Species-specific CD1-restricted innate immunity for the development of HIV vaccine

The human immune defense system is composed of two distinct elements: innate immunity located primarily at body surfaces restricted by species-specific CD1 molecules and acquired immunity found mainly in internal compartments associated with individually restricted MHC molecules. Historically, effective vaccines have focused on eliciting pathogen epitope-specific acquired immune responses to protect against infectious diseases; however, such traditional approaches to developing HIV vaccines have been unsuccessful. This review addresses the importance of activating host species-restricted innate immunity to enhance the virus epitope-specific acquired immunity that is needed for HIV vaccines.