Vaccine formulations of synthetic peptides adsorbed to alum may not provide other requisite characteristics of an effective HIV vaccine, such as induction of mucosal immunity, production of cytotoxic T cells, and ease of administration. An oral microparticulate vaccine containing a prototype synthetic peptide has been developed. The microparticles can be degraded over time, inducing both secretory and systemic immune responses.
Twelve volunteers per dose regimen will receive oral microparticulate multivalent HIV-1 peptide vaccine at months 0, 1, and 6, either daily as a low dose for 3 days or a single higher dose. Additionally, four volunteers per regimen will receive placebo. Volunteers are followed for 1 year. They will be contacted once or twice yearly for 5 years to check on health status.
