HIV MARKER/AIDS VACCINE

HIV infected individuals have antibodies against HIV-gp120 in their serum which have an idiotype on the antigen combining sites mimicking that of CD4 molecules. The initial anti-HIV response is accompanied by an anti-idiotypic response producing antibodies which bind to the idiotypic structure and also to CD4 molecules on T cells and other cells with this membrane marker, the HIV viral receptor. HIV is blocked by anti-idiotypic antibodies from attaching to normal CD4 cells, preventing cellular infection. Thus, a kit comprising an anti-HIV gp120 idiotype whether bound on a supporting matrix or in solution, when reacted with serum containing a gp120 anti-idiotype, will detect that antibody using appropriate immunoassay methods which may include enzymatic, radioisotope or fluorescent label, thus offering simple alternative testing methods for detection of early HIV infection. A vaccine comprising a purified anti-HIV gp120 antibody with the specific configuration of having an idiotype which mimics a CD4 molecule is also contemplated.