The NIAID is spearheading a collaborative network to develop new ways of inducing immune tolerance, promising improvements in transplant success rates and treatment for autoimmune diseases. Researchers will conduct clinical trials using 'tolerogenic approaches' to selectively modulate the immune system.
Researchers found that HIV-infected mothers are at highest risk of transmitting the virus to their babies through breastfeeding during the first few months of life. The study also revealed that women who had fewer than four previous births and younger mothers were more likely to transmit HIV through breast milk.
A study found that over 80% of wild rats in the US have HEV antibodies, suggesting they are a natural reservoir for the virus. This raises concerns about the possibility of infected rats transmitting the virus to humans, although experts emphasize there is no evidence of human risk.
Researchers found that women with high HIV RNA levels in their blood transmitted the virus to their infants more often than those with low levels, highlighting the importance of treatment strategies aimed at reducing viral load. The studies also suggest that undetectable viral RNA levels can significantly reduce transmission risk.
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.
Researchers developed a vaccine that protects mice against multiple strains of Staphylococcus aureus, including resistant strains. The vaccine uses a bacterial molecule produced during infection, and has shown promise in preventing infections.
Researchers found that current anti-HIV drug combinations are effective in suppressing the virus, but may not be enough to eradicate it. Studies show that residual infection persists, with some patients still showing signs of viral replication after years of treatment.
Researchers found that most hepatitis B virus infections in adult humans are uncomplicated and do not result in large-scale destruction of infected liver cells. A new noncytolytic process targets the virus' ability to reproduce, leaving the liver relatively unscathed.
A new candidate vaccine targets multiple stages of the malaria parasite's life cycle, inducing a high level of antibodies that block invasion into liver cells and inhibit growth. The multicomponent vaccine offers potential for improved protection against different parasite strains.
Researchers have identified the importance of neutralizing antibodies in preventing HIV infection, with studies showing that these antibodies can prevent infection in primates. Additionally, a study found that vaccines must elicit responses in all three major immune cell subsets to be effective, suggesting that broadly based immunity i...
Researchers identified a subspecies of chimpanzees as the natural reservoir of HIV-1, leading to cross-species transmission events. Studying these animals may help protect humans from developing AIDS.
A culturally relevant behavioral intervention significantly reduced new cases of chlamydial infection and gonorrhea among African-American and Mexican-American women. The study found a 34% lower infection rate at six months, 49% by the end of year one, and 38% overall.
A new study has found that children exposed to zidovudine in utero and as newborns show no cancers or other health effects up through preschool age. The study, sponsored by the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group and funded by NIAID and NICHD, includes over 2,200 children who were enrolled in PACTG prevention and treatment protocols.
Researchers found that the thymus gland remains functional in adults and can produce new T cells after HIV infection is suppressed. After receiving HAART, HIV-infected individuals showed a rapid increase in T-cell production.
Researchers found that maternal HLA typing can provide clues about which sibling is the optimal organ donor. This discovery could improve kidney transplant selection by identifying suitable donors beyond HLA-identical siblings.
A study found that IL-2 plus HAART treatment reduced the number of resting CD4+ T cells harboring HIV, making it harder for the virus to replicate. Researchers detected no replication-competent HIV in peripheral blood samples from patients treated with IL-2 plus HAART.
A team of researchers has determined the complete genetic sequence of Plasmodium falciparum's chromosome, identifying over 200 genes crucial for parasite functions and potential targets for new anti-malaria drugs. The findings may help develop a vaccine and improve treatment options for this deadly disease.
A study suggests that triple-drug treatment regimens are superior to less intensive therapies in maintaining HIV suppression. Researchers found that patients who switched from three-drug to two- or one-drug treatment regimens were more likely to experience a resurgence in their HIV levels.
The completed sequencing project provides crucial information on chlamydial infection, the most prevalent STD in the US. The sequenced genome has revealed surface proteins and unique biochemical pathways for developing antibiotics and vaccines against Chlamydia trachomatis.
Researchers found a genetic mutation in the CCR5 gene promoter that significantly delays HIV disease progression, affecting approximately 20% of infected individuals. The mutant promoter is 45% less active, leading to slower disease progression and increased resistance to HIV infection.
A low-dose hydrocortisone study found slight improvement in some chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms for about half the participants, while two-thirds on hydrocortisone reported better well-being. However, the treatment also induced adrenal suppression in twelve patients, rendering it an unsuitable option for CFS patients.
A study of 13,204 female military recruits found a 9.2% overall prevalence of chlamydial infection, with peak rates among 17-year-olds. Screening programs based on age could identify 95.3% of infected women using DNA amplification tests like LCR assays.
Researchers have identified an unusual molecular mechanism that amplifies the disease-causing power of influenza A virus, potentially explaining its lethality in past pandemics. The discovery may lead to better understanding of pathogenesis and identification of new markers for predicting pandemic potential.
A DNA vaccine against rabies has shown complete protection in eight vaccinated monkeys, offering new hope for global eradication of the deadly disease. The vaccine also elicited neutralizing antibodies that could potentially protect humans and animals.
Researchers found that HIV establishes a pool of latently infected immune system cells even with early treatment. These cells can persist for years, posing an obstacle to ultimate control and eradication of the virus. The study suggests that these reservoirs are established very early in infection.
Scientists have sequenced the complete genome of Treponema pallidum, the syphilis bacterium, providing critical information for developing diagnostic tests, treatments, and vaccines. The genetic blueprint reveals targets for new antibiotics and surface proteins that could stimulate an immune response in experimental vaccines.
Community-wide treatment of curable STDs reduced STD rates and improved pregnancy outcomes, but did not reduce new HIV infections in a recent study. The treatment regimen also reduced the prevalence of most targeted STDs, including syphilis and trichomoniasis.
Researchers have made progress toward a gene therapy for HIV infection by genetically altering virus-fighting T-cells to recognize and attack HIV-infected cells. The study found that engineered T-cells persisted in the bloodstream for at least 100 days after infusion, proliferating and providing long-term immunity.
New data show that latent pools of infected cells are established early in HIV infection, even with treatment. Dr. Fauci discusses potential strategies to diminish latent pools by stimulating latently infected cells with antibodies or cytokines.
Scientists have discovered that the corkscrew-shaped bacterium causing relapsing fever changes its surface proteins when moving from a tick to a mammal or vice versa. This finding could lead to an improved blood test for diagnosing the illness, distinguishing it from Lyme disease in endemic regions.
A team of scientists has made a breakthrough discovery in understanding how the HIV virus attaches to immune system cells, revealing new targets for anti-HIV vaccines and drugs. The study found that the virus uses multiple defenses to evade attack, including shape-shifting projections and carbohydrate molecules.
Scientists have identified KasA, a critical protein in bacterial growth, as the target of isoniazid. This discovery enables the development of new anti-TB drugs and fast-screening assays to combat antibiotic-resistant strains.
A new nasal spray vaccine, FluMist(TM), has shown promising results in preventing the flu and flu-related ear infections in children. The vaccine provided 93% protection against the flu and 98% protection against otitis media, a common complication of the flu.
Researchers discover that the CFTR protein acts as a receptor for Salmonella typhi, allowing it to be ingested and cleared from the body. This finding suggests that cystic fibrosis gene carriers may have protection against typhoid fever due to their abnormal CFTR protein.
Researchers have shown that an edible vaccine can safely trigger significant immune responses in humans. Ten of the 11 volunteers who ingested transgenic potatoes had fourfold rises in serum antibodies, and six developed intestinal antibodies. The study demonstrates a potential solution for reducing vaccine burden in developing countries.
Researchers found that women with scleroderma have higher levels of non-self fetal cells circulating in their blood decades after pregnancy, which may indirectly dysregulate the immune system. The study's findings raise new questions about the nature of autoimmune diseases and their relationship to chimerism.
Chlamydial infection is a leading sexually transmitted disease in the US, causing infertility and severe complications. Age-based screening has been shown to be cost-effective in identifying infected women without symptoms, preventing sequelae and saving lives.
A study of college-age women found a high incidence of HPV infection, with prevalence ranging from 20-46% in different countries. Regular Pap smears are crucial for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.
A two-month course of therapy is an effective alternative to the year-long regimen for preventing active tuberculosis in HIV-infected individuals. The study found that fewer deaths occurred among patients in the two-drug arm, with improved treatment compliance compared to the one-drug arm.
A research physician at NIAID successfully treated a 74-year-old woman with the longest known malaria infection on record, using an extremely sensitive genetic test. The patient had been infected for decades and was mistakenly diagnosed with lymphoma earlier in her life.
Researchers at NIAID have found that the virus rapidly rebounds to high levels when drugs are discontinued due to normal stimulatory factors present in the environment of a patient's lymph nodes. The new data suggest that these factors can activate HIV hidden in immune system cells, leading to their death and further viral spread.
Researchers have discovered a unique enzyme in an AIDS-related skin disease virus that protects it from ultraviolet radiation and the immune system. The enzyme, similar to human glutathione peroxidase, neutralizes caustic chemicals made by immune cells to fight infection.
Recent studies have identified key risk factors and clinical symptoms associated with acute HIV infection in India, particularly among commercial sex workers. The findings highlight the importance of p24 antigen screening to detect infections early, reducing the accuracy of previously described signs and symptoms., Condom distribution ...
Despite prolonged treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy, HIV persists and can replicate in patients with no detectable virus in their blood. Researchers found that resting CD4+ T cells serve as a stable 'reservoir' of virus, allowing it to continue replicating even when undetectable.
HIV scientists discovered a biochemical cascade initiated by virus envelope proteins that activate cells and increase their vulnerability to infection. The study found macrophage-tropic viruses use CD4 and CCR5 for cell entry, while T-cell tropic strains do not trigger signalling.
A study by scientists at NIAID found that gene therapy can result in prolonged production of functionally normal white blood cells in patients with chronic granulomatous disease. This finding has important clinical implications for the treatment of this rare immunologic disorder.
Researchers have created an efficient method to study Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) using transposon mutagenesis, allowing them to examine the effect of individual gene mutations on the bacteria's ability to grow or cause disease. This breakthrough enables the development of new drug targets and potential vaccine candidates.
A recent study found that a genetic mutation in the CCR5 gene does not fully explain why some people infected with HIV remain healthy for years. Instead, researchers attribute their good health to various factors, including immune system components and viral factors. The investigation involved 33 patients from different cohorts and rev...
A team of researchers has developed a virus that controls HIV infection by targeting infected T cells. The modified virus, VSV, tricks infected cells into fusing with it instead of normal cells, allowing it to destroy the virus. This approach could lead to new treatments for HIV and other diseases.
Researchers discovered a strain of hepatitis E virus in pigs that is similar to the human strain, but not causative of disease. The finding may contribute to the development of a vaccine and improve our understanding of the virus's transmission and prevalence.