Feng Gao

TL;DR: A mathematical model of random viral evolution and phylogenetic tree construction is developed and used to analyze 3,449 complete env sequences derived by single genome amplification from 102 subjects with acute HIV-1 (clade B) infection, suggesting a finite window of potential vulnerability of HIV- 1 to vaccine-elicited immune responses, although phenotypic properties of transmitted Envs pose a formidable defense.

TL;DR: The genome of a new SIVcpz strain is sequenced and the subspecies identity of all known SIV cpz-infected chimpanzees is determined, by mitochondrial DNA analysis, and it is found that two chimpanzee subspecies in Africa harbour SIVCPz and that their respective viruses form two highly divergent (but subspecies-specific) phylogenetic lineages.

TL;DR: There is an urgent need to establish standard panels of HIV-1 reference strains for wide distribution and a lack of uniformity in target strains used by different investigators to assess cross-neutralization has made the comparison of vaccine-induced antibody responses difficult.

TL;DR: Using a comprehensive full-length envelope sequence alignment, the date of the last common ancestor of the main group of HIV-1 is estimated to be 1931 (1915-41).

TL;DR: The isolation, evolution and structure of a broadly neutralizing antibody from an African donor followed from the time of infection and its co-crystal structure revealed a new loop-based mechanism of CD4-binding-site recognition.