Reference:
Gandhi, R. T., Kwon, D. S., Macklin, E. A., Shopis, J. R., McLean, A. P., McBrine, N., Flynn, T., Peter, L., Sbrolla, A., Kaufmann, D. E., Porichis, F., Walker, B. D., Bhardwaj, N., Barouch, D. H., & Kavanagh, D. G. (2016). Immunization of HIV-1-Infected Persons With Autologous Dendritic Cells Transfected With mRNA Encoding HIV-1 Gag and Nef: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 71(3), 246-253. https://doi.org/10.1097/QAI.0000000000000965
Summary:
This study evaluates the immunogenicity of autologous dendritic cells (DCs) transfected with mRNA encoding HIV-1 Gag and Nef in HIV-1-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy. In a randomised, placebo-controlled trial involving 15 participants, those receiving the vaccine showed short-lived increases in CD4 responses to HIV-1 antigens and the neo-antigen KLH. However, there were no significant differences in interferon-gamma responses between the vaccine and placebo groups. The findings suggest that while DC vaccination is safe, its efficacy as a therapeutic HIV vaccine is limited, highlighting the need for optimised strategies to induce stronger and more durable immune responses.