Toward an AIDS vaccine

Science. 2008 May 9;320(5877):760-4. doi: 10.1126/science.1152622.

Abstract

A quarter century of scientific discovery has been applied to developing an AIDS vaccine, yet this goal remains elusive. Specific characteristics of the virus, including the extreme genetic variability in circulating viral isolates worldwide, biological properties of HIV that impede immune attack, and a high mutation rate that allows for rapid escape from adaptive immune responses, render this a huge challenge. However, evidence of protection against AIDS viruses in animal models and control of HIV in humans under certain circumstances, together with scientific advances in understanding disease pathogenesis, provide a strong rationale and objective paths to continue the pursuit of an effective AIDS vaccine to stem the global epidemic.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Vaccines* / history
  • AIDS Vaccines* / immunology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / prevention & control*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / virology
  • Animals
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • HIV Antibodies / immunology
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology

Substances

  • AIDS Vaccines
  • HIV Antibodies