Preexisting memory CD4+ T cells contribute to the primary response in an HIV-1 vaccine trial

Journal article

Naive and memory CD4+ T cells reactive with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are detectable in unexposed, unimmunized individuals. The contribution of preexisting CD4+ T cells to a primary immune response was investigated in 20 HIV-1–seronegative volunteers vaccinated with an HIV-1 envelope (Env) plasmid DNA prime and recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) boost in the HVTN 106 vaccine trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT02296541). Prevaccination naive or memory CD4+ T cell responses directed against peptide epitopes in Env were identified in 14 individuals. After priming with DNA, 40% (8/20) of the elicited responses matched epitopes detected in the corresponding preimmunization memory repertoires, and clonotypes were shared before and after vaccination in 2 representative volunteers. In contrast, there were no shared epitope specificities between the preimmunization memory compartment and responses detected after boosting with recombinant MVA expressing a heterologous Env. Preexisting memory CD4+ T cells therefore shape the early immune response to vaccination with a previously unencountered HIV-1 antigen.

Authors: Campion, SL; Brenna, E; Thomson, E; Fischer, W; Ladell, K

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: American Society for Clinical Investigation
• Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation
• Volume: 131
• Issue: 23
• Article number: e150823
• Publication date: 2021-12-01
• Acceptance date: 2021-10-07
• DOI: 10.1172/jci150823
• EISSN: 1558-8238
• Language: English
• Keywords: FFR