The RIO trial is exploring how bNAbs (broadly neutralising antibodies) might help people with HIV control the virus without daily meds. Here Professor John Frater discusses how his lab team at Oxford analyses the blood samples to uncover how the immune system responds and exploring the role of the bNAbs in the trial.
Glossary
Antibody
A protein made by your immune system to find and fight germs like viruses and bacteria.
Antibiotic
A medicine that kills or stops the growth of bacteria (not viruses).
Assays
An assay is a test.
bNABs
Broadly neutralising antibodies are special antibodies that can block many different strains of a virus, like HIV. They’re a big focus in vaccine research.
HIV
A virus that targets the immune system, specifically CD4 T-cells. Without treatment HIV can lead to AIDS. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
Gene expression
The process by which information from a gene is used to make proteins or other molecules. It’s how your body “reads” your DNA to do things.
Immunology
The study of the immune system and how it protects us from infections.
Immune response
How your body reacts when it detects something harmful, like a virus or bacteria. It includes making antibodies, activating immune cells, and more.
Immune system
Your body’s defense network made up of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to fight infections and diseases.
Immune therapy
Immune therapy is a type of treatment that helps your own immune system fight diseases like cancer, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
T-cell
A type of white blood cell that helps fight infections.
Vaccine
A substance that trains your immune system to recognize and fight an infection.
Vaccinal effect
The protection or immune response triggered by a vaccine. It’s how well the vaccine works in helping your body fight the real infection.
Virology
The study of viruses like the flu, COVID-19, or HIV.
Virus suppression
Reducing the amount of virus in the body to very low or undetectable levels, often through treatment or immune responses.
