 |
|
New technology opens gateway to studying HIV-specific neutralizing antibodies
March 16, 2009Many scientists believe a vaccine that prevents HIV infection will need to stimulate the body to make neutralizing antibodies, infection-fighting proteins that prevent HIV from entering immune cells. Previous research has shown that some individuals who control HIV infection without medication naturally produce antibodies able to neutralize diverse strains of HIV. Until now, however, scientists were hampered in studying the way effective HIV-neutralizing antibodies arise during natural HIV infection because scientists lacked the tools to obtain more than a few HIV-specific antibodies from any given individual.
A new research endeavor has assembled a group of state-of-the-art techniques for the first time to study the phenomenon of natural antibody-mediated HIV neutralization. The project demonstrates how this system can isolate dozens of HIV-specific antibodies from a single HIV-infected individual, something never accomplished before. Applied prospectively to a large group of HIV-infected individuals, the system will enable scientists to identify and define the diverse set of neutralizing antibodies that arise during natural HIV infection, information that may prove important in vaccine development.
John R. Mascola, M.D., Richard T. Wyatt, Ph.D., and Mark Connors, M.D., all of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, participated in the research, which NIAID co-funded. Michel C. Nussenzweig, M.D., Ph.D., of The Rockefeller University led the team of 22 co-investigators in this collaboration.
The process begins with collecting memory B cells, which produce antibodies, from HIV-infected individuals previously screened for strong neutralizing antibody responses. These B cells are incubated with a specially flagged protein from the outer shell of an HIV virus particle. The HIV-specific memory B cells bind to the flagged protein, enabling researchers to identify these cells, isolate and store them. Then, for each of the HIV-specific memory B cells, a pioneering technique expresses the genes that code for HIV-specific antibodies. Finally, assays help scientists determine which of these antibodies can effectively neutralize HIV.
NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
The process begins with collecting memory B cells, which produce antibodies, from HIV-infected individuals previously screened for strong neutralizing antibody responses. These B cells are incubated with a specially flagged protein from the outer shell of an HIV virus particle. The HIV-specific memory B cells bind to the flagged protein, enabling researchers to identify these cells, isolate and store them. Then, for each of the HIV-specific memory B cells, a pioneering technique expresses the genes that code for HIV-specific antibodies. Finally, assays help scientists determine which of these antibodies can effectively neutralize HIV.
NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
HIV Infection Current Events and HIV Infection News RSSMany pregnant women avoid HIV screening in Africa
'Prevention is the best cure' is a common expression, but what happens if preventative measures are not used? A large proportion of pregnant Ugandan women are going out of their way not to be HIV tested, increasing the risk of mother-to-child transmission.
An atomic-level look at an HIV accomplice
Since the discovery in 2007 that a component of human semen called SEVI boosts infectivity of the virus that causes AIDS, researchers have been trying to learn more about SEVI and how it works, in hopes of thwarting its infection-promoting activity.
Scientists explain binding action of 2 key HIV antibodies; could lead to new vaccine design
A very close and detailed study of how the most robust antibodies work to block the HIV virus as it seeks entry into healthy cells has revealed a new direction for researchers hoping to design an effective vaccine.
Global challenges and opportunities in fighting HIV/AIDS and neglected diseases
Responding to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and tackling so-called neglected tropical diseases are the focus of the November/December 2009 edition of Health Affairs.
HIV care providers applaud Congress' extension of Ryan White program
Medical providers on the front lines of HIV care applaud the U.S. Congress for extending the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, helping to ensure that more than half a million low-income, uninsured, or underinsured people living with HIV/AIDS have access to lifesaving care.
Pitt researchers find candidates for new HIV drugs
While studying an HIV protein that plays an essential role in AIDS progression, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered compounds that show promise as novel treatments for the disease.
NIH launches 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine trials in HIV-infected pregnant women
The first clinical trials to test whether the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine can safely elicit a protective immune response in pregnant women launched yesterday, and a trial to conduct the same test in HIV-infected children and youth will begin next week.
Continuing racial differences in HIV prevalence in US
HIV prevalence among African Americans is ten times greater than the prevalence among whites. This racial disparity in HIV prevalence has persisted in the face of both governmental and private actions, involving many billions of dollars, to combat HIV.
HIV vaccine regimen demonstrates modest preventive effect in Thailand clinical study
In an encouraging development, an investigational vaccine regimen has been shown to be well-tolerated and to have a modest effect in preventing HIV infection in a clinical trial involving more than 16,000 adult participants in Thailand.
New chemically-activated antigen could expedite development of HIV vaccine
Scientists working to develop a vaccine for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) report they have created the first antigen that induces protective antibodies capable of blocking infection of human cells by genetically-diverse strains of HIV.
More HIV Infection Current Events and HIV Infection News Articles
 |
The Guide to Living with HIV Infection: Developed at the Johns Hopkins AIDS Clinic (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book) by John G. Bartlett MD (Author), Ann K. Finkbeiner (Author) The Guide to Living with HIV Infection is the most complete source of medical, emotional, social, and practical advice available for those infected with HIV and their loved ones. Developed at the Johns Hopkins AIDS Clinic, the guide provides essential information for making decisions about treatment and testing in a world transformed by new research and pharmacotherapy. In this thoroughly updated sixth edition, Dr. John Bartlett and Ann K. Finkbeiner address the latest information about risks of transmission, viral mutations that confer drug resistance, and new, rapid, HIV testing. They offer guidelines for Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), a therapy protocol that has dramatically increased life expectancy for HIV-positive people. They describe how to follow HAART and... |
 |
EPA approved - Protex Disinfectant Spray Bottle, 12 oz. Efective against MRSA, E-coli, influenza, H1N1, Herpes, HBV, VISA, VRE, HCV, HIV. by Parker Labs A powerful one-step disinfectant effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including MRSA, HIV, Staph and many others. Useful in disinfecting ultrasound transducers, probes, mammography compressor plates and other hard nonporous, non-surgical surfaces. Protex is an EPA approved, one-step spray that effectively kills a wide range of bateria, viruses, and fungi including: MRSA, E-coli, influenza, H1N1, Herpes, HBV, VISA, VRE, HCV, HIV Salmonella and Norwalk Virus. |
 |
The HIV / HCV Co-Infection Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The HIV / HCV Co-Infection Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the HIV / HCV Co-Infection Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your HIV / HCV Co-Infection Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
|
Pulmonary Complications of HIV Infection Volume 4 Also With: Bayer Pharmaceutical Division (Primary Contributor) The Pulmonary Clinical Consultant. Diagnosis and Management of acute lung injury in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. | |
 |
100 Questions and Answers About HIV and AIDS by Joel Gallant (Author) |
|
Nutrition & Metabolic Disorders in Hiv Infection by Aamic | |
 |
Living with HIV: A Patient's Guide by Mark Cichocki (Author) This helpful guide offers a wealth of information for individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV and for people caring for HIV positive friends and loved ones. It covers the entire HIV lifespan, from prevention to diagnosis and beyond. Valuable tips help the reader make the best decision when choosing a doctor, finding and adhering to the right medication regimen, and, if necessary, making end-of-life plans. All aspects of HIV/AIDS are discussed, including opportunistic and associated infections, dental care, exercise and nutrition, substance use and abuse, and emotional treatment. |
|
Medical Management Of HIV Infection 2007 by John G. Bartlett (Author), Joel E., M.D. Gallant (Author) | |
 |
ProntoPass Naplex Review HIV & Opportunistic Infections Poster by ProntoPass Solutions HIV & Opportunistic Infections 11" x 17" Poster. Great visual adjunct to regular ProntoPass® QUICKCARDS® Naplex® Review study material. Visualize the material and burn it into your brain. Evolutionary educational change, revolutionary results. Do HIV drugs confuse you? This poster will help you better understand them. HIV is important to know for NAPLEX®. Printed on both sides. ProntoPass® - the prescription for success. |
 |
The First Year: HIV: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The) by Brett Grodeck (Author), M.D. Daniel S. Berger (Foreword) This supportive resource explores the next generation of HIV/AIDS drugs and also includes new research on HIV and crystal meth, as well as new insights for the hardest hit population — African Americans. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |