HIV virus evolves to evade neutralizing antibody VRC01

An international study has revealed that HIV can evolve to resist VRC01, a broadly neutralizing antibody designed to prevent infection. Researchers analyzed genetic sequences from participants in the antibody-mediated prevention (AMP) trials, which involved over 4,600 individuals across the Americas and sub-Saharan Africa.

The study found that while VRC01 provided approximately 75% protection against highly sensitive viruses, it did not prevent all infections. Among 26 participants who received the antibody, eight developed new mutations associated with resistance. Professor Carolyn Williamson of the University of Cape Town noted that approximately 31% of those infected developed these escape mutations.

These mutations allow the virus to change the surface area that the antibody recognizes, making it harder for the treatment to block infection. However, these evolutionary changes may come at a biological cost to the virus itself. The findings suggest that future prevention strategies may need to combine multiple types of antibodies to effectively suppress the virus and prevent breakthrough infections.