Characterization of DNA and MVA vectors expressing Nef from HIV-1 CRF12 BF

A. M. RODRÍGUEZ; G. TURK; M.F. PASCUTTI; F. FERRER; J. L. NÁJERA; D. MÓNACO; M. ESTEBAN; H. SALOMÓN; G. CALAMANTE; M. M. GHERARDI

VIRUS RESEARCH

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2009 vol. 146 p. 1 - 12

0168-1702

The HIV epidemic in Argentina is characterized by the high prevalence of infections caused by subtype B and BF variants. In this study, the Nef protein was used as a tool to study the impact of HIV-1 BF variants in the design of future vaccines. DNA and MVA vectors expressing Nef of the CRF12 BF recombinant form of HIV-1 were generated and characterized. After the administration of single DNAprime/MVAboost immunization schedules in Balb/c mice we found that NefBF delivered from these vectors generated a response of high specificity with low cross-reactivity against subtype B. But,whena more potent response was induced after 3 priming DNA doses and a booster with MVA virus, cross-reactivity against NefB was detected, although of lower magnitude than the NefBF specific. These results will be pivotal for vaccines designs in our region, indicating that antigens from these viral variants must be considered for a future vaccine.