Fc-mediated effector function contributes to the in vivo antiviral effect of an HIV neutralizing antibody
Significance Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against HIV-1 are under clinical development. Despite demonstrated antiviral activity when used as treatment in HIV-infected people, the mechanism of action of NAbs remains controversial. Quantification of the relative contribution of Fab-mediated (neutralization of free virus) and Fc-mediated functions such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), phagocytosis, and complement fixation is essential to develop better therapies. Here, we treated chronically SHIV-infected rhesus macaques with a single dose of NAb VRC07-523LS with or without Fc modifications. Fc function contributes 21% to the antiviral activity of VRC07-523LS with an unmodified Fc region, when compared to NAb with Fc knockout mutations. However, NAbs with improved ADCC function in vitro did not show enhanced antiviral activity in vivo.