Monoclonal Antibody 2C6 Targets a Cross-Clade Conformational Epitope in gp41 with Highly Active Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity

Abstract

This paper further defines the function and area of the HIV trimeric envelope protein targeted by the monoclonal antibody 2C6. 2C6 binding is influenced by amino acid mutations across two separate gp41 sections of the envelope trimer. This epitope is recognized on multiple clades (variant groups of circulating viruses) of gp41, gp140 trimers, and SOSIP trimers. For the clades tested, 2C6 has robust ADCC. As the target of 2C6 is available in the major clades of HIV and has robust ADCC activity, further definition and appreciation of targeting of antibodies similar to 2C6 during vaccine development should be considered.