Vaccines
Introduction and Goals
Explore the Process of HIV Vaccine Development
Characteristics of a desirable HIV vaccine to control global spread of AIDS are
- Simple to administer
- Inexpensive
- Induces long lasting immunity
- Effective against all HIV subtypes
Developing an HIV/AIDS vaccine remains one of NIAID’s highest priorities, but it presents formidable scientific challenges to the HIV/AIDS researchers. The NIAID Division of AIDS (DAIDS) supports HIV vaccine development through
- Fundamental basic research—the discovery phase
- Preclinical screening and animal model development
- Product development and manufacturing
- Clinical research
HIV vaccine research has progressed from an early focus on HIV surface antigens, particularly the envelope and the role of neutralizing antibodies to increased attention to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in HIV immunity. Many novel approaches to elicit anti-HIV neutralizing antibodies and CTLs are now under investigation. To learn more, read about the current vaccine designs and concepts.
Goals
Preclinical Research and Development
- Identify and develop promising vaccine candidates in animal models that induce:
- Broadly neutralizing antibody
- Consistent and high level of cytotoxic T lymphocytes
- Strong mucosal immune responses
- Evaluate the candidates for immunogenicity, safety and efficacy in animal models
- Produce products with the most promise, including those that may not have adequate industry support under good manufacturing conditions, and move these products through the Investigational New Drug (IND) approval process
- Develop and test new adjuvants and cytokines that will increase the magnitude and duration of the immune response when formulated with or given in conjunction with candidate AIDS vaccines.
Vaccine Clinical Research
- Identify a safe and effective HIV vaccine through the conduct of clinical trials.
- Harmonize protocols to facilitate comparisons of products, dose and route of administration.
- Ensure volunteer safety during trial conduct.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory agency requirements.
- Advance knowledge of protective immunity by developing and improving laboratory assays of vaccine induced human immune responses.
- Collaborate with governmental and non-governmental agencies that conduct HIV vaccine research to expedite the identification of an effective HIV vaccine.
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