Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment will cost $261 billion if coverage is scaled up, exceeding domestic financing capabilities. The researchers emphasize the need for innovative funding sources to sustain control efforts.
A University of Cincinnati researcher is studying nearly 3,000 patients to see if a genetic variant that protects against HIV also prevents injury from Hepatitis C. The study aims to understand how inhibition of the CCR5 receptor may influence liver injury and disease progression in individuals co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C.
Researchers have gained a clearer understanding of how HIV defeats a cellular defender by interacting with cyclophilin A. The study reveals that the virus uses cyclophilin A as a disguise to trick the cellular protein, allowing it to enter the nucleus and commandeer the cell.
The study reveals the high-resolution structure of the HIV envelope protein, known as the Env trimer, in its natural form for the first time. The findings also include a detailed map of a vulnerable site at the base of this protein and the binding site of an antibody that can neutralize HIV.
A Harvard-Dartmouth study found that Zipf distributions of risk for diseases, such as HIV and heart attacks, lead pharmaceutical companies to invest more in treatments than preventives. This is because vaccine revenue depends on finer details about population risk, making it challenging to find a 'sweet spot' for pricing.
A study found that over 60% of newly diagnosed men in Rhode Island who have sex with men reported meeting sexual partners online. The researchers propose partnering with companies producing hookup websites and apps to share public health messages about the risks of sexual encounters arranged online.
Scientists have developed a new method to analyze the genetic tree of diseases like HIV to identify possible gaps in transmission chains. The study uses computational phylogenetic analysis to examine how strains of HIV are transmitted and can now evaluate the possibility of unsampled intermediaries or common sources.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that Charlie Sheen's public disclosure of his HIV status led to a significant increase in Google searches related to the disease. The study suggests that this surge in interest may have benefited public health by raising awareness and driving people to learn more about HIV prevention.
Two large studies confirm the monthly vaginal ring's effectiveness in preventing HIV-1 infection in women, with a 30% overall reduction in infections. The ring's efficacy varies by age and consistent use, highlighting the need to overcome barriers to prevention for younger women.
A new study by San Diego State University found that Charlie Sheen's HIV-positive disclosure corresponded with record highs of domestic news coverage and Google searches for information about HIV and prevention. The study suggests that celebrity disclosures like Sheen's may help generate renewed national attention for HIV and HIV preve...
A Johns Hopkins study found record highs in domestic news coverage of HIV and Google searches for information about HIV and HIV prevention following Charlie Sheen's HIV-positive disclosure on NBC's TODAY Show. The study suggests that the public's response to Sheen's announcement led to an increase in people seeking out public health sa...
The dapivirine ring reduced the risk of HIV infection by 27 percent overall among more than 2,600 women in Africa. Women aged 25 and older saw a significant reduction in HIV risk, with some experiencing a cut in risk of over half.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have discovered a crucial HIV RNA modification called m6A that influences viral replication. Silencing the enzyme adding or removing m6A from RNA can increase or decrease HIV replication, offering new avenues for developing effective anti-HIV therapies.
Researchers have determined the structure of a protein complex that lets viruses like HIV establish permanent infections in human cells. The new findings reveal a novel paradigm for retroviral DNA integration and provide insights into how viruses interact with host DNA.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have made a breakthrough in understanding how retrovirus RSV brings together protein molecules to form tiny molecular claws, which can help develop anti-retrovirals to target integrase functions and improve HIV/AIDS therapies.
A special issue of the journal AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses highlights recent advances in HIV cure research, including studies on viral suppression and control of virus replication. Researchers discuss potential avenues for achieving a cure and propose exploring multiple approaches to therapy.
A recent NYU study examined injection risk behaviors among heroin injectors in Colombian cities, finding 2.7% of participants tested positive for HIV and common practices like syringe sharing and clean needle exchange were prevalent. The study emphasizes the need for harm reduction interventions to prevent an HIV epidemic in Colombia.
A study published in Immunity found that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are destroyed in patients with acute HIV infection, highlighting the importance of early treatment. Research suggests that early intervention can protect ILCs from destruction and prevent immune system imbalances.
Dan R. Littman receives the $100,000 Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science for his fundamental insights into the immune system and its role in HIV pathogenesis. Young researchers Fernando Camargo, Roberta Capp, and Houra Merrikh win $50,000 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise for their innovative work on blood cell development.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers identified the mechanism of 5-azacytidine, a DNA-based drug that blocks HIV's ability to spread. The drug converts to a DNA form and infiltrates HIV when it turns RNA into DNA, stopping replication.
Researchers found that HIV protein Tat alters networked neuron activity and leads to adaptations that improve survival but impair function. The study suggests that targeting these adaptations could facilitate therapeutic intervention for seizure disorders and other neurological symptoms in HIV-infected patients.
A large study found tenofovir-resistant strains in 60% of HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting a significant concern for global HIV control strategies. The study suggests that up to 15% of HIV patients will develop resistance in the first year of treatment alone.
Researchers found that HIV persists in lymphoid tissue despite potent antiretroviral therapy, and that low-level replication maintains viral reservoirs. The study provides a new perspective on how to deliver drugs to effectively eradicate the virus.
A new study funded by NIH suggests that ongoing HIV replication in lymphoid tissues maintains stores of the virus, a prerequisite for achieving a cure. Current ART regimens cannot eliminate persistent viral reservoirs, but sequencing data shows continued evolution over time without accumulating drug-resistant mutations.
Researchers deciphered how HIV's Tat protein interacts with host genes to activate or repress several hundred human genes. Blocking Tat activity may be therapeutic value for HIV patients, suggesting a promising approach to combat the deadly virus.
A randomized controlled trial evaluated consent for HIV testing, showing opt-out schemes can substantially increase patient acceptance compared to opt-in schemes. Active choice testing may be the most effective approach in reflecting patients' true preferences, researchers suggest.
Researchers identify SIM4, a new part of the TRIM5alpha protein that attaches to SUMO and activates an immune response against HIV. This finding could lead to optimizing gene therapy by tweaking the activity of antiviral factors.
A new study reveals significant racial disparities in treatment for patients with HIV and Hodgkin lymphoma, with black patients facing higher rates of non-treatment. Despite effective treatment options, doctors note that socioeconomic factors and lack of access to care may contribute to these disparities.
A single infusion of VRC01 can suppress HIV levels by over 10-fold in some individuals, even without antiretroviral therapy. The treatment remains safe and well-tolerated, but its effectiveness varies depending on the individual's viral load.
In a phase 1 trial, VRC01 antibody suppressed HIV levels by more than tenfold in six patients not on antiretroviral therapy, with some experiencing undetectable levels for up to 3 weeks. However, immune responses limited efficacy in others, highlighting the need for new strategies to prevent viral reservoirs.
A study published in The Lancet Global Health found that doctors trained on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) had 38% lower odds of patients being infected with gonorrhea or chlamydia. This training also led to improved knowledge among physicians and reduced rates of new STI transmissions.
Researchers found that South Africa reduced childhood deaths associated with HIV but failed to meet the MDG4 goal due to its narrow definition. The country's progress is deemed a 'success' when considering overall child mortality levels, despite not meeting the target.
A team of researchers at TSRI tracked the development of a family of antibodies that bind and neutralize HIV. By understanding how these antibodies evolve over time, scientists may be able to design a vaccine that triggers a faster immune response.
A new rapid test using polarized light can detect a wide range of pathogens, including malaria parasites, HIV, Ebola, diverse bacteria, glucose and cholesterol. The test is extremely fast, inexpensive, and flexible, making it suitable for use in areas with limited laboratory equipment.
A study in rural Malawi found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) not only benefits HIV-positive individuals but also those without the disease. ART reduced perceived mortality risk and led to increased productivity among HIV-negative people, particularly in terms of corn production.
A five-year, $60 million project will integrate HIV services with tuberculosis, malaria, family planning, nutrition, and other health services. The project aims to increase the availability, accessibility, and quality of health services for vulnerable populations in southwestern Uganda.
Young men with HIV who have sex with men are more likely to report condomless anal sex, particularly with a partner not infected with HIV. Behavioral approaches to improve engagement in care and medication adherence may need to occur in concert with interventions to reduce risky sexual behaviors.
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that young men with detectable HIV are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, particularly anal intercourse without condoms. This disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, such as those aged 13-29 and experiencing substance use issues.
Scientists at Texas Biomed aim to develop a functional cure for babies born with HIV by testing a combination of antiviral drugs and vaccines in infant monkeys. The goal is to induce long-lasting protective immunity and eliminate the virus from tissue reservoirs.
A study found that taking Truvada 'as needed' around periods of sexual activity reduced the risk of HIV transmission amongst men and transgender women at high-risk by 86%. The researchers suggest this approach can increase adherence to medication regimes, leading to improved prevention outcomes.
The Population Council's MZC microbicide gel has demonstrated strong efficacy against HIV, HSV-2, and HPV in a preclinical study, outperforming TFV 1% gel in some cases. The gel contains a potent antiretroviral compound and carrageenan, which provides enhanced anti-HPV properties.
A research team found that HIV's infectivity is regulated by protein motions, which can be manipulated to inhibit viral replication. By examining the interactions between HIV and host-cell protein cyclophilin A, the team identified a key mechanism for developing new therapeutic interventions.
A modeling study suggests that countries will likely miss the 90-90-90 treatment target by 2020 due to funding gaps. The estimated gap in financial resources needed versus available for ART scale-up ranges from $19.8 billion to $25.0 billion.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that while HIV mortality declined and life expectancy improved for all adults following ART scale-up, the improvements were greater for females than males. Female adult life expectancy increased by 13.2 years, while male life expectancy increased only 9 years.
A new study found that many European hospitals fail to routinely test patients at risk of HIV infection, missing out on diagnosing nearly two-thirds of those living with the condition. In Northern Europe, this results in a significantly lower test rate compared to Eastern Europe.
Researchers explore new pre-exposure prophylaxis strategies, broadly neutralizing antibodies, and innate antibacterial activity in relation to HIV acquisition. Advances in vaccine development and emerging clinical trial results offer promising near-term strategies for reducing HIV transmission.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has launched a major initiative to advance novel approaches to treat and prevent HIV infections using broadly neutralizing antibodies. Researchers will work with GlaxoSmithKline to develop long-acting agents for preventing and treating HIV.
A study at Georgetown University Medical Center found that HIV+ individuals over 50 years old showed cognitive impairments, even if they scored 'cognitively normal' in standard tests. Brain scans revealed deficits in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex region, a key executive area.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have identified four prototype antibodies targeting a weak spot on HIV, which could lead to an effective vaccine. Two of these antibodies use their basic germline structure to bind with the virus, potentially allowing patients with HIV to kick-start a useful immune response.
A new study from Oregon State University researcher Jonathan Garcia finds that safe spaces serve as surrogate homes, creating an environment with social support and reducing vulnerabilities like exposure to violence and lack of employment opportunities. The spaces help men feel secure, increasing their openness to HIV testing and treat...
A study found that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduced the rate of HIV acquisition, even among those at high risk. Adherence to PrEP was higher among participants with more reported risk behaviors.
A new study by Brown University found that HIV incidence rises significantly in the five years leading up to bloodshed in sub-Saharan Africa. The rate of new infections increases by 2.1 infections per 1000 people a year during this period, compared to times of peace.
Researchers develop 'kick and kill' strategy using Dual-Affinity Re-Targeting molecules to target HIV-infected cells and killer T cells. The study shows that the molecules can induce killing of infected cells and reduce detectable HIV expression in blood cells.
Research in the Netherlands found that persistent HIV transmission clusters, many of which originated before 1996, continue to sustain the epidemic among men who have sex with men. The study highlights the need for new prevention strategies to combat further increases in infection rates.
A study found that switching to efavirenz-based therapy did not result in higher rates of viral rebound or failure in HIV-infected children with suppressed viral loads. This approach may offer advantages in these patients.
Researchers found that switching to efavirenz is effective in reducing viral rebound and improving CD4 T cell counts, suggesting it's a safer alternative for older children and adults.
Researchers at The Miriam Hospital are exploring whether phone-delivered mindfulness training can help individuals living with HIV better cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. The study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of phone-based mindfulness training for improving ART adherence and promoting healthy behaviors.
A computer model developed by Johns Hopkins predicts that strengthening HIV care, including retention in care and increased testing, can avert 752,000 new infections and 276,000 AIDS deaths over 20 years. Enhanced interventions could reduce incidence by 54% and mortality by 64% at a cost-effectiveness ratio of $45,300 per QALY.
The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health is launching a study to promote health among aging gay and bisexual men living with HIV. The research team will identify protective factors, or resiliencies, that help some men stay healthy and could be extended to others.
A new study by Dr. Susitha Wanigaratne found that pregnant refugee women in Ontario had a higher prevalence of HIV than immigrants and Canadian-born women, with rates eight times higher for refugees than immigrants and 17 times higher than Canadian-born women. The study suggests that recent changes to Canadian immigration policy may ha...