The HIV-positive population continues to rise despite a worldwide decline in the rates of infection caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The HIV virus continues to spread due to a lack of effective vaccines and pre-exposure prophylaxis methods, even though the availability and effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy has helped reduce acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related deaths.
Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), in collaboration with researchers at the University of Lleida, developed a triple combination microbicide for the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. The microbicide is comprised of an endosperm, the anti-HIV monoclonal antibody 2G12, and the antiviral lectins griffithsin and cyanovirin. The researchers have generated the microbicide combination in transgenic plants as an efficient and cost-effective production method.