Characterization of the Innate Immune Response to Candidate HIV Vaccines, an Ancillary Study to HVTN 205

Some of the first HIV vaccines were designed to trigger neutralizing antibody responses as a way to prevent HIV infection. Unfortunately, the first versions of these vaccines were not able to achieve their desired response. An alternative strategy to the antibody approach is the stimulation of HIV-specific CD8 T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses. CTL responses were previously demonstrated to play an important role in the control of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), the HIV equivalent studied in rhesus macaque monkeys. Additionally, other studies suggest CTLs play an important role in viral control during chronic infection. Based on this information, several groups have shifted their focus to the development of CTL-based vaccines, some of which have entered advanced clinical trials.

A DNA/rMVA vaccine strategy is structured to bring about both T cell and antibody responses. The primary vaccination is DNA based and will express only HIV proteins as a way to produce an HIV-focused immune response. A secondary, rMVA boost vaccination, which expresses both HIV and MVA proteins will ideally amplify the focused response of the initial vaccination. The DNA and rMVA are physically two different vaccinations given at separate times but together they make up one preventive regimen. Both vaccine components express non-infectious virus-like particles.

The main study, HVTN 205 will evaluate the safety of and immune response to a two vaccine regimen in healthy, HIV-uninfected adults who never received an HIV preventive vaccine before. HVTN 205 will include two parts, Part A, in which the two vaccine regimen is compared to a placebo, and Part B, in which the two vaccine regimen will be compared to both a placebo and a single vaccine regimen with the rMVA vaccine.

HVTN 908 is a sub study of HVTN 205, and will explore the innate immune response to candidate HIV vaccines. In particular, researchers will study whether early immune response following vaccination can predict strong and long-lasting immunity. They will also study whether varying types of vaccines promote different immune responses soon after vaccination.

Only participants enrolled in HVTN 205 are eligible for HVTN 908. Approximately 50 participants will be recruited for the duration of 12 months per participant. The study will last for a total of 2 years, including enrollment, follow-up, and analysis. Potential participants of the sub study will undergo a screening visit before eligibility can be determined. Screening may involve a physical exam, health history, and blood tests.