Induction of HIV-1 MPR649-684-specific IgA and IgG antibodies in caprine colostrum using a peptide-based vaccine

Induction of antigen-specific antibodies against HIV-1 in colostrum and milk may help prevent breast milk transmission of the virus. A peptide vaccine against the HIV-1 gp41 membrane proximal region (MPR649-684) was evaluated as proof-of-principle in a caprine model. Pregnant Alpine/Saanen goats were immunized with MPR649-684 peptide conjugated to KLH using alum adjuvant. Immunizations were intramuscular, intranasal, and in the supramammary lymph node region. Samples collected after parturition demonstrated the presence of MPR649-684-specific antibodies in colostrum and serum. These results support the concept that a peptide vaccine can effectively induce MPR649-684-specific sIgA and IgG in the colostrum of a lactating species.