HIV breakthrough: Discovery of powerful antibodies sparks new hope for treatment
The discovery of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) like b12 in 1994 marked a turning point in HIV research. B12 demonstrated potent virus-neutralizing ability by targeting a difficult-to-reach region on HIV’s envelope protein. Subsequent identification of other bNAbs from “elite neutralizers” offers hope for therapeutic interventions and vaccine development, showing promise in reducing viral load and delaying viral rebound.