Active and passive immunization to prevent Influenza virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus­1 (HIV-1) infection has long been considered a potential treatment modality. Earlier efforts were largely unsuccessful as the antibodies studied neutralized only a narrow spectrum of viral strains. However, recent discovery of a large portfolio of human monoclonal antibodies that are broadly neutralizing across many HIV-1 subtypes and influenza strains has laid the foundation for such immunization strategies with universal vaccines being the ultimate aim. These antibodies target multiple different epitopes on the HIV envelope and influenza glycoprotein, thus neutralizing a broad range of viral variants. In this review, the role of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAb) in HIV and Influenza infection will be discussed along with their potential for use in developing structure based universal vaccines.

Keywords: broadly neutralizing antibodies, structure based vaccine, universal vaccine

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Dr Hrishikesh Kashyapa

Flat no. 9, Mangal Residency phase-2, Asara chowk

Solapur, Maharashtra-413003

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