Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
A University of Cincinnati researcher is conducting an omics analysis of synthetic opioids and HIV to better understand their interactions. The study aims to develop new therapies for individuals battling addiction and living with HIV.
The new MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study will investigate chronic conditions affecting people living with HIV, such as cardiovascular and lung disease, diabetes, and cancer. Researchers will also examine the impact of age, race, ethnicity, and health disparities on HIV-related comorbidities.
Researchers aim to achieve sustained HIV remission without life-long antiretroviral therapy (ART), motivated by side effects and stigma. Persistent viral reservoirs pose a major obstacle to this goal.
Researchers at Clemson University have made significant progress in understanding the biology of Toxoplasma parasites, a human pathogen with high infection rates. By disrupting a key transporter, they were able to reduce the parasite's infectivity and provide insights into new targets for treatment.
Researchers developed imaging technology to visualize and understand frameshifting mechanisms at single molecule level, revealing bursts of activity and subsets of RNAs involved. This discovery promises new depth to understanding viral replication and could inform future antiviral therapeutics.
A genetic mutation in the CCR5 gene associated with a lower survivability rate was created on twin babies born last year. The mutation increases mortality by 21%, particularly between ages 41 and 78, according to researchers at the University of California, Berkeley.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that early antiretroviral treatment can preserve functional CD8 T cells and stimulate robust CD4 T cell responses. This could lead to the development of effective HIV vaccines by stimulating long-term immune memory.
A considerable percentage of HIV-related deaths are due to cryptococcal infections, with C. neoformans being the most common cause. The study highlights the importance of regular CrAg screening and preemptive therapy for high-risk individuals.
Chronic viral infections trigger cachexia through reorganized fat tissue and CD8 T cells, contrary to expectations.
A study of 1,989 HIV+ women found that while 71% achieved viral suppression, others struggle with mental health, unstable housing, and lack of social support. The researchers suggest 'wrap-around' services addressing these issues are crucial for universal treatment and viral suppression.
A new study reveals striking variation in HIV prevalence across African countries, with some areas experiencing over a 5-fold difference in numbers of people infected. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address persistent high infection rates in sub-Saharan Africa.
PrEP has already proven effective in reducing HIV acquisition by over 85% globally. A new study proposes making it available to MSM and PWID in India as a cost-effective way to combat the epidemic. The strategy is estimated to improve survival substantially, preventing over 270,000 transmissions in 15 years.
Despite improved timeliness, nearly 25% of New York City residents with a new HIV diagnosis in 2015 had not initiated treatment within six months. The study also found that only 35% of people diagnosed with HIV had less advanced HIV disease.
Researchers at the Ragon Institute identified specific viral peptides critical to HIV function that are targeted by immune cells of individuals naturally able to control the virus. This finding could lead to the development of broadly protective vaccines and a deeper understanding of natural immunity.
An international team of scientists has secured a five-year, $6.2 million grant to study HIV and tuberculosis (TB) coinfection in children. The researchers will investigate the disease mechanisms and explore potential therapeutic approaches using nonhuman primate experiments.
A commentary by Chinese experts critiques the first reported instance of germline gene editing in humans, arguing that it was misconceived due to outdated assumptions about HIV infection. The authors recommend strict laws and regulations to oversee future human germline editing experiments.
Researchers have developed a new antibody that can suppress HIV levels in people who undergo short-term pauses in their antiretroviral therapy regimens. The Phase 2 study, conducted in Taiwan, found the antibody, UB-421, to be safe and effective in maintaining HIV suppression without inducing antibiotic-resistant strains.
A new study found that HIV-infected individuals have a longer lifespan of white blood cells called neutrophils, which may contribute to intestinal inflammation. Lactobacillus bacteria, commonly used in probiotics, could be an effective therapeutic strategy to reduce neutrophil-driven inflammation.
A study by CU Anschutz researchers found that men who have sex with men have unique gut microbiomes that drive immune activation and may increase their risk of HIV infection. The study suggests a direct link between microbiome composition and immune activation in HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM.
Two studies presented at The International Liver Congress highlight the increasing burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people with HIV infection, leading to a risk of progressive liver disease. NAFLD prevalence is higher in HIV-infected individuals than the general population.
The study analyzed data from nearly 3,000 gay and bisexual men in Australia who received daily HIV PrEP, revealing an association between bacterial STIs and specific risk behaviors. The findings suggest that PrEP users are at higher risk of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis diagnoses.
A pilot study conducted in Kenya identified a safe and effective strategy to help women with HIV have children, despite the infection being passed on to their babies. The study showed six live births without HIV transmission among 23 couples participating in timed vaginal insemination.
A study found that gut microbes from high HIV-risk men who have sex with men drive immune activation in mice and HIV infection in cells. The researchers suggest that the gut microbiome might be a risk factor for HIV transmission in these individuals.
The article highlights the growing public health crisis of opioid and infectious disease (ID) epidemics, citing increased rates of HIV, viral hepatitis, and skin infections linked to rising opioid use. Experts recommend strengthened responses by infectious diseases and substance use specialists, including investments in evidence-based ...
A Rutgers study found that over 58% of minority gay and bisexual men have HPV infection, with only 18% having received the full dose of the HPV vaccine. The study highlights the need for outreach to at-risk populations as the HPV vaccination uptake is incredibly low in the US.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh have developed an all-in-one immunotherapy approach that not only kicks HIV out of hiding but also kills it. The key lies in immune cells designed to recognize the entirely different virus CMV.
The opioid epidemic is driving a surge in infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, heart infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. Comprehensive treatment that addresses both substance use disorder and underlying infections can improve outcomes for patients.
A recent study found that adults at high risk of HIV infection have significantly lower rates of HPV vaccination, with only 3.39% fully vaccinated among those with high-risk behaviors. The lowest vaccination rates were seen in non-Hispanic black respondents and LGBTQ+ individuals.
A new study found that HIV-infected veterans with elevated depressive symptoms have a 23% higher mortality risk compared to those without HIV. In contrast, depression was not significantly associated with increased mortality in HIV-uninfected individuals.
Researchers discovered how specific fungal prostaglandins deactivate immune cells, allowing fungi to grow and increase infection. This finding provides insight into the interaction between fungal pathogens and the human immune system.
A new study from Cornell University has identified a genetic regulator called SAF that helps HIV-infected macrophages avoid cell death. By blocking SAF, researchers found that infected cells self-destructed while healthy cells remained untouched, presenting a novel angle for potential therapies to selectively eradicate reservoir cells.
A study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that gender, sexual orientation, and relationship motivation influence condom decision-making among young adults. The research suggests that women are more likely to take risks when they have stronger relationship motivation and view their partner as having more potential.
A study led by Georgia State University found that Ugandan youth with both HIV and sexually transmitted infections are more likely to engage in problem drinking. Co-infection rates among youth living in slums of Kampala, Uganda are significantly higher than other areas of sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital have received a $3 million NIH grant to investigate the mechanisms of APOL1 and HIV nephropathies in children. The study aims to understand how HIV-1 interacts with APOL1 risk variants in renal cells, triggering chronic kidney disease.
A large Latin American cohort study found that TB diagnosis in people with HIV increases the risk of death within 10 years. The study, supported by NIH, analyzed clinical records of 15,999 people with HIV and found that those diagnosed with TB were twice as likely to die compared to those without a TB diagnosis.
Regular screening and access to new treatments have significantly reduced the transmission of hepatitis C among HIV-positive men in London. The study, which analyzed data from over 6,000 patients, found that cases of newly acquired acute hepatitis C fell sharply between 2013 and 2018.
New technology from the University of South Australia uses silver-loaded microneedle patches to create a 24-hour bacteria-free zone around the injection site, reducing infection risk. The dissolvable feature ensures no reuse and eliminates one of the greatest causes of infection.
A new study aims to understand the biological mechanisms behind increased HIV risk in women who have experienced sexual trauma, especially among adolescents. The THRIVE Study will examine the impact of forced vaginal sex on immune system and stress response in young girls and women.
A new study found that offering voluntary HIV testing and immediate treatment to those who test positive can significantly reduce new HIV infections. The 'universal test and treat' strategy was associated with a 30% lower rate of new HIV infections compared to standard care.
HIV patients face a range of cardiovascular risks due to chronic inflammation, immune activation, and antiretroviral therapy side effects. Experts provide guidance on managing CVD in this growing patient population.
The HPTN 071 (PopART) study demonstrates a community-wide HIV prevention strategy can significantly reduce new HIV infections. Delivering in-home HIV testing with immediate referral to care and treatment led to a 30% decrease in new infections, outperforming another strategy offering universal treatment.
A study found that a universal 'test and treat' approach can reduce new HIV infections. Communities with home-based testing and referral to care saw a 30% decline in new infections, while those without immediate treatment saw no significant change.
Researchers found that mothers infected with Zika also had dengue antibodies led to worse fetal brain damage. An immune complex forms when dengue antibodies attach to the Zika virus, recognized by a receptor on placental cells, allowing the virus to travel across the placenta.
Patients living with HIV have equal access to optimal cancer therapy, according to a recent study in the journal CANCER. The findings challenge traditional beliefs that HIV infection is a contraindication for intensive cancer treatment.
A new study predicts that meeting national HIV prevention goals could substantially reduce new HIV infections in the US by 67 percent by 2030. Implementing innovative models for delivering HIV care and prevention interventions, as well as sufficient investments to bring them to scale, are crucial to achieving this goal.
Researchers at CRCHUM have shown that anti-cancer immunotherapy treatments can reveal hidden HIV viruses to the immune system, reducing their presence in cells. This approach could lead to new therapies for HIV treatment.
Scientists at Cardiff University used x-ray crystallography and computer simulation to study the binding of viruses to cells. They found that adenoviruses can bind weakly to a different entry receptor called CAR, previously undiscovered mechanism.
A new study by Rutgers researchers found that programs to prevent HIV in transgender women are helping lower the rate of new infections. The study also highlighted the need for better care and treatment, particularly among those with lower incomes or from diverse backgrounds.
Scientists at George Mason University have identified a measurable indicator of cofilin dysfunction, a key protein regulating cell migration. This discovery may lead to new therapies to repair immune damages and potentially achieve a functional cure for HIV.
Providers' reluctance to prescribe PrEP stems from concerns about increased risk-taking behavior among users. However, research suggests that PrEP can facilitate healthy sexual behaviors and enhance overall well-being. The authors propose strategies to mitigate biases and promote patient-centered care for PrEP dissemination.
A study reveals how HIV-1 protein Vpu hinders the immune system's response to infection by inhibiting transcription factor NF-κB and reducing antiviral factors. This finding could inform therapeutic approaches aiming to activate dormant HIV for subsequent elimination.
Researchers found that chimpanzees' highly variable CD4 receptors block HIV and SIV entry into cells. This natural defense mechanism could inform the development of more effective HIV vaccines.
A team of researchers has identified a connection between infection control and how well antiviral T cells respond to diverse HIV sequences. This study suggests that individual T cells differ widely in their ability to recognize peptide variants, which may be clinically significant in controlling HIV infection.
A new assay developed by NIH-supported scientists can accurately count the cells comprising the HIV reservoir, enabling researchers to understand whether their strategies are working. This advance aims to speed HIV research by allowing scientists to easily quantify the number of proviruses that must be eliminated to achieve a cure.
Researchers can now measure hidden, inactive HIV in patients' cells using a new genetic technique developed by Howard Hughes Medical Institute. This allows scientists to track progress depleting the latent reservoir of HIV, a crucial step towards finding a cure.
The U=U concept has been scientifically established, showing that people with undetectable viral loads cannot transmit HIV through sex. Large clinical trials and cohort studies validate the concept, which can help control the HIV pandemic and reduce stigma.
Researchers found that HIV protein Nef disrupts T cell migration, initially slowing viral spread but later aiding viral survival by evading the immune response. The 'hydrophobic patch' of Nef enhances viral persistence.
Researchers at Michigan State University discovered that faulty SLAMF7 receptors can lead to chronic immune activation and disease-related complications in HIV patients. The finding suggests a new angle for targeting immune activation and could lead to novel drug treatments.
Researchers found that HIV-infected cells can only reactivate in larger host cells, while smaller cells remain latent or silent. The study suggests a natural mechanism for viral reactivation and offers potential strategies for biasing viral decision-making through drug treatments.
Researchers at Institut Pasteur have identified CD4 T lymphocytes as a key target for HIV infection and developed a new approach to eliminate infected cells. By blocking the virus's energy production, scientists can destroy infected reservoirs, potentially leading to remission.