Abstract
With nearly 13 million new HIV infections in 2022, it is imperative that as many preventive options be available to those most at risk. Without doubt, an effective vaccine would be a game changer, and despite the disappointments and challenges, the development of an effective HIV vaccine should remain a priority. The past few years have been tough for HIV vaccine research, with several high-profile trials being stopped early and others having negative results. With every setback, however, there are lessons to be learned. Neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs), either by giving infusions of bnAbs or by eliciting the immune system to generate its own, are the main emphasis. The focus seems to be on the development of mRNA vaccine approaches using technologies pioneered during the development of COVID-19 vaccines. mRNA platforms are being used in many of the current phase 1 vaccine studies. The quick development of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 will likely not be repeated with HIV, which is a much more formidable immunological foe than SARS-CoV-2. However, it is reassuring that vaccine trials are moving to sub-Saharan Africa, and large mRNA manufacturing facilities are being planned for the region.