HIV-1 recombinant gp160 vaccine induced antibodies in serum and saliva

As part of a phase I safety and immunogenicity trial of a vaccinia-expressed HIV-1 recombinant gp160 (rgp160) candidate vaccine, we measured serum and saliva antibody responses in low risk, uninfected volunteers. Six healthy adult volunteers received 50 μg doses of rgp160 vaccine adjuvanted in alum and deoxycholate at months 0, 1, 6, and 12. A 200 μg rgp160 immunization was given to four volunteers at 18 months. The vaccine induced anti-envelope glycoprotein IgG and IgA serum antibodies in all six volunteers. Saliva antibodies to envelope glycoprotein appeared in some volunteers at certain timepoints. Three volunteers appeared to transiently develop vaccine-induced secretory IgA antibody to envelope glycoprotein in whole saliva.