Analysis of HIV immune activation and antibodies to Vacc-C5
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Analysis of HIV immune activation and antibodies to the C5/gp41 region of HIV gp160 (Vacc-C5)
IRAS ID
194266
Contact name
Maja Sommerfelt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bionor Pharma ASA
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is life-long. At present, there is no cure, and medication (antiretroviral therapy - ART) must be taken for life. HIV-associated immune activation is known to drive disease progression in the absence of ART. In the presence of ART, however, this immune activation is reduced but not absent and is implicated in ongoing immune dysfunction. It can therefore contribute adverse effects on health such as cardiovascular disease, neurotoxicity and bone loss. Previous studies have shown that antibodies to a specific region of the HIV outer surface envelope glycoprotein (C5/gp41) are associated with slowed disease progression. This study will analyse potential mechanisms by which this region on HIV is associated with immune activation. A peptide, Vacc-C5, corresponding to the C5/gp41 region can detect antibody responses to this region in serum from infected individuals. \nThis study, partly supported by a grant from the Research Council of Norway, will seek informed consent from up to 50 HIV-infected individuals to provide approximately half a cup of blood. The blood samples will be used for research in the laboratory to determine the different mechanisms by which this region of HIV may induce immune activation. Furthermore, how these immune activation mechanisms may be blocked by anti-Vacc-C5 antibodies. All samples will be anonymized. All samples will be collected at a single clinical site at St. Georges Hospital where these individuals receive care. HIV infected individuals aged between 18 and 55 will be eligible. Those co-infected with active HCV and/or HBV, undergoing steroid use, and with iron deficiency will be excluded. HIV infected individuals may be asked for blood samples up to three times. \nThe results of this study will provide information valuable to the understanding of immune activation in HIV disease and the role of anti-Vacc-C5 antibodies in reducing immune activation.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
16/NS/0005
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion