AIDS is a chronic, life-threatening condition caused by HIV, which is known for its ability to evade the host’s immune system effectively. There is no known cure or vaccine. A lifelong treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) is usually necessary in the event of the infection being reignited. However, a study done in macaques found that the probability of such an event occurring was significantly reduced through early immunisation with HIV antibodies (bNAb therapy).

Researchers in the Department of Chemical Engineering have now constructed a novel math model of HIV infection following immunisation with bNAb antibodies. It suggests that long-lasting reduction of viral load is switched on by interventions like ART or bNAb therapy. It also predicts that early bNAb therapy enhances stimulation of the host’s immune cells, and helps in mounting a better defense compared to ART.

The researchers say that their model is the first quantitative description of HIV dynamics under bNAb therapy, and that it unravels the mechanism underlying the response described in the macaque study. The study adds to the evidence that bNAb therapy may be a promising alternative to ART.