A244 rgp120/HIV-1(NIAID)

The purpose of this study is to see if it is safe and effective to give AIDSVAX B/B or AIDSVAX B/E, two potential HIV vaccines, to HIV-negative volunteers.

To expand the available data regarding the safety and immunogenicity of 2 HIV-1 vaccine strategies: canarypox vector vCP205, or vCP205 with SF-2 rgp120. [AS PER AMENDMENT 7/2/98: To obtain immunogenicity and safety data on gp120 subunits that may induce enhanced neutralizing antibody response to primary isolates of HIV-1 in the context of previous immunization with a canarypox vector expressing HIV antigens (vCP205). To evaluate cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses at 1 and 2 years after initial vaccination with vCP205 plus rgp120 SF-2 or vCP205 alone.] In previous ALVAC vCP205/SF-2 rgp 120 studies, patients have developed antibodies that neutralize homologous laboratory strains; over 50% of patients have developed CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses to HIV env and gag epitopes at some point in the study. This Phase II study seeks to confirm these results among persons at lower or higher risk for HIV infection with a new lot of ALVAC vCP205, at a dose that is suitable for potential large-scale trials. [AS PER AMENDMENT 7/2/98: Addition of AIDSVAX B/B or AIDSVAX B/E boosts starting at least 12 months after receiving rgp120 or ALVAC vaccines may induce enhanced neutralizing antibody response as deemed from prior studies and thus is planned as "follow-up" therapy.]