Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that HIV alters gene function in cells within three days of infection, affecting T-cell signaling and immune system functions. The study used cDNA microarray technology to examine gene expression levels and may lead to new treatments for the disease.
Researchers found a consistent pattern of viral evolution in individuals who later progressed to full-blown AIDS, allowing for preclinical stage recognition. This prediction may help target therapies to prevent or slow disease progression.
The UCSF AIDS Research Institute is hosting a symposium to discuss strategies for preventing the second HIV epidemic. Experts will cover topics such as vaccine development, drug resistance, and post-exposure prevention.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a key mechanism by which some viruses, including Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, can hide in human cells for extended periods. The study reveals that a protein called LANA binds to host chromosomes, allowing viral DNA to remain dormant until the immune system is weakened.
Researchers will study the psychological impact of diagnosis on self-esteem and relationships. The study aims to understand how people cope with the news and develop prevention strategies.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have identified a new way to halt herpes simplex virus reproduction by targeting its molecular tracks. The study found that inhibiting JNK protein kinase reduces viral yield in cells by up to 70%.
A new DNA vaccine has been developed to protect North American salmon and trout farms from a major disease, with successful trials showing 90% reduction in mortality. The vaccine works by introducing DNA containing the gene for one of the viral proteins, which is then taken up by cells and produces the protein to prime the immune system.
Scientists at NIAID's Rocky Mountain Laboratories discovered a section of the prion protein that can prevent misfolding and progression to disease. This finding opens possibilities for therapy in animals and may one day help prevent degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A genetic variant of HIV linked to rapid disease progression in the US and Europe is rare in Africa, according to a new study. The findings may impact the design of HIV vaccines and therapies for underdeveloped regions where the epidemic is expanding.
The conference focuses on lithium's applications in reducing suicidal acts in people with bipolar disorder, boosting the immune system, slowing down cancer cell growth, and interfering with viral infections. More than 300 experts will attend to discuss these topics and share latest research.
Researchers are exposing chimps to lethal HIV strains to develop an AIDS vaccine, with some arguing that the practice is unjustified and disrespects animal life. Chimps have already been infected with deadly strains of HIV, and more may be exposed in future experiments.
Researchers identified HIV's key molecular site in the brain and colon as CCR5 co-receptor. This finding suggests a potential target for preventing virus entry into these tissues and possibly others.
Researchers found that HIV can infect cells lacking the CD4 receptor by forming a receptor complex with co-receptors like CCR5 or CXCR4. This expands the range of potential targets for drug therapies aimed at preventing HIV spread.
Research reveals that the AIDS virus in cerebrospinal fluid evolves independently of the virus in the blood, leading to two genetically distinct forms. This finding suggests that drugs effective against HIV-1 in blood may not be effective in the central nervous system, and vice versa.
Researchers sequenced the complete genome of a form of HIV from India, finding significant variation in genes for proteins on the outer envelope of the virus. This suggests that currently favored approaches to vaccine development may not work, and that a new approach may be needed.
Researchers found HIV's impact on T-cell production and its role in the immune system. The study involved measuring daily rates of new T-cell production in HIV-negative adults and those with suppressed virus, revealing a surprising increase in new cell production responsible for increased T-cell counts.
A team of UI researchers has found a way to permanently deliver therapeutic genes to the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis. The method uses a retrovirus that integrates into host DNA, allowing the gene to be reproduced in cells. This could lead to a permanent cure for CF and other genetic lung diseases.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found latent HIV in the semen of seven infected men taking HAART, which may be transmissible. The study suggests that even if detectable virus is not present in blood, individuals should practice safe sex to prevent transmission.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have isolated a rotaviral strain's receptors, which can be used to create a synthetic mimic that blocks the virus. The team hopes to use this alternative therapy to protect against disease without causing infection.
BioStratum's gene-attenuated virus vaccines protect macaque monkeys against HIV-1-based viruses. The study demonstrates the efficacy of two vaccines in preventing AIDS development in 11 out of 12 monkeys.
Bernard Roizman's research has laid the groundwork for current efforts to develop a vaccine against HSV and gene therapies. He identified essential genes in viral replication, including a protease enzyme targeted by pharmaceutical companies.
The AAAS Annual Meeting brings together over 800 scientists and engineers to discuss groundbreaking research in various fields, including medicine, astronomy, and physics. Notable sessions cover topics like the influence of diet on breast cancer and the latest discoveries in astronomy.
Scientists identify a new pathway through which HIV can disturb the function of uninfected cells, leading to a sudden decline in immune function. The research suggests that blocking HIV binding to CXCR4 could stop advanced AIDS progression in patients with certain strains of the virus.
The UCSF Center for AIDS Research has been awarded a major grant from the National Institutes of Health to support ongoing work in basic, clinical, and behavioral science areas of HIV/AIDS. The grant will focus on developing new treatment approaches, understanding HIV transmission, and improving therapy effectiveness.
Researchers at UW-Madison discovered a molecular mechanism that allows influenza viruses to cause sweeping damage throughout the body. The finding provides an additional marker for scientists to be aware of in their surveys of emerging viruses and may have broader implications in the virology field.
Researchers at UCSF found that patients with HIV who undergo aggressive therapy have a robust response to cytomegalovirus, which causes blindness in people with AIDS. This suggests that CD4+ T cells replenished by therapy can mount effective responses against specific pathogens.
A Purdue University study reveals that a virus uses six RNAs to create a motor that transports DNA, facilitating the development of nanoscale devices. The research also improves scientists' understanding of how cells transport large molecules through membranes.
Andrew Caton, a Wistar Institute scientist, will receive the Lupus Foundation of Philadelphia's prestigious Sheryl N. Hirsch Award for his work on systemic lupus erythematosus. The award recognizes Dr. Caton's efforts to shed light on the role of infections in lupus initiation and exacerbation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that HIV depends on the moving parts of a cell's surface to enter the cell. The findings suggest that clustering transmits signals to the cell that could be important for HIV replication.
Nancy Roseman, assistant professor of biology at Williams College, has been awarded a $266,191 NSF grant to study the biochemistry of dUTPase, an enzyme involved in DNA metabolism. Her research uses the vaccinia virus as a model to understand viral/host interactions and DNA replication.
Researchers at UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco have developed a diagnostic technique that measures T-cell production rates in patients with AIDS. The study found that potent protease inhibitor treatments can increase T-cell production, suggesting new treatment options for patients.
University of Wisconsin-Madison experts conduct detailed surveillance on H5 influenza, a deadly strain found in birds that has infected eight people and killed three. The study aims to identify the source of the virus, test for genetic variation between bird and human strains, and determine potential public health risks.
A new delivery system may allow for more precise control over where new genes are inserted into an organism's chromosomes, improving gene therapy. The approach uses parvoviruses to target specific locations on the chromosomes, reducing the risk of genes causing harm or functioning poorly.
Researchers found that cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) can recognize and target different HIV strains, suggesting a potential universal vaccine. CTLs play a key role in the immune response against HIV, with high levels seen in long-term nonprogressors and individuals who remain uninfected despite multiple exposures.
A new influenza virus found in Hong Kong has spread directly from poultry to a boy, bypassing typical human adaptation. The virus, H5 subtype HK97, has not been shown to cause infections in humans before.
Researchers have discovered a way to harness valuable proteins from nearly dead insect pests, producing high-quality pharmaceuticals in a more cost-effective manner. The HeRD system enables the mass production of these proteins, paving the way for the development of novel vaccine treatments and alternative pesticides.
Researchers have discovered that HIV can invade cells within any female reproductive tract organ, increasing the risk of infection. The study's findings suggest that vaccine development and disease prevention should aim to confer protection throughout the entire tract.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a potential new target for therapeutic drugs to treat hepatitis C. The study found that a protein called NS5A can bind to and inactivate a key component of interferon response, PKR. This could lead to the development of a new treatment for the disease.
The review paper reviews powerful computational tools in studying ecology, genetics and evolution, infectious diseases and immunology. Computational biologists use models to understand the behavior of entire systems, mediated by smaller and larger scales.
A study conducted by the University of Washington found that HIV transmission can occur even among individuals with few sexual partners, and that oral sex is a common route of transmission among gay men. Despite warnings from health experts, unprotected oral sex may not be as safe as previously thought.