Non-neutralizing antibodies and vaccine-induced protection against HIV

Abstract

HIV-specific neutralizing antibodies are crucial for sterilizing immunity but have been difficult to elicit using current vaccine approaches. By contrast, non-neutralizing antibodies that mediate other effector functions are readily induced. Recent data suggest these antibodies may play a significant role in viral load reduction and/or clearance. The interval between viral entry across a mucosal barrier and development of systemic infection provides a timeframe during which these antibodies may impact the outcome of infection. Here we discuss various effector mechanisms mediated by non-neutralizing antibodies and summarize evidence of their contribution to protective efficacy. We suggest that non-neutralizing antibody components be incorporated into vaccine strategies, and predict that further exploration of this area of research will prove fruitful for HIV vaccine development.