HIV needs more basic research

Re “Targeted shots,” editorial, April 1

As The Times points out, the best future for HIV vaccine research lies “in the laboratory and in narrower trials.” But we should look beyond large vaccine candidate studies and ensure that human trials remain an integral part of the search for a safe and effective HIV vaccine.

To date, HIV vaccine science has been hampered by our inability to accurately gauge a candidate’s potential until it enters large-scale trials. After 25 years of research, we still know far too little about the complexities of the AIDS virus and the human immune system. A key goal should be to identify biological indicators that provide early signals of a vaccine’s ability to prevent HIV infection.

To accomplish this goal, we have to dramatically increase basic research. But smaller studies in humans can provide the best way to find out how HIV interacts with the body and spark creative strategies for vaccine development.

Alan Bernstein

Executive Director

Global HIV Vaccine

Enterprise, N.Y.