Use of HIV-1 gp120 and gp160 proteins modified in the V3 loop for the preparation of vaccine compositions and formulations containing the same

Abstract

Use of HIV-1 gp120 and gp160 proteins which have been modified in the V3 loop for preparing vaccine compositions and formulations containing them which induce a systemic and mucosal immunity. Use of a recombinant HIV-1 Env protein, in which the V3 loop is partially or completely deleted, for preparing a vaccine composition which is capable of inducing an immunity which is at the same time humoral, cellular and mucosal with respect to HIV-1. The vaccine composition comprises: a recombinant Env protein as defined above, optionally at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: (1) the vaccination adjuvants selected from the group consisting of derivatives comprising divalent or trivalent ions: aluminium hydroxide or calcium phosphate, and muramylpeptide derivatives and (2) liposomes and optionally at least one pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

1 - 12 . (canceled)  
     
     
         13 . An immunogenic composition formulated for local administration directly to a mucous membrane comprising a recombinant HIV-1 envelope protein comprising a mutated V3 loop, wherein the mutated V3 loop comprises the GPGRAF (SEQ ID NO: 1) hexamer sequence flanked by the two basal cysteines but lacks all or a portion of the rest of the V3 loop, and said recombinant HIV-1 envelope protein being anchored onto preformed liposomes, and wherein said immunogenic composition induces production of neutralizing antibodies within a mammal that are capable of impeding infection of susceptible human cells by a plurality of different strains of HIV.  
     
     
         14 . The immunogenic composition of  claim 13 , wherein said immunogenic composition induces both a humoral, a cellular, and a mucosal immunity against HIV-1.