Abstract: Monoclonal neutralizing antibodies are disclosed that specifically bind to the HIV-1 gp41 membrane-proximal external region (MPER). Also disclosed are compositions including the disclosed antibodies that specifically bind gp41, nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, expression vectors including the nucleic acids, and isolated host cells that express the nucleic acids. The antibodies and compositions disclosed herein can be used for detecting the presence of HIV-1 in a biological sample, or detecting an HIV-1 infection or diagnosing AIDS in a subject. In additional, the broad neutralization breadth of the disclosed antibodies makes them ideal for treating a subject with an HIV infection. Thus, disclosed are methods of treating and/or preventing HIV infection.

Abstract: Antibody VRC01 represents a human immunoglobulin that neutralizes—˜90% of diverse HIV-1 isolates. To understand how such broadly neutralizing HIV-1 antibodies develop and recognize the viral envelope, we used X-ray crystallography and 454 pyrosequencing to characterize additional antibodies from HIV-1-infected individuals. Crystal structures revealed a convergent mode of binding of different antibodies to the same CD4-binding-site epitope. Antibody recognition was achieved through the evolution of complementary contact domains that were generated in diverse ways. Phylogenetic analysis of expressed heavy and light chains determined by deep sequencing revealed a common pathway of antibody heavy chain maturation confined to IGHV1-2*02 lineage that could pair with different light chains.

Abstract: Monoclonal neutralizing antibodies are disclosed that specifically bind to the CD4 binding site of HIV-1 gp120. Monoclonal neutralizing antibodies also are disclosed that specifically bind to HIV-1 gp41. The identification of these antibodies, and the use of these antibodies are also disclosed. Methods are also provided for enhancing the binding and neutralizing activity of any antibody using epitope scaffold probes.

Abstract: Monoclonal neutralizing antibodies are disclosed that specifically bind to the CD4 binding site of HIV-1 gp120. Monoclonal neutralizing antibodies also are disclosed that specifically bind to HIV-1 gp41. The identification of these antibodies, and the use of these antibodies are also disclosed. Methods are also provided for enhancing the binding and neutralizing activity of any antibody using epitope scaffold probes.

Abstract: Monoclonal neutralizing antibodies are disclosed that specifically bind to the CD4 binding site of HIV-1 gp120. Monoclonal neutralizing antibodies also are disclosed that specifically bind to HIV-1 gp41. The identification of these antibodies, and uses of these antibodies, are also disclosed. Methods are also provided for enhancing the binding and neutralizing activity of any antibody using epitope scaffold probes.

Abstract: Monoclonal neutralizing antibodies are disclosed that specifically bind to the CD4 binding site of HIV-1 gp120. Monoclonal neutralizing antibodies also are disclosed that specifically bind to HIV-1 gp41. The identification of these antibodies, and the use of these antibodies are also disclosed. Methods are also provided for enhancing the binding and neutralizing activity of any antibody using epitope scaffold probes.