Removal of gp160 induced bio-hazards for a safe AIDS vaccine candidate.

In the first AIDS vaccine trial, immunizing preparations were based on HIV-1 Env protein (gp160). Immunogenic properties of gp160 which trigger both a humoral and cellular immune response have since justified its use in various vaccine programs, both past and present. Many reports however have underlined deleterious effects on the immune system--anti-HIV-1 enhanced antibodies, anti-CD4 autoantibodies, and inhibition of T cell activation by HIV-1--particularly associated with the Env protein. The present study shows that gp160 presented in a biologically inactivated but immunogenic form, as used in our trial, could avoid these complications. Bio-hazards associated with gp160 which indeed could be removed by appropriate treatment of the native protein, should be taken into consideration in AIDS vaccine programs.