Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that Ebola virus disables tetherin protein to prevent its inhibition, allowing the virus to spread. Understanding this mechanism may facilitate the development of therapeutics to slow down viral replication.
Researchers found that prior STD infections can lead to a genetic bottleneck in HIV transmission, allowing multiple viral variants to spread. The study suggests that the genital mucosa provides a natural barrier against infection, which can be compromised by inflammatory genital infections.
A study published in Blood journal reveals that individuals with rare blood type Pk are more resistant to HIV infection, while those without it are more susceptible. This discovery paves the way for new therapeutic approaches to induce HIV resistance and promote further understanding of the pandemic.
Researchers found that extended nevirapine regimens in breast-fed babies prevent HIV infection, but lead to drug-resistant strains if infected. The study highlights the benefits of six-week nevirapine therapy in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission, despite increased risk of resistance.
A new study found that circumcision significantly reduced HIV infection risk in heterosexual African American men with known exposure. The study's findings complement previous research on adult male circumcision in Africa.
New studies suggest that male circumcision can lower the risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly high-risk subtypes associated with cervical, penile, and other cancers. Circumcised men are about half as likely to have HPV as uncircumcised men, according to research published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases.
HIV can infect immune cells in a woman's vaginal tract through the skin, not just through breaks or lesions. The virus penetrates healthy genital skin to reach its targets within four hours.
A new study found that HIV's rate of evolution slows significantly when a patient's CD4+ T-cell count drops, which can happen long before symptoms of AIDS appear. This change allows the immune system to keep up with the virus, potentially making it harder for it to develop resistance to treatment.
Researchers successfully blocked PD-1, boosting anti-viral killer cells and antibody response, reducing plasma viral load and prolonging survival of SIV-infected rhesus macaque monkeys. The therapy showed improved function of T cells in the blood and gut, increasing antibody production against SIV.
A new species of microsporidia has been discovered in a roundworm, providing a powerful system to study these mysterious microbes and develop new drugs. The discovery is particularly exciting as it offers a unique opportunity to identify new treatments for human microsporidian infections.
A newly discovered species of microsporidia infects the roundworm C. elegans, providing a powerful system to study these mysterious microbes and develop new drugs. This discovery has the potential to identify new treatments for human microsporidian infections.
A new study identifies specific characteristics of immune cells called CD8+ T cells that successfully destroy HIV-infected cells. These cells are able to load granules with proteins necessary for delivering a death-inducing molecule called granzyme B to infected cells.
A randomised, placebo-controlled trial found that Carraguard, a carrageenan-based compound, did not prevent HIV infection in women. Despite high rates of gel use and condom application, the study showed no significant difference in time to seroconversion between the treatment and control groups.
A new study reveals that long-term non-progressors' immune cells can effectively contain HIV by stockpiling molecular weapons, enabling them to kill infected cells efficiently. The discovery advances understanding of the unique mechanisms behind this phenomenon and may inform the development of an HIV vaccine.
UT Southwestern researchers found that interferon and another signaling protein are needed to create memory cells that remember how to fight off the virus. Without these cells, the body is defenseless against re-infections.
The American College of Physicians recommends that physicians adopt a routine screening policy for HIV, encouraging patients to get tested regardless of risk factors. Timely identification of undiagnosed cases can help prevent HIV transmission.
Researchers found a retrovirus in the DNA of a gray mouse lemur, suggesting lentiviruses may have coevolved with primates for millions of years. This discovery could lead to new insights into why non-human primates don't get AIDS and potential treatments for humans.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that increasing selenium levels in human blood cells can reduce the multiplication of the AIDS virus. By targeting a specific protein called Tat, selenium can slow down viral replication, with results showing a 10-fold decrease.
Despite progress, 33 million people live with HIV, and 2.7 million new infections occur each year. New treatments and prevention strategies are underway to combat the disease.
Three studies show that becoming circumcised reduces a man's chances of acquiring HIV from an infected woman by approximately half. The Male Circumcision Consortium will work to expand voluntary male circumcision services in Kenya and other African countries, with the goal of saving millions of lives.
Researchers found that bavituximab, a PS-targeting antibody, can cure lethal virus infections in animal models of cytomegalovirus and Lassa fever. The drug showed potent anti-viral activity and may represent a new class of drugs for treating viral infections.
A landmark study found that early HIV testing and treatment in infants significantly improves survival rates, reducing mortality by 75% and HIV-related disease by four times. The study's results led to the World Health Organization's new guidelines for treating HIV-infected infants under age 1 immediately after diagnosis.
A cost-effectiveness analysis of Insite, Canada's supervised safe injection site, concludes that it saves $14 million over 10 years while preventing 920 life-years lost to HIV and Hepatitis C. The study suggests that Insite is almost certainly cost-saving to Canadian society.
Scientists have identified a crucial role for sulfonation in HIV replication, finding that inhibiting this pathway can compromise viral gene expression and render host cells resistant to infection. This discovery provides a promising new target for HIV/AIDS therapy.
A landmark clinical trial of an HIV vaccine candidate found no protection against infection, despite generating a strong immune response. The study, sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc. and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, analyzed the effects of the vaccine on study participants' immune responses and viral load.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that the MRKAd5 HIV-1 gag/pol/nef vaccine failed to provide any protection against HIV infection. However, immune responses mounted by T-cell-based vaccines alone may not be sufficient to protect against HIV infection or disease.
A decline in US XDR-TB cases has been observed over the past 15 years, coinciding with improved TB and HIV/AIDS control. However, new cases continue to emerge, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance regarding drug resistance.
A study of British men and women found that a high proportion are not using condoms when having sex with a new partner. Condom use is particularly low among people in their 30s and 40s with an age difference of five or more years.
A new study reveals that TIM-3 protein inactivates virus-killing T cells in HIV-infected patients, leading to their exhaustion. Blocking this protein may one day help patients eliminate HIV and other chronic infections.
Researchers have found a way to 'rescue' immune cells that are exhausted from fighting off HIV infection using the molecule Tim-3, which is present at high levels on poorly functional immune system cells. Blocking the activity of Tim-3 improved cell function and allowed them to rejoin the battle against HIV.
Researchers have engineered T cells that can recognize HIV-1 strains that evade the immune system, a breakthrough with implications for treating patients with chronic infection. The engineered T cells respond vigorously to HIV, allowing fewer cells to control infection.
Researchers have engineered killer T-cells with a receptor that can recognize and destroy HIV-infected cells, regardless of the virus's disguise. This technology may lead to a powerful therapy for HIV treatment and could also be applied to other infectious agents.
Researchers found that acyclovir can directly slow down HIV infection by targeting the reverse transcriptase enzyme. However, this effect also leads to the emergence of resistant HIV variants, such as the V75I strain, which could compromise current treatments.
Tibotec presents data from the OPERA-1 Phase IIa trial showing dose-dependent antiviral activity of TMC435, with mean reductions in HCV RNA of 2.63 and 3.47 log10 IU/mL. Nearly 90% of patients achieved undetectable viral load within 28 days of combined treatment with standard care.
Researchers found that many worries were based on misconceptions about HIV spread and that HIV-infected parents had legitimate concerns about contracting infections while caring for a sick child. Pediatricians can help address children's fears and educate families about proper precautions to reduce risks.
A new study reveals how an HIV vaccine may have enhanced infection rates by tethering the vaccine to immune cells, facilitating entry and activation of T cells. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing HIV infection.
A study at Henry Ford Hospital found that rapid HIV testing in the Emergency Department increased diagnoses by 56%, particularly among African American patients. The test provided results in just 20 minutes and helped identify high-risk individuals, who were more likely to modify their behavior and reduce transmission.
A new study found a correlation between anti-HIV immune response and sexual activity in treatment-suppressed HIV patients. Individuals with regular unprotected receptive anal intercourse showed stronger anti-HIV immune responses.
A new TB vaccine, rBCG(mbtB)30, shows promise in preclinical trials, providing better protection and safety for HIV-positive individuals. The innovative design limits the vaccine's replication, reducing the risk of severe disease and death, a significant improvement over the current BCG vaccine.
Researchers discovered how a virus suppresses the immune system in mice, allowing it to persist and cause disease. The study's findings could lead to new treatments for immunosuppressive diseases like HIV and measles by targeting the interferon response.
Researchers have identified a new gene, Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8), that may contribute to human vulnerability to pulmonary tuberculosis. The study found that males are more susceptible than females to the disease.
A new gene, Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8), has been identified as having a probable role in human susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis. The study found that males are more susceptible than females.
A meta-analysis of 15 studies found no association between circumcision and lower risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men. Circumcision may be beneficial in preventing other STIs, but its effectiveness is unclear for HIV prevention.
Researchers at Salk Institute and Burnham Institute for Medical Research have identified 295 human host cell factors involved in HIV infection. This study may lead to the development of novel therapies aimed at disrupting human-HIV interactions and preventing viral replication.
Researchers at University of Missouri-Columbia used paramagnetic resonance relaxation enhancement to directly visualize HIV-1 protease maturation into an active infection. The 'tail' amino acid residues form a temporary tunnel where the virus becomes infective, enabling researchers to better understand and target novel therapeutics.
University of Michigan researchers identified a key HIV accessory protein that evades the immune system. The discovery opens doors to developing new drugs that can target and eradicate infected cells, potentially eliminating the need for lifelong antiviral treatment.
A systematic review suggests that over 40% of injecting drug users in nine countries are HIV positive, highlighting a major challenge to global public health. The authors estimate that there may be 15.9 million people worldwide who inject drugs.
A computer-based model suggests that early initiation of antiretroviral therapy and CD4 count monitoring provide significant health benefits in low- and middle-income countries. This approach was associated with a substantial increase in life expectancy and reduction in lifetime medical costs compared to symptom-based strategies.
A binational team of researchers found that brief but personalized behavioral counseling significantly reduced rates and improved condom use among female sex workers. The study showed a 40% decline in new STIs, including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and Chlamydia.
A team of scientists found that sooty mangabeys have less immune system activation during SIV infection, explaining why they don't develop AIDS. This difference may hold key to understanding the mechanisms underlying AIDS progression in humans.
Research found that only 8.5% of patients accounted for 98% of guinea pig TB infections, highlighting the high infectiousness of inadequately treated drug-resistant TB patients. Implementing TB infection control measures can prevent airborne transmission in healthcare facilities.
Researchers have discovered that the antiviral drug acyclovir can suppress HIV in patients infected with both herpes and HIV. Acyclovir works by targeting the unique enzyme present in herpes virus HHV-6, converting it into a compound capable of attacking HIV directly.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have found a way to restore vigor to exhausted killer T cells by blocking the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor. This breakthrough may lead to new therapies for diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and cancer.
Researchers investigated DNA damage response pathway in HBV infection and replication, finding ATR-dependent activation triggered by HBV infection. The study suggests targeting specific cellular factors for inhibition or restoration of p21 expression as potential therapeutic strategies.
STDs like genital herpes and chlamydia increase the risk of becoming infected with HIV due to inflammation in Langerhans cells. Anti-inflammatory therapies might help prevent HIV transmission by modulating the immune response.
Research suggests that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can increase the risk of contracting HIV by activating Langerhans cells in the skin and vagina. This activation allows the virus to spread more easily, highlighting the potential for anti-inflammatory treatments to prevent HIV transmission.
Researchers discover HIV's ability to break down the internal skeleton of resting T cells, allowing it to overcome a previously resistant barrier. This process involves the activation of protein cofilin and actin microfilaments, which may provide a new target for therapy.
Scientists have discovered a connection between Apobec3 and the production of neutralizing antibodies against HIV, potentially shedding light on why most people who contract the virus don't develop effective immunity. The study's findings could lead to new insights into developing HIV drugs and vaccines.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered a gene, Apobec3, that controls the production of antibodies neutralizing retroviruses, including HIV. This finding may lead to the development of an HIV vaccine by eliciting neutralizing antibodies.
A large study has found a significant increase in fracture rates among HIV-infected patients compared to non-infected controls. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, reveals that nearly 3% of HIV patients experienced fractures, with risks increasing with age.