Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
Research reveals that smoking damages macrophages, leading to TB infection and worsening its progression. The impaired cells can't recycle debris, becoming 'clogged up' and less effective at fighting infection.
According to a new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Botswana has achieved remarkable progress in reducing the number of people who are infectious with HIV through strong treatment programs. The country has reported 96% viral suppression rates among patients on antiretroviral therapy, surpassing Western nations and ...
Scientists administered anti-HIV-1 human neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to infant rhesus macaques exposed to SHIV and found that the treatment completely cleared the virus within 14 days. This study shows that early administration of powerful antibodies can effectively clear a nonhuman primate virus similar to HIV.
Researchers at Temple University Health System have successfully eliminated HIV-1 from the DNA of human T-cells using a specialized gene editing system. The technology not only removes the virus but also protects infected cells against reinfection, holding promise for an eventual cure for patients with HIV.
Researchers developed a new long-acting formulation of raltegravir for pre-exposure prophylaxis, showing significant protection against multiple strains of HIV in animal models. The study found that the injectable provided strong suppression of viral load and could potentially improve adherence to medication regimens.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests that HIV infection disrupts the immune response to Mtb, making it harder for the body to control active TB. Researchers found that early HIV infection diminishes a specific component of the immune response called IL-10, leading to a weaker defense against Mtb.
A recent NIH study found that antibodies derived from unconventional B cells in HIV-infected individuals with uncontrolled virus levels are less effective at neutralizing HIV. The study suggests that the abnormal distribution of B cell types contributes to the lack of effective immune response.
A new study found that HIV-infected individuals have impaired affinity maturation of memory B cells, resulting in low frequencies of somatic hypermutation and poor HIV-neutralizing capacity. This immune dysfunction contributes to the ineffective antibody response against HIV.
Researchers discovered how hepatitis B virus (HBV) counterattacks the host's defense system by destroying a protective protein complex. This finding suggests new avenues for developing innovative therapeutic agents targeting the X protein.
The article discusses the nephrotoxic effects of newer antiviral therapies, such as HAART and DAAs, in HIV and HCV patients. Organic transporters play a crucial role in explaining potential renal toxicities, and a review highlights the substrates, inhibitors, and distribution of these transporters.
Researchers found that a family-focused package of services can significantly reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV in resource-limited areas. The study showed a 74% reduction in infant infections in the intervention group compared to the control group.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have demonstrated that HIV infects and replicates in macrophages, a discovery with significant implications for HIV cure research. The study found that macrophages can sustain HIV replication in the absence of T cells and can establish infection in new hosts.
A global study reveals 2.3 million people co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C, with a significant burden in Eastern Europe and central Asia. The study highlights the need for improved integrated HIV/HCV services and increased screening and treatment to reduce morbidity and new infections.
Researchers have gained a clearer understanding of how HIV defeats a cellular defender by interacting with cyclophilin A. The study reveals that the virus uses cyclophilin A as a disguise to trick the cellular protein, allowing it to enter the nucleus and commandeer the cell.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that women require daily doses of Truvada to prevent HIV infection, while men only need two doses per week. The research highlights the importance of understanding how drugs interact with different body tissues to protect against HIV.
A study found that over 60% of newly diagnosed men in Rhode Island who have sex with men reported meeting sexual partners online. The researchers propose partnering with companies producing hookup websites and apps to share public health messages about the risks of sexual encounters arranged online.
Scientists have developed a new method to analyze the genetic tree of diseases like HIV to identify possible gaps in transmission chains. The study uses computational phylogenetic analysis to examine how strains of HIV are transmitted and can now evaluate the possibility of unsampled intermediaries or common sources.
Scientists at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have successfully tested an immunotherapy agent that can push SIV out of its hideouts in infected monkeys. The treatment, which combines PD-1 blockade with antiretroviral therapy, resulted in more rapid viral suppression and active antiviral T cells.
A Phase 2 trial found that maraviroc-containing regimens are as safe and well-tolerated as TDF and emtricitabine when used as PrEP to prevent HIV infection in high-risk men. Five participants became infected with HIV during the study, but their low drug levels suggested inconsistent use of PrEP.
The HPTN 073 Study found that a novel coordinated counseling and care approach resulted in high uptake of PrEP among BMSM, suggesting a lower rate of HIV infection. The study showed that 92% of participants completed the 12-month follow-up and 79% accepted PrEP.
Researchers found that young adult males and transgender participants experienced a measurable but clinically insignificant loss of bone mineral density while taking PrEP. However, after stopping the regimen, bone mineral density levels returned to normal in just six months.
A study in Swaziland found that implementing Option B+ greatly increased the number of women initiating antiretroviral therapy and improved ART coverage among pregnant women. However, retention in care postpartum was low and no better under Option B+ than previous approaches.
Two large studies confirm the monthly vaginal ring's effectiveness in preventing HIV-1 infection in women, with a 30% overall reduction in infections. The ring's efficacy varies by age and consistent use, highlighting the need to overcome barriers to prevention for younger women.
A large clinical trial found that a vaginal ring releasing an experimental antiretroviral drug reduced the risk of HIV infection by 27% overall and 61% among women ages 25 and older. The study's results suggest age-related disparities in protection, with younger women showing less consistent use and lower protection.
A new study found that adding raltegravir to standard antiretroviral therapy did not reduce HIV DNA levels or improve CD4+ T-cell counts in early HIV infection patients. Researchers from the University of Washington and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases reported their results after a 96-week study.
Researchers developed a designer recombinase called Brec1 that can specifically remove the provirus from most primary HIV-1 isolates. The approach has shown promise as a potential new therapy for HIV, with antiviral effects without measurable cytotoxic or genotoxic side effects.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a simple blood test that can accurately diagnose active tuberculosis, setting the stage for a significant transformation in disease control. The test works on ordinary blood samples and distinguishes patients with active TB from those with latent TB or other diseases.
Researchers detected Zika virus in the amniotic fluid of two pregnant women whose fetuses had been diagnosed with microcephaly. However, further research is needed to understand the biological mechanism linking Zika virus to microcephaly.
Researchers compared two testing methods: an HIV antigen/antibody combination assay and pooled HIV RNA testing. The new test increased the detection rate for acute HIV infections by 10.4% and diagnosed 82% of cases detectable by traditional testing.
A computer model suggests that cutting incarceration can decrease the number of sexual partners men and women have, thus reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. The study also found that harsher penalties may exacerbate this effect, highlighting the need for more open criminal justice systems.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces HIV transmission in the female reproductive tract, regardless of exposure method. This discovery has significant implications for future HIV prevention, vaccine, and cure research.
A study published in Immunity found that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are destroyed in patients with acute HIV infection, highlighting the importance of early treatment. Research suggests that early intervention can protect ILCs from destruction and prevent immune system imbalances.
A Yale University study found a significant correlation between states' social service spending and reduced HIV/AIDS case rates and deaths. The researchers analyzed data from 2000-2009, discovering that states with higher investments in public health and education per person living in poverty had lower HIV/AIDS rates.
Scientists discovered that adenosine deaminase enhances anti-HIV-1 specific immune responses by reducing regulatory T-cell mediated suppression. The enzyme activation increases CD4+ responder T cells, CD8+ T cell proliferation, and T cell memory generation.
Dan R. Littman receives the $100,000 Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science for his fundamental insights into the immune system and its role in HIV pathogenesis. Young researchers Fernando Camargo, Roberta Capp, and Houra Merrikh win $50,000 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise for their innovative work on blood cell development.
Researchers developed a six-question online quiz to predict STIs in young women, with promising accuracy. The quiz assesses behaviors linked to STI risk and can encourage teenage girls and young women to get laboratory tests.
Researchers found that HIV protein Tat alters networked neuron activity and leads to adaptations that improve survival but impair function. The study suggests that targeting these adaptations could facilitate therapeutic intervention for seizure disorders and other neurological symptoms in HIV-infected patients.
A new study funded by NIH suggests that ongoing HIV replication in lymphoid tissues maintains stores of the virus, a prerequisite for achieving a cure. Current ART regimens cannot eliminate persistent viral reservoirs, but sequencing data shows continued evolution over time without accumulating drug-resistant mutations.
Researchers found that HIV persists in lymphoid tissue despite potent antiretroviral therapy, and that low-level replication maintains viral reservoirs. The study provides a new perspective on how to deliver drugs to effectively eradicate the virus.
Researchers deciphered how HIV's Tat protein interacts with host genes to activate or repress several hundred human genes. Blocking Tat activity may be therapeutic value for HIV patients, suggesting a promising approach to combat the deadly virus.
A randomized controlled trial evaluated consent for HIV testing, showing opt-out schemes can substantially increase patient acceptance compared to opt-in schemes. Active choice testing may be the most effective approach in reflecting patients' true preferences, researchers suggest.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed light-activated therapeutic nanoparticles that successfully killed 92% of drug-resistant bacterial cells in a lab-grown culture. The quantum dots, which can be tailored to specific infections, offer a new hope for combating antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
A mathematical model suggests that offering PrEP to high-risk men can prevent around 7400 new HIV infections, making it a crucial strategy for reversing the epidemic. Implementing a comprehensive prevention programme including yearly testing and immediate ART can maximize the impact of PrEP.
The article argues that parental permission is not required ethically and may hinder public health interests, as adolescents account for 26% of new HIV infections. The authors propose strategies to address state minor-consent laws and institutional review board interpretations.
Researchers discovered a molecular 'arms race' between Ebola virus and African straw-colored fruit bats that may have started over 25 million years ago. The study sheds light on the biological factors determining which bat species harbor the virus, with potential applications for preventing future outbreaks.
A single infusion of VRC01 can suppress HIV levels by over 10-fold in some individuals, even without antiretroviral therapy. The treatment remains safe and well-tolerated, but its effectiveness varies depending on the individual's viral load.
In a phase 1 trial, VRC01 antibody suppressed HIV levels by more than tenfold in six patients not on antiretroviral therapy, with some experiencing undetectable levels for up to 3 weeks. However, immune responses limited efficacy in others, highlighting the need for new strategies to prevent viral reservoirs.
A study published in The Lancet Global Health found that doctors trained on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) had 38% lower odds of patients being infected with gonorrhea or chlamydia. This training also led to improved knowledge among physicians and reduced rates of new STI transmissions.
A recent study suggests targeted alpha therapy could be effective in eliminating HIV-infected cells in the central nervous system. The therapy uses a specific human antibody labelled with bismuth-213 to target and destroy infected cells while sparing healthy ones.
A new study by the University of Liverpool's Institute of Infection and Global Health has found HIV infection to be the leading risk factor for stroke in young African adults. The incidence of stroke is increasing across sub-Saharan Africa, with many cases occurring in young adults with low prevalence of established risk factors.
Researchers at UMMS have identified a new life cycle stage in HIV infection, dubbed intra-nuclear migration, which relies on human protein CPSF6 to guide the virus through the host cell's nucleus. This phase was previously unappreciated and sheds light on early events of HIV infection.
Experts discuss real-world use of PrEP (preexposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention, highlighting a substantial reduction in transmission among patients on a daily combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine. Non-pharmacologic alternatives to reduce risk are also explored.
Researchers have found novel mechanisms to inhibit chikungunya virus at multiple stages of infection, including entry and release from cells. The discovery could lead to the development of a single vaccine that protects against multiple alphaviruses.
Studies reveal that long-term sex work may increase HIV-1 resistance through changes in the cervical and vaginal microenvironment. Women who remain uninfected despite repeated sexual activity exhibit lower immune activation, enhanced expression of interferon ε, and reduced expression of genes critical for HIV survival.
Young men with HIV who have sex with men are more likely to report condomless anal sex, particularly with a partner not infected with HIV. Behavioral approaches to improve engagement in care and medication adherence may need to occur in concert with interventions to reduce risky sexual behaviors.
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that young men with detectable HIV are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, particularly anal intercourse without condoms. This disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, such as those aged 13-29 and experiencing substance use issues.
Scientists at Texas Biomed aim to develop a functional cure for babies born with HIV by testing a combination of antiviral drugs and vaccines in infant monkeys. The goal is to induce long-lasting protective immunity and eliminate the virus from tissue reservoirs.
A new study estimates that up to 50% of children in Lesotho live in households with someone infected or are orphaned due to HIV/AIDS. The research highlights the substantial number of children affected by HIV-infected adults, often living with parents who are infected, and emphasizes the need for distinct care and outreach efforts.
Three large clinical trials provide compelling data on the benefits of starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) early in HIV infection, outweighing theoretical risks. The results also show that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduces HIV transmission among high-risk populations.
Researchers found that healthy people are willing to pay for life-saving treatments due to fear of future illness, even if they don't have a disease. This 'hidden demand' could transform medical innovation and allocation of research funds.