02/04/2026 | Isabella França | Metropoles

https://www.metropoles.com/saude/nova-vacina-contra-hiv 

Study in primates indicates that immunizer can activate antibodies against the HIV virus with just one application

An experimental vaccine against HIV managed to stimulate the immune system of animals with just one dose, the second study published this third week (3/2) in the journal Nature Immunology.

The result was observed in early tests and is considered an important advance in an area that, for decades, has been trying to advance the development of an effective vaccine against viruses.

HIV is known for its great capacity for mutation, which makes it difficult to create long-lasting immunizers. Therefore, any strategy that manages to generate immune response in a simpler way requires the attention of scientists.

Researchers at the Center for Vaccines and Immunotherapy, Wistar Institute, United States, evaluated an experimental vaccine called WIN332. Unlike other candidates that require several doses over a long period of time, this immunizer was designed to rapidly activate cells of the immune system responsible for the production of antibodies.

In no experiment, scientists applied a single dose of the vaccine to rhesus macaques. After about three weeks, you are encouraged to produce antibodies capable of neutralizing HIV in laboratory tests.

Like a vaccine against HIV age
WIN332 is based on a protein present on the surface of HIV, called Env, which the virus uses to enter human cells. The vaccine was developed to “train” the immune system to reconstitute a specific region of the protein, known as Glycan V3.

This region is relatively similar between different HIV variants, which increases the chances of the antibodies produced being effective against various types of viruses. Second study, the formulation used managed to activate this process itself without additional reinforcements.

If an HIV vaccine can work with fewer doses, it can greatly facilitate its application in the future. Less twos mean:

• Vaccination bells are simpler.
• Lower cost.
• Greater appreciation of the population.
• More ease of distribution in countries with fewer resources.

These points are especially important in a doença that still affects thousands of people in the world and does not have an approved container.

The authors explain that the antibodies produced have detectable neutralizing activity, but are still considered low to moderate. Likewise, the result is considered relevant because previous vaccines generally do not achieve this type of response with just one application.

Furthermore, the tests will show that the antibodies act against the most recent versions of viruses found in real life, and not just against artificial laboratory variants.

Here are the next steps
Despite two promising results, the researchers themselves reinforce that the study was done only in animals. However, it is not possible to affirm that the same response will occur in humans, nor if it would be sufficient to prevent HIV infection.

According to the authors, new studies will be necessary to test the safety of the vaccine and ensure that it can generate stronger and more durable protection in people.