Scientists have discovered an antibody that can neutralise 98 percent of HIV strains, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against the virus. The antibody, named N6, was identified by researchers at the US National Institutes of Health.
N6 works by binding to the CD4 binding site on the HIV envelope, preventing the virus from attaching to immune cells. Unlike previous antibodies, N6 can tolerate changes in the HIV envelope, such as the addition of sugars that typically weaken antibody grip.
The antibody has been shown to neutralise 16 of the 20 strains that have resisted all existing medications. This is a major improvement over the previous best antibody, VRC01, discovered in 2010, which neutralises up to 90% of strains.
Clinical trials are currently testing N6 as an intravenous infusion to see if it can safely prevent HIV infection in humans. Due to its potency, researchers hope it could be administered subcutaneously, offering stronger and more durable prevention and treatment benefits.
