A gateway for Ebola/Marburg viruses
Researchers demonstrate that Ebola and Marburg viruses rely on lipid rafts in the cell membrane to gain entry and assemble. This finding opens up potential therapeutic avenues against these deadly pathogens.
Hiv Infections
Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
HIV protein stops cell division, leading to more virus and sicker patients
Researchers found that HIV protein Vpr halts infected T cells from dividing, allowing the virus to replicate efficiently. The study uses a new laboratory technique to detect infected cells, providing a potential window into patient outcomes and treatment options.
Next generation NNRTI, TMC125, shows antiviral effect in patients failing HIV therapy
The study found TMC125 effective against highly NNRTI-resistant HIV strains in patients failing treatment. The drug showed no signs of resistance development and was well-tolerated during the trial.
Stanford researchers uncover possible approach to attack HIV-infected cells
Researchers found that low doses of Gd-Tex selectively kill HIV-infected T cells, which could be an effective approach to attack the virus. The drug's effectiveness remains uncertain and requires further testing to ensure its safety and efficacy as an HIV therapy.
Condoms and education dramatically reduce HIV spread in Thailand
A study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that condom use and education can dramatically reduce the transmission of HIV in Thailand. The study also highlights the increasing role of injection drug use in spreading the disease, particularly among young men.
SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateJan 24, 2002
Blood markers may reflect newborns' potential of contracting HIV
Researchers found that uncomplicated labor and vaginal delivery do not stimulate the babies' immune systems to HIV infection. Babies born to mothers with chorioamnionitis or preterm labor, however, showed activation of their white blood cells and higher risk of transmission.
HIV-like virus detected in wild chimpanzee
A study has discovered an HIV-like virus in a wild chimpanzee, providing evidence that the virus originated from this species. The virus, SIVcpz, was found in one animal from the Gombe National Park, revealing a different strain than previously known viruses.
Scientists succeed in blocking transmission of cell-associated AIDS virus
Researchers have identified a cholesterol-depleting agent, beta-cyclodextrin, that blocks the transmission of cell-associated HIV. This novel approach targets the migration of white blood cells in semen or cervical mucus carrying HIV and offers a promising method for disease prevention.
SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 16, 2002
Blocking transmission of cell-associated HIV
Researchers have developed a mouse model to study the transmission of cell-associated HIV in women, finding that hormonal treatments and agents disrupting lipid rafts can prevent infection. The study reveals the importance of understanding cell-associated HIV transmission for developing effective prevention strategies.
KS-associated herpesvirus epidemic in SF gay men predates HIV epidemic, UCSF study finds
A new UCSF study reveals that the KSHV epidemic in San Francisco gay men occurred before the HIV epidemic, and was linked to oral intercourse. The study found a steady prevalence of KSHV infection among gay men from 1978 to 1995, despite a significant decline in unprotected anal intercourse.
Rutgers cell biologist sees new HIV treatment potential in protein discovery
A new HIV treatment potential has been discovered through protein discovery by Rutgers cell biologist, Dr. Firestein. The identified protein, HP68, plays a crucial role in the assembly of HIV capsids, and disrupting its interaction with Gag proteins may stop HIV production.
Pump up the volume (of immune cells) to fight HIV
Researchers developed a technique to stimulate T cells with CD28 receptors, making them resistant to HIV infection. The method showed significant improvements in the ratio of CD4 cells to other T cells, indicating sustained immune system recovery.
Analysis illuminates risk connection of herpes virus, HIV
A recent analysis of 31 studies found that individuals with HSV-2 infection are twice as likely to contract HIV, with up to half of cases attributed to preceding HSV-2 infection. The study highlights the importance of controlling HSV-2 infection in preventing HIV acquisition.
Protein study suggests ways to help humans thwart viruses
Researchers identified a genetic anomaly in mice resistant to the ecotropic murine leukemia virus, a major cancer-causing virus. By analyzing proteins, they found a defective protein that blocks viral entry, potentially leading to new gene therapies for humans.
New lab test could speed development of new class of AIDS drugs
Researchers developed a fast laboratory test to study and design new compounds blocking HIV molecular components before infection. The test accelerates the discovery process, allowing pharmaceutical companies to target the entire preintegration complex, a critical step in HIV replication.
University of Pittsburgh receives $8 million to study alcohol and HIV interactions
The University of Pittsburgh will conduct a long-term study on the impact of alcohol use and abuse on aging veterans with and without HIV. The study, VACS 5, aims to identify health and quality of life effects of alcohol consumption among this population.
New findings explain T-cell loss in HIV infection
Two independent studies show that HIV infection increases T-cell death and proliferation, leading to a decline in CD4+ T cells. The accelerated division of existing T cells contributes to the immunodeficiency associated with HIV, rather than blocking new cell production.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 10, 2001
Enzyme studies at Brookhaven Lab may lead to new antiviral agents
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have identified a new approach to developing antiviral agents by targeting the protease enzyme used by adenoviruses. The three-pronged therapy approach may overcome drug resistance, as mutations affecting one site are less likely to affect others.
Sexual behaviour in Britain at the millennium
The survey found rising numbers of heterosexual partners, concurrent relationships, and STI cases, with women experiencing more significant increases. Early age at first intercourse was linked to higher pregnancy rates and lower condom use.
Physicians developing better strategies to begin anti-HIV therapies, says Jefferson researcher in JAMA editorial
According to Roger J. Pomerantz, M.D., physicians should treat HIV-infected individuals when their CD4 lymphocyte count is below 350 or their HIV RNA level exceeds 50,000, rather than immediately upon diagnosis.
Three out of four junior doctors risk potential HIV infection during course of work
A questionnaire surveyed junior doctors in two London teaching hospitals and found that nearly all were aware of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) but many lacked knowledge on its use. The study highlights the need for improved education on PEP among medical professionals to prevent occupationally acquired HIV infections.
Gay men weigh consequences before divulging HIV status
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that gay men tend to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of revealing their HIV status, with over half disclosing to family and 63% telling friends. The top reasons for disclosure included keeping others safe and seeking understanding.
High HIV levels shut down anti-HIV immune responses
A new study reveals that HIV-specific CD4+ T cells persist in infected individuals, but high virus levels suppress their proliferative response. The research provides clues on how the virus manipulates the immune system for its own survival and challenges the notion of long-term nonprogressors.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2001
HIV 'rides' into cells on membrane rafts, NIAID scientists determine
Researchers find HIV attachment to rafts is crucial for replication, and cholesterol-lowering drugs may help disrupt this process. Depleting cholesterol from rafts using compounds significantly reduces HIV's ability to infect new cells.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2001
Dendritic cell-based vaccination to prevent opportunistic fungal infections
Researchers developed a dendritic cell-based vaccination that targets opportunistic fungal infections, offering hope for prevention and treatment of these infections. The vaccine demonstrated promise in preclinical studies, paving the way for further investigation and potential clinical implementation.
UC Davis to develop center for AIDS research to address emerging aids epidemic in north-central California
The North-Central California Center for AIDS Research aims to address HIV infection patterns, develop prevention strategies and improve treatment outcomes. The center will foster collaboration between researchers and clinicians to advance knowledge of HIV and its impact on rural communities.
Biomedicines presents promising results from phase II trials of omega interferon for the treatment of hepatitis C
Results from two independent studies show omega interferon's antiviral effect against all HCV genotypes, reducing virus to undetectable levels. The treatment also appeared to be well-tolerated by patients, with progressive anti-hepatitis C effects reported.
Women with low levels of HIV in blood may still harbor virus in genital tract
A study published in The Lancet found that HIV-positive women can shed the virus in their genital tracts even when their blood levels are low, posing a risk of transmission to others. The researchers analyzed samples from 311 HIV-positive women and found that about a third had HIV-1 shedding in their genital region.
Female genital shedding of HIV-1 poses infection risk
A study found that HIV-1 shedding in female genital secretions is common, with 57% of women having RNA present. High plasma RNA concentrations are the best predictor for risk of transmission. Women on antiretroviral therapy may still be at risk of transmitting the virus to their partners or babies.
AIM Tip Sheet, November 6, 2001
Two reports on HBV infection shed light on the effectiveness of vaccination programs in reducing the disease rate and carrier state. A study found that 70% of carriers recovered within ten years after treatment, while a nationwide vaccination program for adults is crucial to prevent further transmission.
Epidemic of tuberculosis in Russia
A study in Orel, Russia, has found a significant increase in tuberculosis cases linked to growing HIV infections. The authors call for better surveillance and public health measures to prevent further spread.
Harmless virus prevents HIV variant from spreading in human tissue blocks
Researchers found that HHV-6 inhibits early-stage HIV variants by blocking CCR5 receptors, slowing their reproduction. The harmless herpesvirus may create favorable conditions for later-stage HIV variants that use CXCR4 receptors.
SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 31, 2001
UCLA scientists discover stress accelerates AIDS progression, undermines anti-HIV drugs' effect
A study of 13 HIV-positive men found that those with high levels of autonomic nervous system activity responded less well to antiretroviral treatment, with some experiencing no immune recovery. Stress accelerates AIDS progression by increasing viral replication and making it harder for the body to fight off the infection.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2001
TMC125 demonstrates strong antiviral effect in HIV
In a phase IIa trial, TMC125 demonstrated a rapid and strong antiviral effect, reducing HIV viral loads by up to 99.9%. The study showed that 8 out of 12 patients had their viral loads reduced to less than 400 copies/ml without any rebound or drug resistance.
Study: Infected people need not carry AIDS virus long before passing it on
Researchers found that infected individuals can transmit HIV to others through a single sexual encounter, often before developing flu-like symptoms. The study emphasizes the importance of not engaging in unsafe sex and highlights the need for early intervention to prevent rapid epidemic spread.
HIV infects subset of T cells leading to depletion, Gladstone researchers find
Researchers at Gladstone Institute discover HIV can infect naïve T cells, explaining how T-cell numbers diminish and leave the body susceptible to opportunistic infections. Infected naïve cells die, eliminating immune system's ability to respond to opportunistic infections characteristic of AIDS.
Philadelphia HIV patients will suffer if Ryan White funds are not increased, local experts say
Local experts urge a $300 million increase in Ryan White/CARE Act funding to ensure stable medical care and treatment for newly diagnosed patients. HIV infection can be managed as a chronic disease with access to services and new anti-AIDS drugs.
Anthony S. Fauci awarded 2001 Frank Annunzio award
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci has been recognized for his significant contributions to understanding the regulation of the human immune response and the pathogenesis of HIV disease. He has developed effective therapies for formerly fatal diseases and has pioneered strategies for therapy and immune reconstitution of patients with AIDS.
Myriad genetics and University of Utah publish pioneering HIV research in the scientific journal Cell
The collaboration between Myriad Genetics and the University of Utah revealed that the Tsg101 protein is essential for HIV1 budding, allowing for the disruption of the virus lifecycle. This breakthrough led to the identification of potential HIV drug targets, with lead compounds developed for anti-HIV therapy.
Hepatitis C infection among injection drug use
A study found that 81.6% of injection drug users in Vancouver had hepatitis C antibodies, with 62 new cases reported among those initially negative. Risk factors for infection included female sex, cocaine use, and frequent needle-exchange program attendance.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 1, 2001
Early drug therapy for recently infected HIV patients
Researchers are enrolling patients in a clinical trial to investigate the safety and tolerability of early antiretroviral therapy for recently infected HIV patients. The study aims to determine whether early intervention can reduce disease progression, viral mutations, and immune system damage.
AIDS virus's ability to mimic other infections weakens the body's defenses against disease
New study reveals how HIV subverts the immune system by mimicking other enemy invaders, rendering T cells unable to detect infection and cancer. This understanding will aid in developing new AIDS therapies targeting vulnerable points of HIV infection.
SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2001
UCLA/UCSF researchers predict future of drug-resistant HIV epidemic
Researchers predict that 42% of all HIV cases will be drug-resistant by 2005, mainly due to the conversion of drug-sensitive cases during antiretroviral therapy. The study recommends four epidemic-control strategies to minimize prevalence and transmission of drug-resistant HIV.
Genetic mutation influences spread of AIDS; African population lacks mutation
A genetic mutation in the CCR5 gene provides protection against HIV infection, slowing the spread of AIDS in African populations. Studies suggest that this mutation may be more common in European populations due to historical epidemics.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2001
Substantial resistance to HIV infection tied to genetic mutation
Researchers found that bisexual and homosexual Caucasian men with one copy of the delta-32 mutation have a 70% reduced risk of HIV infection compared to those without the mutation. The study, published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, provides insight into resistance to HIV infection among high-risk populations.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateAug 23, 2001
NIMH scientists discover new details of HIV infectious process
Researchers discovered that HIV DNA serves as a template to produce viral proteins Nef and Tat, bringing CD4 T cells out of their resting state. Non-integrated HIV DNA contributes to disease progression, despite not producing new viruses.
Social stress may trigger problems in immune system
A study found that socially stressed mice were twice as likely to die after infection with a compound than physically stressed mice. The researchers believe social stress intensified the immune response, leading to toxic shock and organ damage.
Researcher receives grant to help halt HIV replication
Dr. Duane Grandgenett receives nearly a million dollars in grants to study ways of inhibiting HIV replication in humans. He aims to develop an HIV inhibitor targeting the integrase protein, which plays a crucial role in the virus's survival.
One step closer to rotavirus vaccination for children with HIV
A hospital-based study in Malawi found that children with HIV were less likely to develop rotavirus infection and shed the virus, but were more likely to die from diarrhea. The study's results encourage further research into the safety of rotavirus vaccines for HIV-infected infants.
HIV infection from receptive oral sex is a rare event, UCSF study confirms
A UCSF study of exclusive receptive oral intercourse with a male partner found a very low probability of acquiring HIV. The study involved 198 participants, none of whom contracted HIV through oral sex.
NIAID researchers identify HIV-induced changes in B cells
Researchers found that HIV-induced changes in B cells lead to dysfunctional antibody production and increased risk of cancer. The study provides a key tool to investigate how HIV causes B-cell malfunction and may lead to the development of new treatments for HIV-infected individuals.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2001
First HIV rat seen as best model for human studies
Researchers at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute have engineered rats to contain the genome of HIV-1, making them a valuable model for studying AIDS-related diseases. The rats develop clinical signs similar to those of AIDS in humans, including neurological abnormalities and organ damage.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Biotechnology Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2001
Counseling improves safe sex practices among HIV-positive individuals
A new study finds that a behavioral intervention program significantly reduces the incidence of risky sex behavior and transmission of HIV among HIV-positive men and women. The program, which included lessons on coping with HIV-related stress and promoting safer sex practices, led to increased condom use and reduced transmission rates.
Researchers discover new way to block HIV transmission by removing cholesterol from cell membrane: Hopkins study finds HIV requires cholesterol to infect
A Johns Hopkins study finds that removing cholesterol from a cell's membrane can completely block HIV transmission. Researchers used microbicides containing a starchy substance that drains cholesterol, allowing for reduced or stopped HIV transmission.
Minor mutations in HIV virus have major impact
Researchers found that minor mutations can significantly impair the immune system's ability to recognize and attack the virus. This means that vaccines targeting these regions may be less effective due to evolving strains of the virus.
First vaccine to protect against vaginal transmission of HIV-like virus
Researchers have developed a new HIV vaccine that provides full protection against vaginal transmission of an HIV-like virus. The vaccine combines elements of the successful Sabin oral poliovirus vaccine with genetic fragments of the AIDS virus, triggering a robust immune response.
Urgent need for new campaigns to combat soaring rates of sexually transmitted infections
STI rates have soared since the 1990s, with HIV infection remaining high. In contrast, the 1980s saw significant declines in HIV transmission and bacterial infections when targeted awareness campaigns were implemented, highlighting the need for new campaigns to tackle these trends.
Gladstone researchers discover possible achilles heel in infection by lethal Ebola and Marburg viruses
Gladstone researchers identified a key protein on cells that can be targeted to block Ebola and Marburg virus entry. This finding offers new hope for developing treatments against these deadly viruses.
HIV population shifts following HAART
Researchers followed women with advanced disease to see which HIV variants remain after HAART. They found that R5 viruses can re-emerge as the predominant population following treatment.
Clinical Advances towards the simplification if HIV therapy: First once-daily dosing results for the HIV protease inhibitor, Agenerase ™
Agenerase ™ demonstrates promising once-daily dosing results, allowing for simplified HIV therapy. The amprenavir prodrug, VX-175, offers significant simplification of protease inhibitor-based treatment by enabling daily dosing of just two or three pills.