Molecular and Neutralisation Characteristics of HIV-1 Virus Isolated from High Risk Individuals (Men Having Sex With Men) across India
Objectives:
To study genetic characteristics of HIV-1 Env and its impact on neutralisation susceptibility to HIV-1 broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs). To establish an Indian subtype C pseudovirus panel for standardised assessment of neutralisation response in HIV-1 infected individuals and vaccine candidates.Abstract:
Recent clinical studies show that passive transfer of broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) is able to control plasma viremia among HIV -1 infected individuals. The efficacy of bNAbs is depending on the viral subtype and its diversity within the population. Hence, it is important to compare the neutralisation breadth and potency of bNAbs by using relevant HIV-1 strains circulating among the region. The genetic characteristics of HIV-1 Env and its impact on neutralisation susceptibility to HIV-1 broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) will be studied in this proposal. This will be the first study in India to define the genetic characteristics of HIV-1 virus circulating in the MSM cohort across India. This data will be helpful to optimise the right combinations of bNAb for Indian subtype C viruses and provide better treatment outcome.
