Unfortunately, current vaccine trial data in animal and human models indicate such a vaccine is no where near becoming reality. I anticipate that they will share our enthusiasm for the HIV-1 kURNe strain. The Journal recently addressed these concerns with Desrosiers. The vaccine strain is called HIV-1 kURNe. U means that the vpu gene has been removed.
R means the vpr gene has been removed.
N means the nef gene has been removed. HIV-1 since at least 1983. More recent work with SIV in monkeys has shown that virtually any desired level of attenuation can be achieved by varying the number and location of deletion mutations. The combination of deletions in HIV-1 kURNe was chosen to retain replication competence of the virus but to minimize any chances of adverse events in eventual human recipients. Ultimately, we seek to achieve an optimal balance of safety and potency.