Polyfunctionality of broadly neutralizing HIV-1 antibodies

International audiencePurpose of review The discovery of broadly neutralizing HIV-1 antibodies (bNAbs) has provided a framework for vaccine design and created new hope toward an HIV-1 cure. These antibodies recognize the HIV-1 Envelope and inhibit viral fusion with unprecedented breadth and potency. Beyond their unique neutralization capacity, bNAbs also activate immune cells and interfere with viral spread through non-neutralizing activities. Here, we review the landscape of bNAbs functions and their contribution to clinical efficacy. Recent findings Parallel evaluation of bNAbs non-neutralizing activities using in vivo and in vitro models have revealed how their importance varies across antibodies and strains. Non-neutralizing bNAbs functions target both infected cells and viral particles, leading to their destruction through various mechanisms. Reservoir targeting and prevention in context of suboptimal neutralization highly depends on bNAbs polyfunctionality. We recently showed that bNAbs tether virions at the surface of infected cells, impairing release and forming immune complexes, with consequences that are still to be understood

Sotrovimab therapy elicits antiviral activities against Omicron BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5 in sera of immunocompromised patients [letter]

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