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Article History

Received: 8 November 2024

Accepted: 6 August 2025

First Online: 1 September 2025

Competing interests

: S.S.A.K. is listed on patent applications involving CAP256V2LS. The mentioned patent, WO 2015/128846 A1, pertains to a family of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (bNAbs) derived from donor CAP256, specifically those targeting the V1V2 region of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. The patent covers: the antibodies themselves, including specific members of the CAP256-VRC26 lineage (e.g., CAP256-VRC26.01 through CAP256-VRC26.33); nucleic acid sequences encoding these antibodies; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies or their encoding sequences; vectors and host cells used for expression of these antibodies; methods of treatment and prophylaxis for HIV-1 infection using the antibodies or encoded sequences, and diagnostic and kit-based applications using these antibodies for detecting HIV infection or immune responses. The invention is co-owned by several institutions, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NIH), Columbia University, the University of Witwatersrand, the National Health Laboratory Service, and CAPRISA, with inventors including SSAK. There are no restrictions on the publication of scientific data derived from research involving these antibodies, provided such data are generated under appropriate ethical and legal frameworks. Researchers are generally required to acknowledge the source and intellectual property rights of the originating institutions when publishing. The patent does not impede the publication of neutralization data, pharmacokinetic or immunogenicity studies, or findings related to public health relevance. However, commercial exploitation of the antibody (e.g., manufacturing or selling derived products) would require a licensing agreement. All other authors declare no competing interests.