I usually write lengthier reviews, but I am not a subject-matter expert in immunology. Thus, I do not believe I am qualified to write a critical review of this work. Generally, the authors are skeptical about the current path of HIV vaccine development, and they propose a new direction. I am a member of a community advisory board for an HIV vaccine trial – an activity that led me to read this work.

It is well-known that the push for an HIV vaccine has resulted in spending lots of money for little outcomes. Most of these efforts have dealt with cell-mediated immunity in some form or fashion. Cell-mediated approaches have proven historically successful with other infections. The authors propose exploring other forms of immunity – namely, innate immunity and molecular immunity – to antagonize HIV. Clearly, HIV is good at avoiding measures that are a part of adaptive (or cell-mediated) immunity.

Besides that summary, I can say very little by way of critique. A lot of money and effort are invested in AIDS research, and millions of lives are at stake. Bagasra and Pace’s views do not seem to be majority or dominant views among the research community. They would argue that the majority have not been very successful in their efforts over the past 25 years, so other approaches need to be entertained. This book attempts to introduce a new paradigm by way of detailed analysis. I will leave it up to greater scientists and future historians to evaluate their claims. ( )