by In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI) have observed an ultra-fast movement on the surface of the HIV virus that could revolutionize the development of an AIDS vaccine. The findings, published in Science Advances, reveal a brief moment in which a small part of the virus’s surface opens up to initiate the process of infection.
The structure responsible for this movement is called the envelope glycoprotein. Researchers have long been intrigued by this structure as it plays a crucial role in the virus’s ability to dock onto a T-cell receptor known as CD4. The envelope glycoprotein constantly undergoes movements to evade the immune system, making it challenging to develop stable vaccine immunogens.
Lead author Rory Henderson, a structural biologist and associate professor of medicine at DHVI, explains that previous attempts to stabilize the structure were unsuccessful because scientists were unaware of its dynamic movement. However, the new study has shed light on this process and provides an opportunity to target the structure with antibodies to prevent it from opening.
The first step in the infection process occurs when the virus attaches itself to a human T-cell through the CD4 receptor. This connection triggers the envelope structure to open, exposing a co-receptor binding site, leading to viral RNA injection into the host cell. Once the virus enters the cell, the infection becomes permanent.
By understanding the dynamics of the envelope glycoprotein, the researchers hope to develop broadly neutralizing antibodies that can attach specifically to the structure, preventing it from opening and halting the infection process. This discovery could be a major breakthrough in the development of an AIDS vaccine.
To observe the various states of the viral parts, the researchers utilized an electron accelerator at the Argonne National Laboratory. This advanced technology allowed them to analyze the virus’s structure at the atomic level. However, access to this equipment is limited, and the researchers worked in marathon sessions to collect as much data as possible.
The study also confirms a previous argument that antibodies were being designed for the wrong shapes on the virus. The researchers believe that understanding the interplay between the antibody binding and the dynamic shape of the envelope glycoprotein is crucial for developing an effective immunogen.
“This work shows how important it is to consider the shape-shifting nature of the virus when designing antibodies for vaccination,” says Henderson. The researchers are already working on designing an immunogen based on their new insights.
The discovery of the ultra-fast movement on the surface of the HIV virus has opened up new possibilities in the quest for an AIDS vaccine. With further research and development, scientists may be able to harness this knowledge to develop antibodies that can block the virus’s ability to infect cells, bringing us one step closer to eradicating HIV/AIDS.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
