The invention concerns a purified recombinant glycoprotein having the
following properties: a) an adherence capacity to CD4; b) an affinity with
a anti-gp120 antibody capable of neutralizing in vitro HIV cell infection;
c) an affinity with an anti-gp41 antibody; d) a timeric form free from
inter-chain disulphide bonds. The invention also concerns a vaccine
comprising said purified glycoprotein and an adjuvant. The invention
further concerns a method for obtaining said glycoprotein, which consists
in expressing, by means of genetic recombining techniques, a glycoprotein
corresponding to the properties a), b) and c) mentioned above; purifying
it, and subjecting it to steps involving at least a reducing agent, an
ionic detergent and/or a neutral detergent in conditions leading to a
glycoprotein having said properties.
