Researchers announce first correlates of protection for HIV vaccine

Researchers have identified the first correlates of protection (measurable signs of immunity) of a vaccine intended to protect against HIV infection. This gives further direction to how a useful vaccine might be developed. The announcement came on 13 September at the AIDS Vaccine Conference in Bangkok, Thailand.

HIV vaccine research began in 1984 when the virus was first identified as the cause of the new AIDS epidemic. After 25 years and continuously dashed hopes, many scientists were surprised to learn in 2009 that the RV144 clinical trial conducted in Thailand showed a modest 31% protection.

“What we now have is clues to why …