Immunogenicity of DNA and Recombinant Sendai Virus Vaccines Expressing the HIV-1 gag Gene

Combinations of DNA and recombinant-viral-vector based vaccines are promising AIDS vaccine methods because of their potential for inducing cellular immune responses. It was found that Gag-specific cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL) responses were associated with lowering viremia in an untreated HIV-1 infected cohort. The main objectives of our studies were the construction of DNA and recombinant Sendai virus vector (rSeV) vaccines containing a gag gene from the prevalent Thailand subtype B strain in China and trying to use these vaccines for therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines. The candidate plasmid DNA vaccine pcDNA3.1(+)-gag and recombinant Sendai virus vaccine (rSeV-gag) were constructed separately. It was verified by Western blotting analysis that both DNA and rSeV-gag vaccines expressed the HIV-1 Gag protein correctly and efficiently. Balb/c mice were immunized with these two vaccines in different administration schemes. HIV-1 Gag-specific CTL responses and antibody levels were detected by intracellular cytokine staining assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) respectively. Combined vaccines in a DNA prime/rSeV-gag boost vaccination regimen induced the strongest and most long-lasting Gag-specific CTL and antibody responses. It maintained relatively high levels even 9 weeks post immunization. This data indicated that the prime-boost regimen with DNA and rSeV-gag vaccines may offer promising HIV vaccine regimens.

HIV-1初始传播病毒Vpr基因遗传变异对诱导G_2期阻滞及细胞凋亡的影响

人免疫缺陷病毒(HIV-1)急性感染过程中,病毒的遗传多样性显著减少,往往只有一株或几株病毒可以建立有效感染,这种病毒被称为初始传播病毒(Transmitted/Founder virus)。病毒蛋白R(Vpr)是HIV-1的辅助蛋白之一,在病毒复制过程中起重要作用。研究初始传播病毒Vpr基因遗传变异与生物学特征对于阐明病毒建立感染的关键环节具有重要意义。文章利用流式细胞术分析了C亚型HIV-1初始传播病毒株与慢性感染株MJ4的Vpr蛋白诱导细胞G2期阻滞和细胞凋亡的能力。结果显示,初始传播病毒ZM246和ZM247的Vpr诱导细胞G2期阻滞和细胞凋亡的能力显著高于慢性感染株MJ4 Vpr。氨基酸序列分析表明,初始传播病毒Vpr在第77、85和94位上存在高频突变。研究结果提示初始传播病毒可能在病毒感染早期,通过Vpr基因的遗传突变,提升病毒诱导细胞停滞G2期和细胞凋亡的能力,进而促进病毒在宿主体内的复制和传播。

HIV-1始祖病毒Vpu和Vif拮抗宿主限制因子的能力

目的研究始祖病毒的生物学和早期进化特征,有助于阐明HIV-1建立感染的关键因素。方法以过表达的方法比较了始祖病毒和同一亚型的慢性感染病毒Vpu蛋白降解宿主限制因子BST-2的能力,利用流式细胞术检测两者对内源性BST-2细胞表面水平的影响。利用已构建的含荧光素酶报告基因的单循环感染始祖病毒表达质粒,比较了始祖病毒与同一亚型的慢性感染株下调BST-2的能力。用过表达的方法检测了Vif蛋白拮抗宿主限制因子h A3G的能力。结果对过表达以及细胞表面内源性BST-2,始祖病毒Vpu蛋白降解宿主限制因子BST-2的能力均显著高于同一亚型的慢性感染病毒。但在始祖病毒拮抗BST-2抗病毒活性的能力分析中,尽管始祖病毒Vpu表现出较强的下调BST-2的能力,仍然不足以拮抗外源过量表达的BST-2的抗病毒活性。在Vif降解hA 3G的实验中,始祖病毒Vif降解h A3G的能力弱于慢性感染病毒p MJ4或与之类似。结论始祖病毒具有更高的拮抗宿主天然免疫的能力,有助于其建立早期感染。

Prokaryotic Expression and Purification of HIV-1 Vif and hAPOBEC3G, Preparation of Polyclonal Antibodies

To prepare HIV-1 Vif and hAPOBEC3G and to produce their antibodies, the full length gene fragment of HIV-1 vif was amplified by PCR from a plasmid of HIV-1 NL4.3 cDNA, and the APOBEC3G gene was obtained by RT-PCR from the total RNA of H9 cells. The resulting DNA construct was cloned into a prokaryotic expression vector (pET-32a). Recombinant pET-vif and pET-APOBEC3G were expressed respectively in Eserichia coli BL21 (DE3) as an insoluble protein. The vector also contained a six-histidine tag at the C-terminus for convenient purification and detection. To express and purify the HIV-1 Vif and hAPOBEC3G in E.coli cells, the accuracy of inserted gene and specificity of proteins were detected by the two enzyme digestion method, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting. Rabbits were then immunized by Vif or APOBEC3G protein and serum samples were tested by indirect ELISA to determine the level of antibodies. Immunoenzyme and immunofluorescence assays were performed to identify the specificity of polyclonal antibodies. The titer of the anti-Vif antibodies was 1:204800, and that of the anti-APOBEC3G antibodies was 1:102400. Thus the antibodies could detect the antigen expression in the cells, demonstrating that fusion proteins with high purity and their corresponding polyclonal antibodies with high titer and specificity were achieved.

Cloning and analysis of the envelope protein clone of HIV-1, CHNHLJ03009c34 from an infected individual in Heilongjiang province

To analyze the variability and phenotype of envelope glycoprotein （Env） of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 （HIV-1） prevalent in Heilongjiang province, cloning of the full-length env gene from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） of an HIV-1 positive individual in Heilongjiang province in China was performed by using conserved region primers. The amplified PCR products were cloned into a plasmid vector and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis was done upon the full-length Env amino acid sequence. Subsequently, an HIV-1 pseudotyped virus bearing the envelope protein was constructed and the infectivity was examined using U87 cell lines expressing CD4 with either CCR5 or CXCR4. As the result, two functional env clones named as CHNHLJ03009c34 （GenBank Accession No： AY905493 ） and CHNHLJ03009c33 were obtained. It was found that the homology between CHNHLJ03009c34 and an HIV-1 subtype B＇ strain, RIA-2, isolated from Yunnan province, was 91.52% through comparing and analyzing full-length Env amino acid sequence of HIV-1 isolated from either China or abroad. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that CHNHLJ03009c34 has the closest molecular relation with strain RIA2 based on analyzing the full-length of the Env, while it became an independent branch upon analyzing the sequences of C2-V3 region of the Env. The secondary structure analysis of the envelope protein showed that the antigenicity and hydrophobicity of the strain demonstrated have no definite difference from that of RL42. Examination of infectivity showed that pseudovirus CHNHLI03009c34 could only infect U87. CD4. CCR5 cells, indicating that it was a RS-tropic HIV-1. In the conclusion, two HIV-1 env clones from an infected individual in Heilongjiang province have been identified as subtype B＇ and RS-tropic HIV-1. This is the first report on the analysis of primary isolates in Heilongjiang province.

Human mpox co-infection with advanced HIV-1 and XDR-TB in a MSM patient previously vaccinated against smallpox:A case report

Mpox is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the mpox virus(MPXV).Historically,the majority of mpox cases have been documented in Central Africa.However,since May 2022,there has been a notable rise in reported cases from regions beyond Africa.Currently,over 110 countries spanning Europe,North America,South America,Asia,and other territories have reported mpox infections.This report details a case involving a patient who identifies as a man who has sex with men(MSM)and is concurrently infected with MPXV,human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1),Pneumocystis jiroveci,as well as extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis(XDR-TB).This patient had also received a vaccination for smallpox in the past.Additionally,we provide photographic documentation charting the progression of dermatological manifestations associated with mpox.This case highlights the significance of sexual intercourse as a crucial mode of transmission for mpox.The rapid and widespread dissemination of the MPXV across various regions,especially among MSM communities,underscores the importance of enhancing preventive education efforts targeted at high-risk populations.

Development of a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction assay for the sensitive detection of total and integrated HIV-1 DNA

Background:Total human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)DNA and integrated HIV DNA are widely used markers of HIV persistence.Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction(ddPCR)can be used for absolute quantification without needing a standard curve.Here,we developed duplex ddPCR assays to detect and quantify total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA.Methods:The limit of detection,dynamic ranges,sensitivity,and reproducibility were evaluated by plasmid constructs containing both the HIV long terminal repeat(LTR)and human CD3 gene(for total HIV DNA)and ACH-2 cells(for integrated HIV DNA).Forty-two cases on stable suppressive antiretroviral therapy(ART)were assayed in total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA.Correlation coefficient analysis was performed on the data related to DNA copies and cluster of differentiation 4 positive(CD4^(+))T-cell counts,CD8^(+)T-cell counts and CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio,respectively.The assay linear dynamic range and lower limit of detection(LLOD)were also assessed.Results:The assay could detect the presence of HIV-1 copies 100%at concentrations of 6.3 copies/reaction,and the estimated LLOD of the ddPCR assay was 4.4 HIV DNA copies/reaction(95%confidence intervals[CI]:3.6-6.5 copies/reaction)with linearity over a 5-log_(10)-unit range in total HIV DNA assay.For the integrated HIV DNA assay,the LLOD was 8.0 copies/reaction(95%CI:5.8-16.6 copies/reaction)with linearity over a 3-log 10-unit range.Total HIV DNA in CD4^(+)T cells was positively associated with integrated HIV DNA(r=0.76,P<0.0001).Meanwhile,both total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA in CD4^(+)T cells were inversely correlated with the ratio of CD4/CD8 but positively correlated with the CD8^(+)T-cell counts.Conclusions:This ddPCR assay can quantify total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA efficiently with robustness and sensitivity.It can be readily adapted for measuring HIV DNA with non-B clades,and it could be beneficial for testing in clinical trials.

Construction and characterization of a recombinant fowlpox virus containing HIV-1 multi-epitope-p24 chimeric gene in mice

The epidemic of HIV/AIDS is sweeping across the world. It is of great importance to figure out new ways to curb this disease. Epitope-based vaccine is one of these solutions. In this study, a chimeric gene was obtained by combination of a designed HIV-1 multi-epitope gene (MEG) and HIV-1 p24 gene. A re- combinant plasmid pUTA2-MEGp24 was then constructed by inserting MEGp24 gene into the down- stream of the promoter (ATI-P7.5×20) of fowlpox virus (FPV) transfer vector pUTA2. The recombinant plasmid and wild-type FPV 282E4 strain were then co-transfected into CEF cells and homologous re- combination occurred. A recombinant virus expressing HIV-1 protein MEGp24 was screened by ge- nome PCR and Western blot assay. Large scale preparation and purification of the recombinant fowl- pox virus (rFPV) were then carried out. BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly with the rFPV for three times on day 0, 14 and 42. Mice were executed and sampled one week after the third inoculation. Anti-HIV-1 antibody in serum and Th1 cytokines in the supernatant of cultured spleen cells were as- sayed by ELISA. The count of T lymphocyte subsets and the CTL activity of spleen lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, respectively. The results showed that HIV-1 specific antibody in serum and increased T lymphocyte subsets (CD4+ T, CD8+ T) were detected in the immunization group. CTL target-killing activity and higher secretion of Th1 cyto- kines (IFN-γ and IL-2) of spleen lymphocytes stimulated by H-2d-restricted CTL peptide were observed in immunized mice. We concluded that the rFPV may induce HIV-1 specific immunity especially cellular immunity in mice.

Identification of Aristolactam Derivatives That Act as Inhibitors of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection and Replication by Targeting Tat-Mediated Viral Transcription

Despite the success of antiretroviral therapy(ART),efforts to develop new classes of antiviral agents have been hampered by the emergence of drug resistance.Dibenzo-indole-bearing aristolactams are compounds that have been isolated from various plants species and which show several clinically relevant effects,including anti-inflammatory,antiplatelet,and antimycobacterial actions.However,the effect of these compounds on human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1)infection has not yet been studied.In this study,we discovered an aristolactam derivative bearing dibenzo[cd,f]indol-4(5 H)-one that had a potent anti-HIV-1 effect.A structure-activity relationship(SAR)study using nine synthetic derivatives of aristolactam identified the differing effects of residue substitutions on the inhibition of HIV-1 infection and cell viability.Among the compounds tested,1,2,8,9-tetramethoxy-5-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)-dibenzo[cd,f]indol-4(5 H)-one(Compound 2)exhibited the most potent activity by inhibiting HIV-1 infection with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)of 1.03 lmol/L and a half-maximal cytotoxic concentration(CC50)of 16.91 lmol/L(selectivity index,16.45).The inhibitory effect of the compounds on HIV-1 infection was linked to inhibition of the viral replication cycle.Mode-of-action studies showed that the aristolactam derivatives did not affect reverse transcription or integration;instead,they specifically inhibited Tat-mediated viral transcription.Taken together,these findings show that several aristolactam derivatives impaired HIV-1 infection by inhibiting the activity of Tat-mediated viral transcription,and suggest that these derivatives could be antiviral drug candidates.

HIV-1初始传播病毒药物敏感性研究

人类免疫缺陷病毒(human immunodeficiency virus type 1,HIV-1)黏膜感染绝大多数由一个或者少数几个病毒建立并最终发展为系统感染,上述病毒称为初始传播病毒(transmitted/founder virus,T/F病毒)。研究T/F病毒对不同抗HIV-1药物的敏感性,可为艾滋病高危人群提供优化的暴露前预防性治疗(pre-exposure prophylaxis,Pr EP)策略。本文首先构建了含荧光素酶报告基因的T/F病毒单轮感染系统,进而分析比较了长期感染病毒和T/F病毒对不同抗HIV-1药物的敏感性。实验结果显示,与同一亚型的长期感染病毒相比,T/F病毒对HIV-1核苷类逆转录酶抑制剂(nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors,NRTIs)、整合酶抑制剂(integrase inhibitors,INIs)及蛋白酶抑制剂(protease inhibitors,PIs)的敏感性并没有表现出显著性差异(P>0.05),而对非核苷类逆转录酶抑制剂(non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors,NNRTIs)表现出一定的耐药性,IC50显著提高(P<0.05)。这一结果提示,对于艾滋病高危人群的暴露前预防性治疗应避免选择NNRTIs。

人类免疫缺陷病毒初始传播病毒的鉴别及其表型特征

人类免疫缺陷病毒(Human immunodeficiency virus type 1,HIV-1)简称艾滋病病毒,在粘膜传播过程中,病毒的遗传多样性是显著减少的。绝大多数的HIV-1粘膜感染由一个或者少数几个病毒建立并最终发展为系统感染,上述病毒称为初始传播病毒(Transmitted/founder virus,T/F virus)。通过对初始传播病毒表型特征的研究,可进一步了解病毒在新宿主体内成功复制的关键特性,为艾滋病疫苗的发展、暴露前预防及其他治疗性干预措施提供更好的策略。文章综述了初始传播病毒的发现、进化特征以及感染后初期宿主的免疫反应等,以期为深入研究初始传播病毒的特征提供理论基础。

HIV-1 Vpr protein activates the NF-κB pathway to promote G2/M cell cycle arrest

Viral protein R(Vpr) plays an important role in the replication and pathogenesis of Human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1). Some of the various functions attributed to Vpr, including the induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest, activating the NF-κB pathway, and promoting viral reverse transcription, might be interrelated. To test this hypothesis, a panel of Vpr mutants were investigated for their ability to induce G2/M arrest and to activate the NF-κB pathway. The results showed that the Vpr mutants that failed to activate NF-κB also lost the activity to induce G2/M arrest, which suggests that inducing G2/M arrest via Vpr depends at least partially on the activation of NF-κB. This latter possibility is supported by data showing that knocking down the key factors in the NF-κB pathway – p65, Rel B, IKKα, or IKKβ– partially rescued the G2/M arrest induced by Vpr.Our results suggest that the NF-κB pathway is probably involved in Vpr-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest.

Conserved arginine residue in the membrane-spanning domain of HIV-1 gp41 is required for efficient membrane fusion

Despite the high mutation rate of HIV-1,the amino acid sequences of the membrane-spanning domain(MSD)of HIV-1 gp41 are well conserved.Arginine residues are rarely found in single membrane-spanning domains,yet an arginine residue,R696(the numbering is based on that of HXB2),is highly conserved in HIV-1 gp41.To examine the role of R696,it was mutated to K,A,I,L,D,E,N,and Q.Most of these substitutions did not affect the expression,processing or surface distribution of the envelope protein(Env).However,a syncytia formation assay showed that the substitution of R696 with amino acid residues other than K,a naturally observed mutation in the gp41 MSD,decreased fusion activity.Substitution with hydrophobic amino acid residues(A,I,and L)resulted in a modest decrease,while substitution with D or E,potentially negatively-charged residues,almost abolished the syncytia formation.All the fusion-defective mutants showed slower kinetics with the cell-based dual split protein(DSP)assay that scores the degree of membrane fusion based on pore formation between fusing cells.Interestingly,the D and E substitutions did show some fusion activity in the DSP assays,suggesting that proteins containing D or E substitutions retained some fusion pore-forming capability.However,nascent pores failed to develop,due probably to impaired activity in the pore enlargement process.Our data show the importance of this conserved arginine residue for efficient membrane fusion.

GTPase Activity of MxB Contributes to Its Nuclear Location, Interaction with Nucleoporins and Anti-HIV-1 Activity

The human myxovirus resistance 2(Mx2/Mx B)protein,a member of interferon(IFN)-inducible dynamin-like large GTPases,restricts a number of virus infections.Inhibition of these viruses occurs at poorly-defined steps after viral entry and has a common requirement for Mx B oligomerization.However,the GTPase activity is essential for the anti-viral effects of Mx B against herpesviruses and HBV but not HIV-1.To understand the role of Mx B GTPase activity,including GTP binding and GTP hydrolysis,in restriction of HIV-1 infection,we genetically separated these two functions and evaluated their contributions to restriction.We found that both the GTP binding and hydrolysis function of Mx B involved in the restriction of HIV-1 replication.The GTPase activity of Mx B contributed to its nuclear location,interaction with nucleoporins(NUPs)and HIV-1 capsids.Furthermore,Mx B disrupted the association between NUPs and HIV-1 cores dependently upon its GTPase activity.The function of GTPase activity was therefore multi-faceted,led to fundamentally distinct mechanisms employed by wild-type Mx B and GTPase activity defective Mx B mutations to restrict HIV-1 replication.

Roles of ANP32 proteins in cell biology and viral replication

The acidic leucine-rich nuclear phosphoprotein 32 kDa(ANP32)family con sists of evolutionarily con served proteins of 220-291 amino acids characterized by an N-terminal leucine-rich repeat domain(LRR)and a C-terminal low-complexity acidic region(LCAR).ANP32 family proteins regulate a variety of physiological functions,including chromatin remodeling apoptosis and nervous system development.Abnormal ANP32 expression is closely related to tumori-genesis.In recent years,the role of ANP32 family proteins in viral infections has received considerable attention due to their activity supporting influenza virus replication and restriction of virus cross-species transmission.Moreover,ANP32 proteins are closely related to the replication of HIV and nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses(NNSVs).In this review,the general physiological functions of ANP32 family proteins,as well as their roles in virus replication,are summarized in detail.

Molecular dynamics simulation of site-directed mutagenesis of HIV-1 Tat trans-activator

The Cys-rich domain, core region and basic domain are highly conserved and very important to the trans-activation activity of HIV-1 Tat trans-activator. The three-dimensional structures of 6 mutants of HIV-1 Tat protein were constructed with the methods of molecular dynamics simulation. The variations of the structures of the mutants have been analyzed and the factors that led to abolishment of trans-activation activity have been discussed.

The Establishment of an In Vivo HIV-1 Infection Model in Humanized B-NSG Mice

Suitable animal models for human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1)infection are important for elucidating viral pathogenesis and evaluating antiviral strategies in vivo.The B-NSG(NOD-PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1/Bcge)mice that have severe immune defect phenotype are examined for the suitability of such a model in this study.Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)were engrafted into B-NSG mice via mouse tail vein injection,and the repopulated human T-lymphocytes were observed at as early as 3-weeks post-transplantation in mouse peripheral blood and several tissues.The humanized mice could be infected by HIV-1,and the infection recapitulated features of T-lymphocyte dynamic observed in HIV-1 infected humans,meanwhile the administration of combination antiretroviral therapy(cART)suppressed viral replication and restored T lymphocyte abnormalities.The establishment of HIV-1 infected humanized B-NSG mice not only provides a model to study virus and T cell interplays,but also can be a useful tool to evaluate antiviral strategies.

Predefined GPGRAFY-Epitope-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies with Different Activities for Recognizing Native HIV-1 gp120

A seven-amino acid epitope GPGRAFY at the tip of the V3 loop in HIV-1 gp120 is the principal neutralizing epitope, and a subset of anti-V3 antibodies specific for this epitope shows a broad range of neu-tralizing activity. GPGRAFY-epitope-specific neutralizing antibodies were produced using predefined GPGRAFY-epitope-specific peptides instead of a natural or recombinant gp120 bearing this epitope. All six monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) could recognize the GPGRAFY-epitope on peptides and two of the antibod-ies, 9D8 and 2D7, could recognize recombinant gp120 in enzymelinked immunosorkentassy (ELISA) as-says. In the flow cytometry analysis, the mAbs 9D8 and 2D7 could bind to HIV-Env+ CHO-WT cells and the specific bindings could be inhibited by the GPGRAFY-epitope peptide, which suggests that these two mAbs could recognize the native envelope protein gp120 expressed on the cell membrane. However, in syncytium assays, none of the mAbs was capable of inhibiting HIV-Env-mediated cell membrane fusion. The different activities for recognizing native HIV-1 gp120 might be associated with different antibody affinities against the epitopes. The development of conformational mimics of the neutralization epitope in the gp120 V3 loop could elicit neutralizing mAbs with high affinity.

M2 pyruvate kinase enhances HIV-1 transcription from its long terminal repeat

Both thymocytes and tumor cells express M2 type isoenzyme of pyruvate kinase(M2PK),which is different from R type isoenzyme of pyruvate kinase(RPK)that is expressed in erythrocytes.In this report,the effect of RPK and M2PK on the transcription of human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1)was tested.The results indicated that M2PK could enhance HIV-1 transcription from its long terminal repeat(LTR)promoter,while RPK did not have such an effect.Specific down-regulation of M2PK could inhibit HIV-1 transcription from its LTR region.Furthermore,it was found that the C terminal region of M2PK is responsible for this effect.Collectively,the cellular factor M2PK that is expressed in thymocytes could facilitate the transcription of HIV-1.

Exploration of a Sequential Gp140-Gp145 Immunization Regimen with Heterologous Envs to Induce a Protective Cross-Reactive HIV Neutralizing Antibody Response In Non-human Primates

Raising a heterologous tier 2 neutralizing antibody(nAb)response remains a daunting task for HIV vaccine development.In this study,we explored the utility of diverse HIV-1 envelope(Env)immunogens in a sequential immunization scheme as a solution to this task.This exploration stemmed from the rationale that gp145,a membrane-bound truncation form of HIV Env,may facilitate the focusing of induced antibody response on neutralizing epitopes when sequentially combined with the soluble gp140 form as immunogens in a prime-boost mode.We first showed that gp140 DNA prime-gp145 Tiantan vaccinia(TV)boost likely represents a general format for inducing potent nAb response in mice.However,when examined in rhesus macaque,this modality showed little effectiveness.To improve the efficacy,we extended the original modality by adding a strong protein boost,namely native-like SOSIP.664 trimer displayed on ferritin-based nanoparticle(NP),which was generated by a newly developed click approach.The resulting three-immunization regimen succeeded in eliciting tier-2 nAb response with substantial breadth when implemented in rhesus macaque over a short 8-week schedule.Importantly,the elicited nAb response was able to effectively contain viremia upon a heterologous SHIV challenge.Collectively,our studies highlighted that diversification of Env immunogens,in both types and formulations,under the framework of a sequential immunization scheme might open new opportunity toward HIV vaccine development.