Neutralizing Antibodies in HIV Treatment

Background: When a human being is infected with a virus, antibodies are produced against many epitopes or multiple virus proteins. A subset of these antibodies can block virus infection by a process that is called neutralization. Recent research has proved that Human antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) can neutralize a broad range of viral isolates in vitro and protect non-human primates against infection. Methods: We review technical papers, reviews and other articles related to neutralizing monoclonal antibodies specific for HIV that are being investigated for use in HIV prevention. Results: This review will allow to gain a more general view of the mechanism of action of neutralizing antibodies, applications of neutralizing antibodies in treating various diseases and its significant role in HIV therapeutics. Conclusion: Most of the neutralizing antibodies are directed towards the Env, which the viruses keep mutating to avoid the host immune responses. Therefore, successful vaccines should induce antibodies that are capable of binding and neutralizing a broad spectrum of circulating viral products.