| abstract |
The invention provides immunogenic compositions which enhance the duration and strength of the immune response in a mammal. The immunogenic compositions contain an HIV antigen, an immunomer and an adjuvant. The HIV antigen can be a whole-killed HIV virus devoid of outer envelope protein gp120. Alternatively, the HIV antigen can be a whole-killed HIV virus, or a p24 antigen. Also provided are kits, the components of which, when combined, produce the immunogenic compositions of the invention. The invention also provides methods of making the immunogenic compositions, by combining an HIV antigen, an immunomer and optionally an adjuvant. The invention further provides a method of immunizing a mammal, by enhancing an immune response in the mammal by administering to the mammal an immunogenic composition containing an HIV antigen, an immunomer and optionally an adjuvant. Also provided is a method of inhibiting in a mammal by administering to the mammal an immunogenic composition containing an HIV antigen, an immunomer and optionally an adjuvant. |