The development of HIV vaccine relies on broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) that protect against different circulating HIV strains. Broadly neutralizing antibodies are isolated from HIV-infected individuals, but they are highly evolved and unusual antibodies. A study published in PLOS Pathogens reports on a rational approach to identify the essential features of bnAbs, come up with simplified versions that might be more suitable leads for HIV vaccine design, and then use analysis of the simplified bnAbs to guide the design of vaccine proteins to elicit similar antibodies. ...Read More