A Phase I Safety and Immunogenicity Study of HIV p17/p24:Ty-VLP in HIV-1 Seronegative Subjects

To evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of HIV p17/p24:Ty-VLP (virus-like particles) vaccine in uninfected volunteers. Specifically, to determine whether the vaccine formulated with and without alum induces CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes ( CTLs ) that may be cross-reactive against multiple HIV-1 stains. Also, to determine whether boosting with the vaccine orally or rectally will help induce mucosal antibody responses. Induction of CD8+ CTL activity is considered a critical property for a candidate vaccine. Additionally, since the majority of HIV-1 infections occur after inoculation of a mucosal surface, it is desirable to induce mucosal immunity as well as systemic immunity. The HIV p17/p24:Ty-VLP vaccine may potentially induce both CTL and mucosal antibody responses against HIV-1.