DNA vaccination with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 SF162ΔV2 envelope elicits immune responses that offer partial protection from simian/human immunodeficiency virus infection to CD8+ T-cell-depleted rhesus macaques

DNA immunization of macaques with the SF162 Delta V2 envelope elicited lymphoproliferative responses and potent neutralizing antibodies. The animals were depleted of their CD8(+) T lymphocytes and then challenged intravenously with SHIV162P4. Compared to unvaccinated animals, the vaccinated macaques had lower peak viremia levels, rapidly cleared plasma virus, and showed delayed seroconversion.