A synthetic approach to breaking the immunotolerance of HIV-1 glycans. (360G-Wellcome-077474_Z_05_A)

£12,450

A synthetic approach to breaking the immunotolerance of HIV-1 glycans Despite over 20 years of concerted effort, there is no effective vaccine capable of eliciting broadly neutralising antibodies against HIV. There are two primary reasons for this. Firstly, the virally encoded proteins at the surface of the virion (gp120 and gp41) are covered with a dense layer of carbohydrates. These are created and attached within the host cell and are thus identical to other cell-surface glycans, acting to shield the otherwise antigenic surface of the protein from the immune system. Secondly, HIV has a very high mutation rate. When an antibody capable of neutralising a particular viral isolate is generated, mutant versions with altered epitopes rapidly proliferate, rendering the formerly neutralising antibody obsolete. Despite this, a number of broadly neutralising antibodies to HIV have been discovered. One of these antibodies, IgG1 2G12, binds a dense cluster of oligomannose on the outer surface of gp120. Transfer of 2G12 and other broadly neutralising anti-HIV antibodies in animal models provides immunity against chimeric Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (SHIV-1). One aim of this project involves the creation of an immunogen capable of eliciting similarly broadly neutralising antibodies capable of protecting immunised individuals against HIV-1.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 12450
Applicant Surname Dunlop
Approval Committee Molecules, Genes and Cells Funding Committee
Award Date 2006-12-20T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2006/07
Grant Programme: Title PhD Studentship (Basic)
Internal ID 077474/Z/05/A
Lead Applicant Mr Cameron Dunlop
Partnership Value 12450
Planned Dates: End Date 2009-09-30T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2006-10-01T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region South East
Sponsor(s) Prof David Stuart