Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
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.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal article argues that routine HIV disclosure prosecutions are unnecessary and harmful. With highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the transmission of HIV from treated individuals is now extremely low, making criminal prosecution ineffective in preventing infection.
A new study suggests that immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) is more beneficial for recently infected HIV patients than deferred treatment. The study found that participants who received ART immediately had better outcomes and were protected from disease progression not only during treatment but also after treatment was stopped.
A recent meta-analysis found that behavioral interventions can effectively promote condom use and reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, for up to four years. The studies included in the analysis assessed behavior changes and biological outcomes worldwide, with a focus on at-risk populations.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have discovered protein fragments in semen that enhance HIV's ability to infect new cells. Removing these components from semen diminishes HIV's infection potential, suggesting a new approach to preventing transmission.
Researchers at Emory Vaccine Center found that infusing immune cells back into patients after a period of conditioning can revive exhausted cells. This cell-based treatment, combined with an antibody against PD-1, reduced viral levels by a factor of four and made the virus undetectable in some mice.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers found a 74 percent greater risk of overdose among HIV-infected drug users, attributed to biological and behavioral factors. The study suggests that access to medication-assisted therapy, highly active antiretroviral therapy, and naloxone can help reduce this increased risk.
A team of scientists has identified the 'key' that HIV uses to enter cells' nuclei, allowing it to disable the immune system and cause AIDS. By targeting proteins in the host rather than the virus itself, researchers hope to develop more effective anti-AIDS drugs against drug-resistant strains.
UCLA researchers propose an unconventional approach to controlling HIV epidemics by implementing PrEP programs in areas with low treatment success and high drug resistance rates. This strategy aims to decrease the number of infections, resulting in a greater decrease in drug resistance.
A recent study from UNC at Chapel Hill may help explain the failure of some HIV prevention clinical trials and suggests ways to improve their success. The study found that drug concentrations in tissue can make a difference in effectiveness, and adherence to taking the drug as prescribed is crucial.
In Malawi, people with uncertain HIV status are more eager to start families than those who know their status. Researchers found that uncertainty about HIV accelerates childbearing in the country due to cultural factors and the desire for a longer life. The study used an innovative method to measure personal uncertainty, where particip...
A study published in PLOS ONE found that Danish HIV patients with optimal treatment can live as long as the general population. The study, which has been tracking HIV patients for over 15 years, shows that patients are not as ill on diagnosis and have higher CD4 cell counts. This suggests that early treatment and better care may be con...
Researchers at Caltech have successfully delivered neutralizing antibodies to mice using Vectored ImmunoProphylaxis (VIP), a novel approach to HIV prevention. The treatment effectively protected the mice from HIV infection and produced high concentrations of broadly neutralizing antibodies that may translate to human protection.
A Scripps Florida scientist has received a $3.4 million grant to study a new compound that blocks HIV replication by targeting the viral protein Tat. The goal is to evaluate its therapeutic potential in animal models and optimize it for human clinical trials, potentially leading to a novel class of anti-viral drugs.
A rare type of HIV-infection, group N, has been diagnosed in a man in France who recently travelled to Togo, marking the first detection outside Cameroon. The patient exhibited severe clinical manifestations and early decline in CD4 cell count, but responded well to antiretroviral treatment.
Researchers found that providing prophylaxis to the uninfected partner could be cost-effective, at least as effective as initiating antiretroviral therapy earlier. This strategy may become a valuable addition to existing HIV prevention approaches.
Dr. Andrés Finzi's 'Reverse Fusion' project aims to deliver toxic genes to HIV-infected cells to eliminate them. The approach targets the virus's unique key and lock, using modified envelope glycoproteins and receptors to deliver a Trojan horse that eradicates infected cells.
A topical gel containing an anti-HIV drug was found to be safe and effective in reducing HIV infection when applied to rectal tissue exposed to HIV. The study suggests a significant reduction in HIV transmission, particularly for receptive anal intercourse, which accounts for a major route of new infections.
St. Michael's Hospital has received funding to develop a human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) vaccine that could eliminate latent HIV reservoirs. The project aims to target persistent viruses hiding in the body, with the goal of eliminating HIV from infected individuals.
A recent HIV study has identified SAMHD1, a protein that prevents the virus from replicating in certain cells. The research provides a blueprint for designing new drugs to treat HIV infection.
A potential EBV vaccine could prevent infectious mononucleosis and cancers linked to the virus. Researchers prioritize studying immune responses to vaccination and identifying biological markers for cancer prediction.
A new report questions adequacy of disinfection regulations in nail salons and barbershops, suggesting potential transmission of bloodborne pathogens. The study emphasizes the need for further research to define the true magnitude of this risk.
Researchers aim to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a peer-driven intervention to reach, test, and retain heterosexuals at high risk for HIV in their communities. The study will enroll 3400 participants over five years.
Researchers have discovered a compound that shuts off the DNA valve allowing bacterial invasion and infection, effective against two virulent bacteria affecting plants and humans. The work has attracted interest from private companies testing its commercialization for treatments in plants, animals, and people.
The UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies will receive funding to tackle two primary goals of the National AIDS Strategy: increasing access to care and optimizing health outcomes. The program aims to close gaps in HIV testing, linkage to care, and treatment success among high-risk populations.
A French study found that non-targeted HIV rapid test screening in emergency departments identified only a few new cases, often at late stages and among patients in high-risk groups who had been tested previously. The study suggests that targeted HIV screening strategies may be more effective in controlling the epidemic.
Natural Killer cells play a critical role in early immune responses to tumours and viruses, exploiting HLA molecules on healthy cells to launch attacks. The research may help develop approaches to better utilize Natural Killer cells to combat viral infection.
A new study found that a topical gel formulation of tenofovir significantly reduces HIV-1 transmission while also protecting against herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. The researchers discovered that the drug's effectiveness against HSV was due to its ability to inhibit an enzyme needed for viral replication.
Researchers at Miriam Hospital demonstrated a practical strategy for regularly screening HIV-infected patients for acute hepatitis C virus infection, which can lead to serious health complications. The study found that even in a busy clinic setting, it is possible to screen for and diagnose HCV in its earliest stages.
A mathematical model predicts that expanding HIV treatment to discordant couples in Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, and Rwanda can prevent 96% of transmission. The intervention's effectiveness varies by country, with potential for significant impact in certain nations.
CONRAD will develop and test the safety and effectiveness of a combined contraceptive barrier and HIV-prevention product, supported by a $2 million USAID award. The study aims to provide women with non-hormonal, easy-to-use methods for preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Scientists have developed new substances that first block the biological vacuum cleaner preventing anti-HIV drugs from reaching the brain and then revert to an active drug to treat HIV. This breakthrough allows medications to cross the blood-brain barrier, targeting brain diseases and potentially offering a cure for HIV.
A five-year HIV prevention initiative in India, Avahan, has successfully averted an estimated 100,000 infections. The program's effectiveness varied across states, with southern regions showing more significant reductions in HIV prevalence.
Healthcare access in Greece declined during the financial crisis, with long waiting times and supply-side problems contributing to reduced doctor consultations. This led to increased hospital admissions, suicides, and other alarming indicators such as rising HIV infections and heroin use.
Researchers aim to develop a safe and effective vaccine against Pneumocystis, a deadly fungus causing HIV-related pneumonia. The project has the potential to lower treatment costs and improve quality of life for individuals living with HIV.
Researchers have discovered two genetically distinct HIV types in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with HIV-associated dementia, which may predict disease progression and cognitive damage. The study found that one variant infects macrophages, a type of white blood cell, while the other reproduces in T cells.
Researchers have discovered a crucial gene that boosts antibody responses against retroviruses, including HIV. The discovery highlights the potential for targeted therapies to enhance antibody production and combat viral infections.
Measurable changes in brain function and communication between regions may indicate disease progression in early HIV infection. Cognitive decline is associated with reduced survival time and increased risk of death.
A study of nearly 3800 couples found that hormonal contraception increases a woman's chances of becoming infected with HIV-1. Women using injectable methods were twice as likely to transmit the virus to their male partner, emphasizing the need for alternative methods.
A University of Washington-led study found that using hormonal contraception increases an HIV-uninfected woman's chances of becoming infected by double. Women with HIV who use hormonal contraception are also twice as likely to transmit the virus to their male partners.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have modified HIV to trigger an immune response, a major hurdle in vaccine development. The altered virus activates the adaptive immune system's response against HIV, negating its immunosuppressive properties.
The VOICE study will discontinue evaluating oral tenofovir due to lack of effectiveness, while continuing to investigate tenofovir gel and PrEP. This decision was made after an interim review found no safety concerns with oral tenofovir.
The MVA-B vaccine has been shown to induce an 90% immune response in humans against Human's immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with 85% of volunteers maintaining this response for at least one year. The vaccine works by training the immune system to recognize and respond to HIV particles and infected cells.
Researchers have discovered a new class of compounds that stick to the sugary coating of the AIDS virus and inhibit its entry into cells. The synthetic lectins, developed from a compound called benzoboroxole, show promise as a potential microbicide to prevent HIV infection.
Scientists have discovered a key to predicting emerging diseases like HIV, SARS, and flu by studying how viruses infect different species. By analyzing the relationships between species and viruses, researchers found that closely related flies are more susceptible to certain viruses.
Researchers will evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of a unique combination of HIV prevention strategies in Botswana, aiming to reduce infections by at least 50%. The study will analyze viral gene signatures and examine the effectiveness of targeting individuals with high viral loads.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston developed liposomes that can prevent HIV infection, providing a potential solution for women in resource-poor settings. The innovative technology shows great promise as a safe and effective form of prevention.
The SILCS Diaphragm, a single-size contoured diaphragm, has shown effectiveness rates similar to traditional diaphragms, and is easy to use and comfortable to wear. This new contraceptive method offers women more control over their reproductive health, particularly in low-resource settings.
A $37 million grant has been awarded to test a combination prevention strategy to prevent HIV in African countries. The PopART project aims to reduce new HIV infections through community-wide testing, medical circumcision, and immediate ART for those testing positive.
Researchers have identified two weak points in the hepatitis C virus that could be targeted by a new vaccine. The discovery uses next-generation deep sequencing and computer analytics to track changes in the virus after infection, revealing opportunities for effective vaccine development.
Dr. John G. Bartlett has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to antimicrobial chemotherapy and infectious diseases research. He is a pioneer in understanding emerging problems and innovations in the field.
Scientists are working on structure-based HIV vaccines and understanding the evolutionary processes of human B cells producing broadly neutralizing antibodies. New research tools and a better understanding of the human immune response offer optimism for developing an effective HIV vaccine.
Researchers created a Facebook application called PiggyDemic to simulate viral interactions and gather data on how viruses spread among populations. The app can predict patterns of infection, seasonal outbreaks, and the impact of human interaction on viral dynamics.
New HIV cases linked to infected, medicated partners in gay community, suggesting a need for revised public health approach towards HIV counselling and education. The study reveals that existing HIV drug therapies can't prevent transmission from aware, medicated individuals.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital identified a novel small molecule that inhibits Ebola virus entry into cells by more than 99 percent. The target of the inhibitor is the cell protein Niemann-Pick C1, which is critical for EboV infection.
A George Mason University research team has uncovered a new factor, LIMK, that triggers cell movement essential for HIV infection. The discovery builds upon previous findings and provides a potential therapeutic target to limit or halt HIV infection.
Memory T cells that initially developed against a virus upon first encounter can be lost during chronic infections, making it challenging for vaccine development. Researchers at the Emory Vaccine Center have identified a molecule called 2B4 on memory cells that slows them down during chronic infections.
Researchers at Caltech propose that cell-to-cell transmission of HIV is responsible for the formation of viral reservoirs. This mechanism allows HIV to persist in infected cells despite antiretroviral therapy.
A USC scientist has created a lentiviral vector that targets and destroys HIV-infected cells using 'suicide gene therapy', depleting about 35% of existing HIV cells in culture dishes. The treatment approach is an important step towards curing HIV and will be tested in mice next.
Researchers at Montana State University found a surprising condition where common lung mold causes a shortage of oxygen in the lungs. The study reveals that the mold's fermentation can influence the host immune response and adapt to low oxygen levels.