We hypothesized that the VACV 14K (A27) protein fused to HIV-1 gp120 should aid the oligomerization of gp120 leading to enhanced immunogenicity of the chimeric protein, as previously shown for the Plasmodium CS antigen with proven protective efficacy after its fusion to VACV 14K protein in the malaria murine model of infection [26]. The gene discussed is ITIH4; the disease is infection.