Recombinant HIV-1 Envelope Protein for Vaccine Use

In pursuit of an effective vaccine to end the global HIV-1/AIDS pandemic, researchers at the Vaccine Research Center (“VRC”) continue to study the structure of HIV-1. Recently, these researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of the HIV-1 Envelope trimeric ectodomain (“Env”), comprised of three gp120 and three gp41 subunits, in its prefusion, mature, closed conformation.

The researchers hypothesize that immunization with the prefusion, closed HIV-1 Env protein will elicit a neutralizing immune response. The VRC researchers engineered a portion of the HIV-1 Env trimer to stabilize it in this closed conformation for use as an immunogen.

This technology is available for licensing for commercial development in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 209 and 37 CFR Part 404, as well as for further development and evaluation under a research collaboration.