Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012 www.aids2012.org DNA Vaccines Elicit Antibodies Targeting the MPER of HIV-1 gp41 Jamie K. Scott, Simon Fraser University, Canada Funding: NIAID/NIH and CIHR The MPER of HIV gp41 is discreet 22-AA long region preceding the transmembrane region (TM) of Env. It is the target of 3 broadly neutralizing antibodies (Abs), and 3 heterologous cross-neutralizing Abs against HIV. Hypothesis: The MPER’s neutralizing structure depends upon the viral membrane and constraint by the gp41 TM. Goal: Produce a DNA-prime, protein-boost vaccines that elicit broadly neutralizing Abs against the MPER, by associating it with lipid bilayer and tethering it with a TM.