specificity antibody-based molecules.
• Focus on molecules co-engaging CD3-expressing T cells or CD16A-expressing NK cells with HIV-1-infected cells.
• Discussion of targeting conserved viral epitopes on infected cells.

Main Results:

• Bispecific molecules can target conserved HIV-1 epitopes.
• These molecules recruit cytotoxic immune cells like T cells and NK cells.
• The approach aims for potent effector responses independent of MHC restrictions.

Conclusions:

• Bispecific antibody-based molecules represent a promising strategy for HIV reservoir elimination.
• Engineering immune responses via bispecific molecules can overcome viral persistence.
• This approach offers a novel therapeutic avenue for HIV treatment.