Heterologous Immunization with Improved HIV-1 Subtype C Vaccines Elicit Autologous Tier 2 Neutralizing Antibodies with Rapid Viral Replication Control After SHIV Challenge.

We previously reported on HIV vaccines that elicited autologous Tier 2 neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) in rabbits. In the current study, we sought to establish a proof of concept that HIV vaccines using identical designs elicit Tier 2 nAbs in arhesus macaque (RM) model. DNA and MVA vaccines expressing SIV Gag and HIV-1 Env antigens were constructed, and in vitro expression was confirmed.