Trial, Error, and Breakthrough: A Review of HIV Vaccine Development

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic is now in its fourth decade. The WHO estimates that over 35.3 million people are living with HIV worldwide. With over 1.6 million deaths and 1.6 million infected in 2012, the HIV epidemic continues to be a major scientific challenge [1]. Many roadblocks have been overcome. The development of effective anti-retroviral therapy (ARV) has had a dramatic effect in the quality of life of those living with HIV and has curbed mortality. The large-scale implementation of anti-retroviral therapy in the developing world has had a major impact on the disease burden where it is needed most [2,3]. Of the estimated 6,300 new infections per day, 95% occur in low-middle income countries. Though worldwide ARV coverage is at 55%, in certain low income areas of Africa coverage remains low at 16-35% [1]. The daunting number of new infections and the percentage of those without access to ARVs highlights the need for effective prevention strategies. Three decades later, vaccines remain the best hope, but the development of a safe and effective preventive HIV vaccine remains elusive.