A recombinant avipoxvirus HIV-1 vaccine expressing interferon-gamma is safe and immunogenic in macaques

Abstract

Complex recombinant fowlpoxvirus (rFPV) vaccines expressing both HIV-1 antigens and type 1 cytokines could facilitate the induction of cellular immunity against HIV-1. A single rFPV expressing both HIV-1gag/pol and human interferon-γ (FPVgag/pol-IFNγ) was constructed and assessed as a therapeutic vaccine for safety and immunogenicity in macaques (Macaca nemestrina) previously infected with HIV-1. FPV gag/pol-IFNγ vaccinations were safe and enhanced T cell proliferative responses to Gag antigens (but not control tetanus antigens). Enhanced CTL responses to gag/pol antigens were also observed following IFNγ expressing vaccinations. Since cellular immunity may be critical to controlling or prev..