A double helix twist in HIV vaccine design

Back to news list

Source: Science Magazine

Original: https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.aee5778?af=R...

Published: 2026-02-05T07:00:12Z

Researchers have used DNA origami technology to create virus-like particles (DNA-VLPs) that display the HIV envelope antigen eOD-GT8 targeting broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) precursors.[1][2] These particles were designed to minimize the immune response to the carrier and promote a specific response to the antigen.[1][2] After vaccination of mice with DNA-VLPs, they elicited antibody responses that can lead to broad protection against HIV infection.[1] Unlike protein nanoplastics, DNA-VLPs elicited limited non-specific B-cell responses and more strongly promoted bnAb-producing B-cells.[2] DNA origami is a programmable and immunologically inert material that enables precise arrangement of biomolecules.[1][2] The study by Romanov et al. shows that antiscaffold responses can limit the expansion of rare bnAb-progenitors in germinal centers.[2] This approach tests the effect of carrier responses on the development of specific responses.[2]