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 SF162ΔV2 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.