The search for an HIV vaccine
BMJ 2002; 324 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7331.211 (Published 26 January 2002) Cite this as: BMJ 2002;324:211- Malegapuru William Makgoba (malegapuru.makgoba@mrc.ac.za), president,
- Nandipha Solomon, executive manager for corporate communications and marketing,
- Timothy Johan Paul Tucker, director of the South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative
- Medical Research Council of South Africa, Fransie van Zijl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
- Correspondence to: M W Makgoba
See also Education and debate p 226
HIV infections and deaths from AIDS continue to ravage many countries around the world, with most infected people living in the poorest nations.1 In terms of morbidity and mortality, the HIV/AIDS pandemic is worse than the Black Death of the 14th century. The search for an HIV vaccine was seen as the logical solution to the burgeoning epidemic soon after the discovery of HIV, but early enthusiasm became muted as the realities of the challenge became evident.2–4
Nevertheless, there are scientific reasons why there is hope that an HIV vaccine will ultimately be developed. Firstly, studies of non-human primates that were given candidate vaccines based on HIV or SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus) have shown either complete or partial protection against infection with the wild type virus. 5 6 Secondly, successful vaccines have been developed against other retroviruses.7 Thirdly, almost all humans develop some form of immune response to HIV infection, with some exposed people remaining uninfected or developing immune responses that are protective or that are able to control the viral infection over long periods.8 Some people have remained free of disease for up to 20 years, often with undetectable viral loads. 9 10 A group of sex workers from Nairobi and South Africa has remained HIV negative despite continuing high risk exposure; resistance to HIV infection in these people is thought to be due to their ability to mount protective immune responses to HIV, rather than to any innate host genetic factors. 11 12 This group has provided insights into strategies for developing a vaccine.
Potential developments
An effective, affordable, and accessible HIV vaccine is within reach
Equitable public-private partnerships between researchers, manufacturers, and distributors and partnerships between rich and poor countries are the best strategy for the …
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