Requirement for Fc effector mechanisms in the APOBEC3/Rfv3-dependent neutralizing antibody response.

Antiretroviral neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses are often evaluated in the absence of Fc-dependent immune effectors. In murine Friend retrovirus infection, Apobec3/Rfv3 promotes a potent polyclonal NAb response. Here, we show that the Apobec3/Rfv3-dependent NAb response correlated with virus-specific IgG2 titers and that the in vivo neutralization potency of Apobec3/Rfv3-resistant antisera was dependent on activating Fc gamma receptors but not complement. The data strengthen retroviral vaccine strategies aimed at eliciting NAbs that activate specific Fc gamma receptors.