PRIMARY FACULTY

Gerald Quinnan
Professor & Chair
Preventative Medicine and Biometrics
 
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda MD 20814
Office: 301-295-3734
Fax: 301-295-1996
gquinnan@usuhs.mil

Vaccine to Prevent Infections with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
 
The primary focus of our research is development of a candidate vaccine to prevent HIV infection that works through the induction of neutralizing antibodies that are effective against widely diverse strains of the virus. Our approach has involved identification of selected envelope genes that are capable of inducing exceptionally broadly cross-reactive neutralizing responses, and development of methods of presenting the encoded envelope proteins in ways that result in production of high affinity neutralizing antibodies. Progress has included development of a number of major new concepts regarding the potential mechanisms of immunogenicity of the HIV envelope proteins, and development of methods that result in induction of broadly cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies in small animals and primates. Studies are in progress that are intended to enhance the breadth of cross-reactivity of the responses and the strength of neutralizing activity induced. Experimental challenge studies in monkeys have already demonstrated complete protection of monkeys with high potency neutralizing antibodies. Success of ongoing studies may establish the basis for proceeding to human trials.

Selected Publications

Resources