May 2001 Cover
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Two new HIV vaccine compounds, nicknamed "Trojan horse" vaccines, consist of manipulated versions of live bacteria from other diseases. The vaccines are being developed and researched by David Hone and colleagues at
the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute in Baltimore and also by Yvonne Paterson and colleagues from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in Philadelphia.
Hone's vaccine is based on a weakened strain of Salmonella typhi, the bacterium that causes typhoid fever. Animal tests have conclusively demonstrated its effectiveness in protecting the mucosal surfaces in the
rectum, vagina, and cervix. Hone hopes to begin clinical testing in Nigeria and Uganda later this year.
Paterson's compound, meanwhile, is based on a weakened strain of Listeria moncytogenes. The vaccine has tested effectively on mice, and Paterson hopes to begin testing on monkeys soon.
Editor's Note: from New Scientist
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