Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Researchers have decoded the molecular process of HIV's cell spreading mechanism, a crucial step in understanding how the virus replicates itself. The findings offer new avenues for developing drugs to combat the virus.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine reveals that HIV patients are at a higher risk of both chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. The research found that nearly 11% of patients experienced both conditions within one year of each other.
A new category of immunotherapies called checkpoint inhibitors shows promise in treating cancers in HIV patients, who were previously excluded from clinical trials. The ongoing study suggests that these drugs can be safely used to manage cancer in people with HIV, providing a new hope for this population.
A new study from the University at Buffalo found that transgender women, African-Americans, and Hispanics are more likely to receive HIV testing than trans men, whites, or those with stable housing. The research aimed to identify barriers to HIV testing in urban transgender individuals.
The Transwomen Connected app aims to cater to the physical, mental and emotional needs of transgender women. The project will build a mobile app with HIV prevention tools and resources tailored specifically with their needs in mind.
A University of Maryland-led study developed a vaccine candidate that stimulates an immune response against the protective sugars of multiple HIV strains. The molecule mimics a protein-sugar part of the shield and spurs rabbits to produce antibodies, but does not prevent live HIV from infecting cells.
A comprehensive review by Australian researchers found that 15.6 million people have recently injected drugs, with 18% living with HIV infection and 52% testing positive for hepatitis C antibody. The authors highlight the need to scale up interventions for people who inject drugs to prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses.
Researchers identified specific immune memory T-cells as the site where HIV hides to evade detection, revealing a key target for future therapies. This discovery provides new insights into the chronic illness and offers potential avenues for developing a cure.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that injured patients in LMICs are disproportionately HIV-seropositive compared to matched national estimates. These patients also face a significantly increased risk of death, especially when HIV-seronegative.
Scientists have developed a new strategy to reengineer patient immune system cells to fight HIV. The approach shows benefit in human cell cultures and mice, with T cells expressing the enhanced CAR protein being over 50 times more effective than those with the original CAR.
Researchers aim to reduce comorbid illness in people living with HIV by developing personalized prebiotic and probiotic therapies, targeting gut bacteria balance. The study seeks to attenuate metabolic health issues associated with harmful alcohol use and heart disease.
A GW School of Medicine researcher is leading a five-year study on how cocaine affects HIV replication and transcription. The goal is to identify biomarkers for cocaine use and develop therapeutics for cocaine-using HIV-infected individuals.
Researchers have developed a synthetic molecule, SUW133, that awakens dormant HIV cells and then knocks them out. The technique, called 'kick and kill,' could lower the viral reservoir enough for people with HIV to discontinue their anti-viral therapy.
A study examining HIV virulence and its effect on the human immune system found that both CD4+ T cell decline and per-pathogen pathogenicity are heritable from donor to recipient. Heritability rates revealed a significant 17% impact, indicating that viral genotype plays a crucial role in infection severity.
Researchers from Kumamoto University developed a compound that suppresses viral budding, confining the virus within host cells and leading to cell death through apoptosis. This approach aims to eradicate latent HIV reservoirs, which are key to complete recovery from AIDS.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing explores the contextual social and structural factors that drive disparate HIV/AIDS rates. The study found nuanced differences by gender and race/ethnicity in modes of transmission profiles across different geographic locations.
A recent ECDC study found that the rate of newly reported HIV cases increased by 2% each year among older adults between 2004 and 2015. This translates to around 17% of new diagnoses being among people aged over 50, accounting for 5076 reported cases.
Researchers are developing a medication adherence intervention to improve antiretroviral therapy coverage among released Indonesian prisoners. The intervention, adapted from an existing program, aims to increase treatment uptake and reduce HIV-related mortality in the country's prison population. With Indonesia's high HIV infection rat...
A European study found that nearly one in six new HIV diagnoses in Europe are among people aged 50 or older. Older adults were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced HIV disease and acquire the virus through heterosexual contact. The study calls for increased awareness, targeted testing, and prevention programs for this age group.
Researchers will systematically identify resources that successful patients use to overcome HIV challenges, developing a novel public health measure called resilience. The goal is to design interventions to increase suppressed HIV viral load among patients.
Scientists at NIH and Sanofi created a trispecific antibody that protects monkeys from two strains of SHIV, a monkey form of HIV. The antibody stops more strains from infecting cells than individual natural antibodies, showing promise for long-acting prevention and treatment.
Researchers found that a combination of two broadly-neutralizing HIV-1 antibodies protected primates against infection with a mixed population of HIV viruses. The findings suggest that combination therapies might be essential to prevent HIV in people, highlighting the need for regimens that protect against several targets.
Lesotho achieves high viral load suppression rates, while Uganda's previously expanding epidemic stabilizes due to circumcision and treatment expansions. New US strategy aims to accelerate progress in high-burden countries by 2020
A recent study led by Massachusetts General Hospital estimates that nearly 10% of people with HIV currently in care in the US will die from lung cancer. Quitting smoking is crucial for reducing the risk of lung cancer and other diseases among people with HIV.
A new study projects increased lung cancer death risks among people living with HIV who smoke, with heavy smokers facing the highest mortality rates. The study suggests that tobacco use accelerates lung cancer development and should be prioritized in comprehensive care for HIV patients.
A team of researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre has discovered a molecule that stimulates HIV replication in CD4 T cells located in the gut. They have also started testing medications to block this replication and decrease inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, which could lead to a functional cure for HIV.
A new study found a significant association between individual and community level educational status and transactional sex behavior, which is an HIV risk factor. The researchers suggest that undereducated neighborhoods may be more prone to informal economies, leading residents to engage in transactional sex.
Researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre have discovered a molecule that stimulates HIV replication in CD4 T cells located in the gut. By targeting this molecule, medications can significantly reduce HIV replication in undetectable patients, potentially leading to a functional cure.
A $3 million collaboration between the University of Liverpool and Johns Hopkins University aims to develop novel, long-acting HIV medicines. The project seeks to create implantable technologies that can deliver drugs for weeks or months, potentially improving patient adherence.
Chronic pain affects 39-85% of people living with HIV, with neuropathic pain being a significant concern. Guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary treatment approach using non-drug options such as cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, and physical therapy.
Researchers identified how HIV induces antiviral interferon-stimulated genes in infected cells to survive and spread, hindering the body's early immune response. The study aims to boost expression of these genes to stop virus replication.
Researchers identified glycans as a critical anchor for antibodies that can broadly neutralize the virus, suggesting vaccines targeting this region may elicit effective protection. The discovery could speed efforts to develop a successful HIV vaccine.
International panel recommends older alternative medications to reduce risk of premature birth and neonatal death, supporting patient-centered decision-making. The new guidelines take a public health perspective into account, acknowledging operational challenges in low-resource settings.
Assistant Professor Julien van Grevenynghe at INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier Research Centre has received a $25,000 award to further his research on autophagy in HIV infection. The Banting Research Foundation recognizes the potential of his work to strengthen the immune system and develop effective HIV vaccines.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research and National Institutes of Health found that tick saliva-based drug Ixolaris reduces inflammation in monkeys infected with SIV, a primate form of HIV. The study suggests that targeting this inflammation pathway could improve the clinical management of HIV-infected ...
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that neighborhood socioeconomic position is a crucial predictor of cardiovascular risk. The model used to predict this risk systematically underestimated the negative effects of living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, highlighting the importance of considering ecologic circum...
A 33% cutback in U.S. foreign aid for HIV treatment and prevention programs in South Africa and Côte d'Ivoire would result in devastating health and economic consequences, including over 500,000 additional cases of HIV and 1.6 million more deaths in the next decade. The study suggests that such cuts would produce proportionally greater...
A research team at GW University will study the body's natural defenses against HIV, focusing on killer T-cells that can kill infected cells. The goal is to boost these immune cells to eliminate viral reservoirs and provide guidance for further therapeutic strategy development.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered that a cancer drug called JQ1 can reactivate latent HIV, a critical barrier to a cure. By targeting the BRD4 protein, JQ1 allows the virus to make copies of itself, providing new insights into an 'old' cellular defense mechanism against invading viruses.
A USC researcher has identified a novel protein variant that can be targeted to prevent the human immunodeficiency virus from harming HIV-positive individuals. This approach differs from traditional methods of targeting viruses and may offer a more effective solution to treating acute HIV infection.
A growing population of older adults with HIV is being overlooked due to implicit ageism, which contributes to poor mental and physical health outcomes. The combination of stigma, social isolation, and negative expectations about aging can lead to depression, loneliness, and chronic disease.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have developed an assay to detect antigen production and immune effectors capable of clearing infected cells. Vorinostat reverses latent HIV infection, making it vulnerable to clearance and potentially paving the way for a cure for the millions living with the virus.
A study by LSUHealthNO found that 86% of high-risk heterosexuals in New Orleans would use a home-based test kit, leading to increased HIV testing and treatment rates. The study suggests that this self-administered alternative may reach individuals who are under-recognized as at risk, promoting timely treatment.
Research by Drexel University reveals that pregnant women diagnosed with HIV are twice as likely to suffer domestic violence compared to those without an HIV diagnosis. The study suggests targeted interventions for women at risk of domestic violence, including those already experiencing it.
A study led by Queen Mary University of London found that offering HIV testing at health checks in high-prevalence areas is cost-effective. The researchers estimate that the annual cost of rolling out screening programs to all high-HIV prevalence local authorities in England would be approximately £600,000.
A South African child diagnosed with HIV at 32 days old has maintained undetectable viral levels and good health despite ART cessation at age 9.5 years, suggesting early treatment may be key to long-term remission.
A study administered VRC01 antibody infusions to virally suppressed volunteers who initiated ART during acute HIV infection, showing a delay in viral load rebound. The results provide valuable lessons for future studies on early-treated individuals with combination broadly neutralizing antibodies.
A two-year clinic-based HIV testing program in Zimbabwe failed to identify many cases of HIV in children. The study found that 37.7% of HIV-positive children were undiagnosed, highlighting the need for alternative testing methods to reach these vulnerable populations.
A randomized trial found that same-day ART initiation improved retention (80% vs. 72%) and evidence of ART working (53% vs. 44%), with further improvements needed to hit UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. The study supports accelerating HIV testing and treatment processes.
A study conducted in the US has found that adolescent girls can safely use a dapivirine vaginal ring to prevent HIV. The ring, which contains an antiretroviral drug, was shown to be highly acceptable and easy to use, with high adherence rates among participants.
An investigational HIV vaccine regimen was well-tolerated and generated immune responses against HIV in healthy adults, according to the APPROACH trial. The results support further development of candidate vaccines and plans for a larger trial in southern Africa to evaluate safety and efficacy.
A new study found that over half of HIV-positive transgender women are concerned about combining antiretroviral therapy with feminizing hormone therapy due to unknown drug interactions. This concern affects their adherence to medication and treatment, highlighting the need for better health care optimization.
The second Swaziland HIV Incidence Measurement Survey (SHIMS2) reveals significant progress in combating the HIV epidemic, with a doubling of population viral load suppression since 2011. The survey found nearly half fewer new HIV infections among adults aged 18-49 years compared to 2011.
Researchers at UNC are testing a therapeutic vaccine to target HIV reservoirs and boost the immune system's response. The goal is to potentially pair the vaccine with latency-reversing agents to clear the virus.
A nine-year-old South African child has suppressed HIV virus without anti-HIV drugs for eight and a half years, according to the NIH-funded study. The child received early limited anti-HIV treatment in infancy and was found to have maintained undetectable levels of HIV despite not receiving ongoing therapy.
A phase 2 trial found that an injectable antiretroviral therapy was as effective in maintaining viral suppression in patients with HIV as a daily oral dose over 96 weeks. The long-acting injections had similar efficacy to the daily oral medication in preventing treatment failure and drug-resistant mutations.
Researchers found that active users are more likely to be denialists, with a core group promoting denialist views and recruiting support through interactions. The study identified a high-risk group of over 1,000 users, including those who interact with the core and are influenced by their views.
Researchers have successfully elicited broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) to HIV in calves by immunization, a breakthrough that may inform HIV vaccine and therapeutics design. The unique structure of bovine bNAbs, particularly the long HCDR3 loops, shows promise for promoting human immune system development.
Researchers have developed an animal model using cows to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV, which are difficult to achieve in humans. This breakthrough has the potential to accelerate the development of a more effective AIDS vaccine.
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) affect approximately one in four people living with HIV, causing symptoms such as memory loss and cognitive decline. Researchers have found elevated levels of microRNAs affecting brain development, providing a potential biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.