Mucosal HIV vaccines: a holy grail or a dud?
The mucosal immune system appears to be a major target of the HIV infection. Therefore, a strong pre-existing anti-HIV immune response in mucosal compartments might be able to prevent HIV infection. Conflicting views regarding the mechanisms of protection at mucosal sites, inferred by the contradictory results of mucosal vaccines in human clinical trials, attests to our lack of knowledge in understanding the human mucosal immune system. In this article, we briefly review the function of innate and adaptive immune responses and discuss current strategies and potential adjuvants in designing and delivering HIV vaccines through mucosal routes.
Azizi
Ali
A
Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research Center, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 401 Smyth, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L1, Canada. aazizi@uottawa.ca
Ghunaim
Haitham
H
Diaz-Mitoma
Francisco
F
Mestecky
Jiri
J
D016915:AIDS Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D056704:Adaptive Immunity; D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal
D016915:AIDS Vaccines; D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic