Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
Researchers have identified a new HIV-suppressing protein called CXCL4, which binds to the outer coat of the virus and prevents it from entering human cells. This discovery may provide new insights into treating and preventing HIV disease progression.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis has been shown to prevent HIV infection before exposure, with a 39% reduction in rates found in one recent trial. A four-week duration of therapy is recommended, based on evidence from macaque models of transmission.
Male study participants who received an experimental HIV vaccine were at higher risk of infection due to neutralizing antibodies to Ad5 or being uncircumcised. However, the risk level decreased over time and was equal to that of volunteers who received a placebo after about 18 months.
Researchers at UC Davis Health System demonstrated the safety and efficacy of transplanting anti-HIV stem cells into mice, replicating a functioning human immune system. The technique protects and expands HIV-resistant immune cells, maintaining normal CD4 levels.
Researchers found that Listeria uses nitric oxide to evade the immune system and facilitate cell-to-cell spread, allowing it to multiply in its host. This strategy allows pathogens like Rickettsia and HIV to spread throughout the host in a similar manner.
The Lancet series highlights the major challenges facing adolescents today, including disparities in access to resources and services. Sexually transmitted infections with protracted courses are of particular concern, exacerbated by poverty and social inequalities in countries of all incomes.
Researchers have found that non-coding RNA molecules can detect the presence of viruses in cells, providing a potential tool for developing new treatments. The discovery was made using deep sequencing technology and has been used to identify infected cells with 100% accuracy.
Researchers found an increase in condom use among participants on longitudinal follow-up at six-month and 12-month intervals. Males, older patients, and HIV-positive patients were more likely to use condoms in their sexual encounters.
Researchers from the Microbicide Trials Network reported two new findings from HPTN 035 data, presenting contradictory results to previous studies on hormonal contraception and HIV risk. The analysis of nearly 3,000 women found no association between hormonal contraceptive use and increased risk of HIV infection.
The conference presents promising results from anti-retroviral based microbicides and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with potential to end the AIDS epidemic. Key findings highlight the need for diverse approaches, adherence, risk perception, and delivery of PrEP options to high-risk populations.
A team of UCLA researchers demonstrates that genetically engineered human blood stem cells can form mature, multi-functional T cells that specifically target HIV-infected cells. This approach shows promise for suppressing the virus in living tissues in animal models.
An international team of scientists developed a game to train epidemiologists on mathematical models for studying outbreaks. The game, Muizenberg Mathematical Fever, simulates real-life epidemics and demonstrates the importance of collaboration between bio-mathematicians and classical epidemiologists.
Researchers analyzed immune responses in RV144 trial participants and found that antibodies specific to the V1V2 region correlated with lower infection rates. Vaccine recipients with high levels of IgA envelope protein binding antibody had less protection from HIV than those with low levels.
A study analyzing blood samples from RV144 trial participants found that those with high levels of a certain antibody were less likely to get infected. Researchers believe this may indicate the need for a different type of immune response in an HIV vaccine, but further testing is needed.
Laboratory studies of the RV144 vaccine have found that antibodies specific to a particular region of the HIV outer coat correlate with lower infection rates among vaccinated individuals. In contrast, high levels of a different type of envelope binding antibody appear to offer less protection against HIV.
Researchers created a new game to teach epidemiology concepts and promote collaboration between scientists. The game simulates an epidemic, demonstrating the importance of data collection and collaboration in tracking diseases.
Women infected with two different strains of HIV experience more potent antibody responses that can block virus replication, offering insights into developing broad neutralizing antibodies for an HIV vaccine. The study suggests harboring a mixture of viral strains promotes a robust response.
Researchers found that HIV in semen persists among sexually active HIV-infected MSM on HAART, posing a transmission risk. Detection of HIV in semen was strongly associated with high-risk behavior and genital inflammation.
Researchers found that patients who received early temporary treatment with antiretroviral drugs (cART) for 24 weeks had a lower viral setpoint and delayed the need to restart treatment during chronic HIV infection. This delay lasted for an average of 0.7 years, compared to those who did not receive early cART.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine suggests that replacing naive CD4+ T cells with memory CD4+ T cells may be a more effective approach to combating HIV. The loss of naive T cells had no effect on the maintenance of memory CD4+ T cells, whose loss proceeded similarly with or without naive cell replacements.
A cost-utility analysis shows the DC Female Condom program prevented significant HIV infections and saved over $8 million in future medical care costs. The program's success suggests promoting female condoms as an effective HIV prevention intervention for women at high risk.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine discovered that marijuana-like chemicals trigger receptors on human immune cells that directly inhibit a type of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) found in late-stage AIDS. This finding could lead to the development of new drugs to slow the progression of disease.
Research from UCSF and Harvard Medical School finds that trauma significantly contributes to the HIV epidemic among women. Women with HIV are exposed to trauma at higher rates than the general population, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and poor treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that female sex workers are nearly 14 times more likely to be infected with HIV compared to the general population. The analysis of 102 previous studies representing almost 100,000 female sex workers in 50 countries revealed a significant disparity in HIV prevalence a...
A meta-analysis of 102 studies found that female sex workers in low-income and middle-income countries have an overall HIV prevalence of 12%, with a 14 times increased risk of infection compared to the general female population. The region with the highest risk was Asia, where the risk was 29 times increased.
A new study suggests that broader screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) would be cost effective in reducing related mortality and morbidity. The report emphasizes the importance of linking those infected with the treatment they need to prevent further complications.
A new report estimates that broader screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) would be cost-effective in reducing mortality and morbidity. The study recommends a one-time screening for all adults between 20 and 69 years old to identify those infected with the virus, which affects 4 million U.S. residents.
The Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) has received a €2 million Strategic Translation Award from the Wellcome Trust to develop E1224, a pro-drug with potent in vivo and in vitro activity against T. cruzi, the parasite causing Chagas disease.
A new study by ICAP at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that HIV infection rates among black women in US hot spots are 5 times higher than the national estimate. The study highlights the need for tailored prevention efforts in these communities.
AIDS experts at Johns Hopkins have developed a vaccination strategy that boosts other immune system T cells and prepares them to attack HIV before reactivating it. The approach aims to eliminate latent HIV virus from infected T cells, which has proven difficult to eradicate.
SIV's natural hosts, non-human primates, display a unique immune response to the virus, characterized by low immune activation and efficient preservation of immune cells. This study suggests that understanding these adaptations could inform medical care for people living with HIV.
A new study reveals that HIV incidence rate for US black women is five times higher than the overall estimated rate for black adolescent and adult women. The study found an HIV incidence of 0.24% among 2,099 women, comparable to rates in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Swaziland HIV Incidence Measurement Survey found that HIV prevalence has stabilized over the past five years, with current prevalence peaking at 54% for women ages 30-34 and 48% for men ages 35-39. The survey also indicates declines in HIV prevalence among young adults, which may suggest a reduction in new HIV infections.
A recent study using advanced gene-sequencing technologies tracked viral evolution in HIV-infected patients. The research found that early mutations can evade the host's immune response, making it challenging to control the infection. This understanding may lead to the development of vaccines targeting specific regions of the virus.
The $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will provide medication and treatment to uninsured patients in the Augusta area, while also expanding rapid testing and education efforts. With this funding, nearly 1,300 HIV-positive patients can receive life-long treatment with a single pill daily.
Researchers found that metformin treatment prevented growth of calcium deposits in coronary arteries and reduced insulin resistance in HIV-infected patients with metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle modification did not significantly impact calcification, but improved cardiovascular risk factors.
A NIH-funded study found that HIV-positive children treated after showing moderate symptoms did not experience greater cognitive or behavior problems compared to those treated earlier. However, both groups lagged behind HIV-negative peers in these areas, suggesting an early treatment window for minimizing impairments.
The new guidelines, drawn from 325 studies with tens of thousands of people infected with HIV, aim to improve entry into treatment plans and adherence to lifelong drug therapy. Key strategies include systematic monitoring, patient navigators, and automated tracking systems to follow up with patients.
A study has revealed that eight new diseases, including herpes zoster and certain forms of cancer, can serve as indicators for undiagnosed HIV. The findings highlight the importance of earlier testing and diagnosis to improve survival rates and quality of life among infected individuals.
Researchers discovered a subpopulation of HIV-specific CD4 T cells that can directly kill HIV-infected cells, suggesting a role in controlling viral loads. Elevated expression of the cell-death protein granzyme A distinguishes these cells from those unable to control viral replication.
A study of patients infected with both HIV and hepatitis shows how interferon boosts the human body's natural immunity to fight the virus. The drug, once used to alleviate symptoms, works by mediating the action of restriction factors that combat HIV.
A Scripps Florida team has been awarded nearly $1.5 million to identify and develop novel potent inhibitors of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The research targets the capsid protein, a critical component of HIV, with the goal of creating new treatments for HIV-infected patients.
Annual deaths from hepatitis B and C now exceed those from HIV, concentrated among middle-aged persons. Researchers found that birth-cohort testing and treatment for HCV is cost-effective, saving thousands of lives each year.
A cash transfer programme reduced HIV and HSV-2 infection prevalence by two-thirds in school-age girls, supporting changes in self-reported sexual behaviour. The intervention also showed no significant difference for individuals who dropped out of school.
The discovery highlights a mechanism for regulatory T-cell accumulation in lymphoid tissue, which could lead to a treatment strategy that slows the production of this type of T cell. Regulatory T cells normally tamp down immune-system attacks, but high numbers might prevent an immune response against HIV.
Research published in Neurology finds that people with HIV who have a larger waistline are more likely to experience impaired mental functions such as poor memory and concentration. The study also notes that certain anti-HIV drugs can cause weight gain in the center of the body, which may contribute to these issues.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which the immune system tries to halt HIV's spread, focusing on a protein called SAMHD1 that protects cells from viral hijacking. By understanding this mechanism, scientists may find new ways to stop or slow the virus' ability to infect.
A new study published in BMC Medicine found that zinc supplements drastically improved children's survival rates from pneumonia when used alongside standard antibiotic therapy. The treatment was especially effective for HIV-infected children, who saw a 26-fold increase in survival rate.
A study by Brown University researchers found that tens of thousands of people in the US contract hepatitis B every year due to missed vaccination opportunities. Despite high-risk adults having access to healthcare providers, thousands went unvaccinated, particularly among those with limited health insurance and older adults.
A multinational study found that viral load is the single most important factor influencing risk of sexual transmission to an uninfected partner. Condom use significantly reduces risk of HIV infection and lowers viral loads to help prevent spread.
A systematic review found that 37% of babies with complications suffer long-term developmental consequences, while 18% experience severe impairments. The study highlights the need for improved neonatal care and resources for follow-up and rehabilitation services.
A study found that implementing the World Health Organization's recommendations could reduce mother-to-child transmission rates in Zimbabwe from 18% to 6-7%. This would require increased access to effective medications, support for long-term medication adherence, and safer infant feeding options.
Researchers found that a new vaccine was partially effective at preventing genital herpes disease caused by HSV-1, with significant protection offered to some women. However, the vaccine did not protect women from genital disease caused by HSV-2.
A recent study published in Nature shows that a novel combination of HIV vaccine candidates provides partial protection against Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) infection in rhesus monkeys. The optimal vaccine combinations also substantially reduced the amount of virus in the blood.
Researchers have developed a vaccine that partially protects monkeys against a virulent HIV-like virus, with the best predictor of protection being antibodies targeting the virus surface protein. The study suggests that an immune system mechanism for prevention differs from control of viral replication.
Research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that high levels of estradiol prior to ovulation weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infection. This natural dip in immunity may allow spermatozoa to survive and fertilize an egg successfully.
A study found that extending nevirapine prophylaxis from 6 weeks to 6 months reduces mother-to-child HIV transmission by 54% and is safe for infants. The treatment also resulted in fewer serious adverse events compared to the placebo group.
A groundbreaking clinical trial has demonstrated that antiretroviral drugs can provide both treatment and prevention for HIV, reducing transmission rates by up to 96%. The study found that treated individuals are significantly less likely to infect their partners.
The HPTN 052 clinical trial found that HIV-infected individuals who start antiretroviral therapy when their immune systems are healthy have a 96% reduced risk of transmitting the virus to their uninfected partners. This groundbreaking study demonstrates the effectiveness of treatment as prevention in reducing HIV transmission.
A comprehensive survey of HIV's interactions with human cells has identified hundreds of connections between viral and human proteins. This research may lead to the development of new drugs to treat HIV/AIDS by disrupting these connections.