Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
A new method combining contact tracing with targeted indoor spraying of insecticide significantly reduces the spread of the dengue virus. The approach was found to be between 86 and 96 percent effective in controlling dengue fever during a 2009 outbreak in Cairns, Australia.
Scientists discovered that fibroblasts, a type of connective tissue cell, increase HIV infection in immune cells through trans-infection and make them more prone to infection. Epithelial cells, on the other hand, secrete high levels of antiviral proteins that inhibit infection.
A new study has identified a window of opportunity for potent HIV-specific CD8+ T cells to kill HIV-producing cells and reduce the seeding of the HIV reservoir. Fully differentiated HIV-specific CD8+ T cells, detected at peak viremia, correlate with decreased viral load and reduced HIV reservoir size.
Scientists at the NIH found that an antibody against alpha-4 beta-7 integrin protected monkeys from SIV, reducing transmission and inducing sustained remission. The protein is crucial to HIV's initial phase of infection, influencing disease development.
A new biosensor developed by CSIC can detect HIV-1 p24 antigen up to 100,000 times lower than previous methods, reducing the undetectable phase after infection to just one week. The technology also shows potential for early detection of certain types of cancer.
A study found that educating religious leaders about the benefits of male circumcision led to a significant increase in circumcision rates in Tanzania. The intervention is believed to have worked by empowering religious leaders to discuss circumcision with their congregations, and may be an effective way to promote other healthy behavi...
A limited subset of HIV strains can be transmitted from mothers to children, but these viruses are generally shorter and have fewer sugars attached, making them less likely to be neutralized by the immune system. This study highlights the need for different strategies to prevent transmission during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Research suggests that both patient genetics and HIV viral genome mutations impact disease progression, with human genetic variation explaining 8.4% of variation in viral load.
A 19-year survey of gay men found a rise in condomless anal sex and multiple partners, linked to complacency over HIV treatment. Condom use dropped significantly among HIV-positive men, increasing risks for STIs and HIV transmission.
A new biologic agent, 10-1074, has shown early promise as part of a potential new strategy for treating HIV. The drug demonstrated rapid decline in viral load in infected individuals and may be effective in preventing infection in high-risk populations.
A new study aims to develop a combination therapy using interleukin-2 and a monoclonal antibody to eradicate HIV. The treatment, if successful, could reduce latent HIV reservoirs and cure the infection.
The European Union needs to prioritize prevention programs, improve access to testing, and enhance treatment options for people living with HIV. Currently, two-thirds of EU countries lack sufficient funding for prevention interventions, and one in seven people living with HIV in the region is unaware of their infection.
Research suggests that people infected with HIV may be more susceptible to developing diabetes, with a prevalence nearly 4% higher than the general public. Despite obesity being a key risk factor, the study found that HIV positive adults are at heightened risk of diabetes at younger ages and in its absence.
Researchers found abnormal antibody levels in HIV-1-infected individuals, suggesting an important factor contributing to the failure of the gut to prevent microbial invasion. The study revealed a significant elevation of immunoglobulin M levels and decreased ratios of IgG/IgM and IgA/IgM in HIV-1-infected patients.
A new survey found that 59% of Baltimore's youth-serving organizations do not offer HIV testing, highlighting the need for better integration of community-based services and clinical care. Organizations with HIV testing were more likely to provide general health services and referral services for sexually transmitted infections screening.
A study using antibodies from an elite controller has shown that a combination of three broadly neutralizing antibodies can completely suppress HIV in infected mice. The finding validates the approach of using multiple antibodies to control HIV infection, pointing towards a potential new treatment for people infected with HIV.
Researchers identified how HIV infects macrophages despite protective protein SAMHD1 being switched off. A treatment to maintain macrophage defences could be crucial for reaching an HIV cure.
A new trivalent vaccine induces antibodies against three different parts of the virus, including two components that help HSV2 evade immune attack. The vaccine provides strong immune response and potent neutralization of four isolates of HSV2 from sub-Saharan Africa.
A new UBC study found that medications used in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV may be reducing the body's immune response to certain diseases, including syphilis. Researchers suggest this could be contributing to the recent surge in syphilis cases worldwide.
Researchers found that antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infection may increase susceptibility to syphilis by boosting immune system activity and leading to more sexual partners. This could explain the rise in new cases of syphilis among gay/bisexual men over the past decade.
Researchers at Princeton University have identified a potential treatment target for the hepatitis E virus by exploiting its ability to use proteins to escape host cells. The study found that curtailing viroporin production could prevent viral particles from spreading, providing a new avenue for antiviral drugs.
A Penn study identifies specific biological properties of HIV-1 strains that facilitate infection, including increased infectivity and resistance to interferons. This research may aid in the development of vaccines against HIV-1 by targeting these key characteristics.
Researchers develop a Retro94-based compound that effectively stops CMV from making copies of itself, providing a potential effective and safe therapy against human CMV. The treatment could protect immunocompromised patients with active CMV infection or prevent reactivation in the body.
A study found that women with diverse vaginal bacterial communities were four times more likely to acquire HIV than those with Lactobacillus-dominant microbiomes. The researchers identified specific high-risk bacteria associated with increased HIV acquisition risk and a direct link between these bacteria and HIV susceptibility.
A new study from UCLA suggests modifying federal health guidelines to use a risk calculator that takes into account more factors, potentially increasing effectiveness of PrEP in preventing HIV transmission. The calculator uses real-world data and is expected to be useful for gay and bisexual men who have sex with men.
Researchers found that temporarily blocking type I interferon can restore immune function and speed up viral suppression in HIV-infected mice. This approach may help eradicate HIV throughout the body when combined with antiretroviral therapy.
A new study highlights the difficult decisions healthcare providers face when treating HIV-positive patients with seizures, where medication options are limited. Seizures are a common symptom in advanced stage HIV, affecting up to 11% of those undiagnosed and untreated.
Researchers identified five genes that, when inactivated, protected cells from HIV infection without affecting cellular survival. The genes target human proteins essential for HIV replication and viral entry into CD4 T cells.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to identify three promising new targets for HIV infection. The study screened human genes essential for HIV replication but not for cellular survival, and identified five genes with potential therapeutic applications.
A supervised injection facility in San Francisco could prevent 3.3 HIV cases, 19 hepatitis C virus infections, and save an average of 0.24 lives per year. The facility would also facilitate 110 people to enter medication-assisted treatment, resulting in estimated annual health savings of $6.1 million.
Research shows that blocking type I interferon signaling can enhance the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (cART) in HIV-infected mice. By targeting IFN-I signaling, antibodies were able to reduce chronic immune activation and viral load, leading to improved infection management.
Researchers found that peer-referral strategies outperformed traditional methods in detecting undiagnosed HIV among high-risk heterosexuals. The study suggests a new approach for identifying and treating undiagnosed HIV cases in the US, with potential to reduce transmission rates.
A new study on simian immunodeficiency virus in macaques suggests that a proposed curative strategy could cause harmful brain inflammation if the virus is present in the brain. The 'shock and kill' treatment approach, which aims to wipe out infected cells, may have unintended consequences.
Research found that pubic hair grooming is associated with a heightened risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, particularly among high frequency and intensity groomers. Grooming was linked to an 80% increased risk of infection, with certain practices causing higher risks for specific infections.
A Phase III study published in NEJM shows the dapivirine ring safely reduced HIV infection by 31 percent overall among all women in the trial. The risk of HIV infection was reduced by at least 56 percent among women who used the ring consistently, with subgroup analyses suggesting a 75 percent or more reduction with near-perfect use.
In Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia, new HIV infections are falling, the percent of the population infected is stabilizing, and over half of those living with HIV are virally suppressed. The data show that once diagnosed, individuals are accessing treatment, staying on treatment, and achieving viral suppression.
A new report by ECDC and WHO Europe reveals that approximately 122,000 people in the EU/EEA are infected with HIV but remain undiagnosed. Easy access to testing is crucial for individuals living with HIV to benefit from life-saving treatment.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have created a mutated version of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus that is less deadly and could lead to the development of a vaccine. The discovery was made by exploiting a weakness in the virus' genetic code, which could also help combat other RNA viruses such as HIV and Zika.
The HVTN 702 study is the largest and most advanced HIV vaccine clinical trial in South Africa, testing a new experimental vaccine regimen. The study aims to enroll 5,400 men and women and provide greater protection against HIV infection than previous vaccines.
Researchers developed genetically engineered T cells armed with a fusion inhibitor to disrupt HIV's entry process. The C34 peptide was shown to be potent and effective against diverse HIV strains, including those resistant to existing drugs.
Scientists from the National Institutes of Health identified an antibody, named N6, that potently neutralized 98 percent of HIV isolates tested. The researchers also tracked the evolution of N6 to understand how it developed its ability to neutralize nearly all HIV strains, which will inform vaccine design.
Researchers found that a therapeutic vaccine and immune stimulator combination improved virologic control and delayed viral rebound in non-human primates infected with SIV. The study showed promise for achieving long-term viral suppression without antiretroviral therapy.
Researchers developed a vaccine combining with an innate immune stimulant to target dormant HIV cells. The combination showed reduced viral loads and delayed rebound in animal trials, offering hope for ART-free, long-term viral suppression.
A new study from Oxford University reveals that the first month after infection is crucial in controlling drug-related HIV spread. Researchers found that needle exchange programmes and harm reduction measures are essential in targeting transmissions within this period.
A human monoclonal antibody, ZIKV-117, has been isolated that 'neutralizes' the Zika virus in a mouse model and protects against fetal damage. The findings may aid development of an effective anti-Zika vaccine.
The 14th Report on Carcinogens adds seven new substances to the list, including five viruses that have been linked to cancer in humans. Trichloroethylene, cobalt compounds, HIV-1, HTLV-1, EBV, KSHV, and MCV are among the newly listed substances, highlighting the importance of prevention strategies to reduce the world's cancer burden.
A new modeling study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that smoking may shorten the lifespan of people living with HIV more than the virus itself. Smoking cessation is crucial to improve life expectancy and overall health among this population, with significant health and economic benefits.
New research suggests a novel mechanism by which HIV-1 may infect kidney epithelial cells lacking the major CD4 receptor. Transmembrane TNF-alpha is identified as a key player in this process, potentially facilitating the transmission of HIV-1 from mother to fetus.
A study published in JAMA analyzed data from the 2013 National Health Interview Survey to estimate the prevalence of self-reported immunosuppressed adults in the United States. The estimated US prevalence of immunosuppression is 2.7%, with higher rates among women, whites, and individuals aged 50-59 years.
A new monoclonal antibody, ibalizumab, has shown promise in treating patients with multidrug-resistant HIV. Eighty-three percent of patients achieved a virologic response after treatment, making it a potential option for those resistant to all other medications.
Researchers found that Th17 cells protect against the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, which causes Chagas disease, by activating the immune system. This discovery offers a new approach to developing more protective vaccines for these diseases.
Using a high-throughput cell-editing platform, researchers have successfully mutated genes in human immune cells to make them resistant to HIV infection. The new system enables the rapid testing of gene mutations that confer resistance, which could potentially accelerate the quest for an HIV cure.
A new NIH-funded project aims to encourage young men at risk for HIV and other STIs to get tested using a personalized web app. The Get Connected app provides customized content based on users' risk profiles, values, and needs.
Scientists at the University of Basel discovered that chronic viral infections lead to an inadequate immune response due to prolonged inflammation. This hasty reaction by B cells produces antibodies quickly but also leads to their rapid depletion, resulting in a short-lived and unsustainable defense against the virus.
New research from Duke University found that RNA viruses like hepatitis, Zika, and dengue are littered with N6-methyladenosine tags which slow down their ability to infect cells. The study suggests that these chemical tags might regulate the life cycle of these viruses and provide new targets for antiviral drug development.
A study published in the American Journal of Pathology reveals that HIV co-infection reduces dendritic cell function, leading to increased tuberculosis risk. The research suggests a new treatment strategy using host-directed therapy to strengthen immune cells.
The experimental vaginal ring had little effect on sexual intercourse, with most women reporting no interference. However, some women experienced diminished pleasure due to worry about their partner noticing the ring, and those facing intimate partner violence or social harms were more likely to have low adherence.
A new study estimates the combined burden of six healthcare-associated infections to be higher than that of diseases like influenza, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis together. The estimated annual burden is approximately 2.5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in the EU/EEA.
HIV-infected patients with chronic HBV and HCV coinfection are at a higher risk for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a leading cause of AIDS-related deaths. The study found that the incidence rate is 10 times higher in HIV-infected persons compared to the general population.
Nearly all Canadian provinces and territories restrict access to direct-acting antivirals for treating hepatitis C, citing cost concerns. The disease affects over 220,000 Canadians, who often face lengthy delays in receiving treatment.