HIV vaccine on the horizon? Rockefeller University researchers call antibody ‘extremely potent’ against virus strains

Results from a new trial found that an “extremely potent” antibody can dramatically reduce the level of the HIV virus in a patient’s blood — raising hopes for an HIV vaccine. Researchers at Rockefeller University in New York City found that giving people who have HIV an antibody called 3BNC117 causes the body to fight over 80% of HIV strains. This is important because the virus constantly mutates to stay ahead of the body’s immune system. Past tests of antibodies had disappointing results. “What’s special about these antibodies is that they have activity against over 80% of HIV strains and they are extremely potent,” Rockefeller University Assistant Professor Marina Caskey said in a release. However, the cloned antibody’s power to suppress the virus did not appear to last — suggesting that the antibody may currently be best used in combination with other drugs, the researchers said. The work, which includes the first results to emerge...