Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Researchers developed a new anti-HIV medication called EFdA, which prevents vaginal and oral transmission of HIV in pre-clinical models. The study showed that daily doses of EFdA can prevent HIV infection in mice exposed to high doses of the virus.
Researchers found that early antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces total HIV DNA levels in the body, which may predict time to viral load rebound after treatment cessation. The study suggests that people with a smaller HIV reservoir size have a greater chance of achieving long-term HIV remission.
Researchers found that individuals with high levels of broadly neutralizing antibodies have distinct immune system variations, including autoantibodies and altered T follicular helper cells. These findings support approaches to developing an HIV vaccine by modifying the immune system to mimic these conditions.
Researchers have identified the first case of Alzheimer's disease in an HIV-positive individual, challenging existing knowledge about dementia in people with HIV. The discovery highlights the need for timely diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease in this population.
A new study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has confirmed that certain strains of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) can infect human cells, supporting a hypothesis that HIV originated from chimpanzee transmission. The research found that SIV strains with genetic similarities to HIV-1 M were more likely to infect humans.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina and partner institutions have made significant strides in understanding HIV latency, a key obstacle to eradicating the virus. The team has developed effective strategies, including histone deacetylase inhibitors, to reverse latency and boost the immune system.
Drs. Henry Boom and Moses Joloba at Case Western Reserve University and Makerere University, respectively, have received a $1.5 million five-year grant to strengthen Ugandan biomedical research capacity. The program aims to provide PhD-level training in microbiology and immunology to talented young Ugandan scientists.
Researchers found that improving health facility efficiency in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia could increase ART visits by 33% in Kenya and Zambia, and 62% in Uganda. This could support facilities seeing almost 460,000 new ART patients across the three countries.
A special supplement to JAIDS provides critical information on HIV prevalence, risk factors, and prevention strategies for transgender individuals. The research highlights the need for culturally-tailored interventions and emphasizes the importance of understanding epidemiology and behavioral approaches.
A randomized trial in South Africa found that screening at home and immediate antiretroviral treatment reduce HIV transmission, but only 4 out of 10 seropositive people had undetectable viral loads. The study highlights the need to improve entry into healthcare systems for those diagnosed with HIV.
A new study found that the rate of new HIV infections increased in 74 countries between 2005 and 2015, posing significant challenges to ending the AIDS pandemic. Despite progress in lowering AIDS mortality, the pace of decline in new infections has slowed, with only a 0.7% drop per year between 2005 and 2015.
Global Burden of Disease 2015 analysis shows slow decline in new HIV infections between 2005-2015, with stagnation in recent years. Treatment coverage varies globally, with massive scale-up needed in regions like Middle East and Eastern Europe.
The monthly dapivirine vaginal ring provides significant protection against HIV infection in women, with consistent use reducing risk by at least 56%. Two open-label studies have launched to further investigate the product's efficacy and support its consistent use.
The HOPE study will build on the ASPIRE trial results, gathering more information on the dapivirine ring's safety and effectiveness in reducing HIV risk. The study aims to understand why the ring works for some women but not others.
Researchers found that using the dapivirine ring consistently provided significant protection against HIV, with high adherence associated with better HIV protection. The study's results coincide with the start of the HOPE open-label study, which will gather additional information on the ring's safety and effectiveness.
Research by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health sheds light on the relentless spread of HIV in South African communities, particularly among adolescent girls and young women. The studies found that Prevotella bivia and Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria increase vulnerability to HIV through inflammation and pH imbalance.
The HPTN 052 study found a significant reduction in HIV transmission when the infected person starts antiretroviral therapy at a higher CD4 cell count. Researchers also discovered that 93% of HIV transmission was prevented with early treatment initiation.
Researchers discovered that cells from HIV-infected people with suppressed virus harbor defective HIV DNA that can produce HIV-related proteins. This finding may explain persistent immune activation during suppressive treatment and pose a potential barrier to an HIV cure.
Researchers have discovered how new HIV drugs work by locking the immature form of the virus in place, preventing it from maturing and infecting other cells. The study provides insights into the workings of these drugs and their resistance to mutations.
A daily PrEP pill can reduce new HIV cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) by a third in the US over 10 years if guidelines are followed, according to a modeling study. The medication is highly effective in preventing HIV infection when used consistently.
A new discovery has identified cell markers to target HIV reservoirs, opening new treatment perspectives. The study found that using antibodies specifically binding to these markers could destroy HIV reservoirs and potentially cure infected individuals by allowing them to stop antiretroviral therapy.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill will receive nearly $23 million over five years to study the 'kick and kill' strategy for eradicating HIV. The approach involves waking up latent viruses and boosting the immune system to recognize and clear them.
The US Army's MHRP is part of a collaborative research team awarded $4.6M per year to develop an integrated approach to finding an HIV cure. Researchers will study immune responses generated by therapeutic vaccines and broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have made breakthrough in treating HIV by targeting its dormant cells. A novel protein called ImmTAV has been shown to effectively kill latently infected cells in laboratory conditions.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $30 million in annual funding to six international collaborations working on an HIV cure. The program aims to address the virus's ability to establish a reservoir in immune cells, making it challenging to develop a cure.
Researchers from George Washington University have received a $28 million grant to develop an innovative cell therapy approach to eliminate HIV reservoirs. The project, named 'BELIEVE,' aims to enhance the immune system's ability to kill HIV-infected cells.
A new study of over 800 couples found that neither gay men nor heterosexual people with HIV transmitted the virus to their partners if on suppressive antiretroviral treatment. The PARTNER study, the world's largest of its kind, monitored couples for several years and recorded no instances of transmission.
A study of nearly 1,166 HIV serodifferent couples found no documented cases of within-couple HIV transmission during a median follow-up of 1.3 years. The researchers suggest that with eligible couple-years accrued, appreciable levels of risk cannot be excluded, particularly for anal sex.
Researchers found that patient navigation with financial incentives did not improve viral suppression rates among hospitalized patients with HIV infection and substance use. Treatment as usual was more effective in achieving viral suppression, with a treatment difference of 4.5% compared to the intervention group.
Researchers found that Grindr's ad campaign effectively reached untested high-risk populations, increasing the distribution of HIV self-testing kits. The study showed that 74% of test recipients had last been tested for HIV over a year ago, highlighting the need for targeted testing initiatives.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that financial incentives did not improve health outcomes for HIV-positive people with substance use disorders. The study showed no statistical differences in rates of viral suppression versus non-suppression or death among trial arms.
A study in Uganda found that increasing community medical male circumcision and antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage was associated with reduced community HIV incidence. Median community HIV incidence declined from 1.25 to 0.84 per 100 person-years in males, and from 1.25 to 0.99 per 100 person-years in females.
Research suggests that increasing male circumcision rates and ART coverage significantly reduces new male HIV infections in rural Ugandan communities. Communities with higher circumcision coverage saw a 39% decline in new infections, while those with higher ART coverage among women saw a 23% reduction.
A new study found that patient navigation and financial incentives were ineffective in improving HIV suppression among hospitalized patients with HIV infection and substance use. The research suggests that other approaches are needed to address the complex issues surrounding this vulnerable population.
A new study suggests that despite advances in HIV treatment, the epidemic continues among gay men globally due to inadequate access to preventive measures like PrEP. Stigma and discrimination also play a significant role in the spread of the disease.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers has identified distinct structural features among seven types of retroviruses, including HIV and HTLV-1. The findings could inform the development of new antiviral treatments and vaccines for various diseases caused by these viruses.
A NIH-led team studied implementation science approaches to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission, identifying effective interventions such as baby showers and breastfeeding support. The study found that deploying point-of-care tests and administering pre-exposure prophylaxis were likely cost-effective and resulted in timely initiat...
Researchers at TSRI have advanced efforts to design an AIDS vaccine by stabilizing the HIV Envelope glycoprotein trimer and designing novel nanoparticles that mimic the virus. The stabilization strategy improves the protein's properties, allowing for the creation of HIV-like particles that can prompt the body to fight the real virus.
HIV can enter the nucleus of immune system cells without dividing, a process previously unknown to scientists. By hijacking a motor protein called KIF5B, HIV manipulates the nuclear envelope to create a pathway for entry.
According to the National Gay Men's Sex Survey, more gay and bisexual men than ever are getting tested for HIV. However, one in four have never had an HIV test, and many are unsure of their status. The survey also found that condom use remains a concern, with one-in-three sexually active gay men having unprotected anal sex with non-ste...
Researchers at NYU and Penn State aim to increase engagement in HIV care for African American/Black and Hispanic Patients Living with HIV using a pioneering framework. The study will identify effective intervention components, mediators, and moderators to build the most cost-effective package.
A new intervention aims to increase engagement with treatment among African-American/black and Hispanic people living with HIV. The study will use a pioneering engineering-inspired framework - the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) -- to identify effective components and build the most cost-effective package.
A Johns Hopkins study of 28,000 people with HIV concludes that the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program remains crucial despite the Affordable Care Act's availability. The program provides free medical care to hundreds of thousands of low-income individuals, and its cutbacks could leave many without access to essential services.
University of Chicago scientists developed a computer model of HIV that gives real insight into how the virus matures and becomes infective. The model reveals critical proteins inside the bud are cut into bits by the enzyme HIV protease, which can be targeted by anti-viral drugs.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have shown how infected immune cells directly transmit newly minted viral particles to uninfected sister cells, spreading the virus efficiently. This study highlights cell-to-cell transmission as a key route for HIV spread and may help develop new treatments.
Scientists at the University of Utah found that delaying the budding of new HIV particles triggers protease to destroy the virus, rendering it non-infectious. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new AIDS treatments with fewer side effects in about a decade.
Researchers developed a new animal model to test HIV vaccines, combining the envelope of HIV with simian immunodeficiency virus to replicate in monkeys. Changing a single amino acid in the envelope coat protein improved the model's ability to infect monkeys while retaining native-like features.
A UBC study found that men who live outside major cities and have sex with other men are less likely to get an HIV test. Internalized feelings of homophobia contribute to reluctance to disclose sexual preferences, posing physical health risks.
Researchers estimate that implementing the '90-90-90' program in South Africa would avert over 2 million new HIV infections, reduce deaths by 2.4 million, and save an additional 13 million patient-years of life compared to current strategies.
Achieving the 90-90-90 targets for HIV diagnosis, treatment and virologic suppression in South Africa would have a transformative impact, averting millions of new infections, saving millions of lives and preventing orphanages. The initiative is estimated to yield enormous population and clinical benefits.
A UK-based service using DIY home sampling kits and online dating apps has successfully detected over three-quarters of new HIV cases before late-stage infection. The approach catches most men before their infection reaches an advanced stage, making it easier to treat effectively.
A Canadian government-funded study found that sending short, informative text messages to young Kenyan women's phones can significantly reduce the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The study showed a 67% increase in HIV testing among participants who received weekly texts compared to those in a control group.
Researchers discovered that HIV controllers' CD4+ T cells express specific T cell receptors targeting the HIV capsid protein, enabling sensitive detection and control of viral replication. These findings offer potential for developing immunotherapy strategies to restore antiviral responses in patients with HIV.
Researchers at Rutgers University and Dartmouth College find that oral drug deferiprone kills HIV-infected cells in lab cultures and suppresses the virus in patients in a limited clinical trial. The treatment approach has potential as a new strategy for destroying the DNA harbored in HIV-infected cells.
Scientists from KU Leuven discover a new way to treat HIV by blocking the virus's attachment to genetic material. Led by Professor Zeger Debyser and Doctoral student Lenard Vranckx, their research sheds light on eliminating the virus.
PrEP has been estimated to prevent up to 7400 new infections in the UK if made available. Despite strong evidence, those at high risk remain unable to access this important HIV prevention measure.
The lateral flow urine lipoarabinomannan assay (LF-LAM) shows an average sensitivity and specificity of 45% and 92% in HIV-positive people with TB symptoms. However, its sensitivity is higher in individuals with low CD4 cell counts, making it a potential tool for early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that Denmark's exceptional treatment programs, with high patient adherence rates, have brought the country's HIV epidemic to near-elimination. The 'treatment as prevention' strategy has been shown to be effective in reducing new infections and can serve as a model for global elimination.
A Phase 1 clinical trial shows that an antibody-based drug can stimulate patients' immune response, enabling them to make new or better antibodies against HIV. The researchers also found that the antibody was able to engage immune cells and accelerate their clearance of HIV-infected cells.
Researchers found that a potent antibody can evoke a strong immune response in humans and accelerate the clearance of infected cells. The study revealed that administering this antibody to HIV patients can lead to a significant reduction in viral loads.