Research programs working toward an HIV cure. Covers reservoir reduction, prevention policy, tumor-like tissue models, and vaccine development.
A new study by UC Riverside scientists has identified MAPK14, a brain protein, as the driving force behind neuroHIV damage, which causes dementia, neuropathy, and memory problems. By targeting this protein, researchers hope to develop a treatment for neuroHIV, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
A clinical trial found that long-acting antibodies can suppress HIV for months and even years, with participants' natural immune response working alongside the treatment. The discovery could bring an end to lifelong daily medication for HIV patients.
Researchers found that venetoclax effectively targets and blocks Bcl-2, reducing SIV reservoir levels in nonhuman primate model. The study results, reported in Nature Microbiology, offer hope for accelerating the timeline to cure HIV.
A new study found a 16.8-percent increase in HIV cases among Hispanic populations in antisanctuary counties compared to baseline counties. The researchers attributed this increase to the 2018 announcement of changes to the public charge rule, which penalized immigrants for using public benefit programs.
A Northwestern University study found that viral reservoirs in a proxy animal model of HIV share features with immune-suppressive tumor microenvironments, suggesting that future HIV cure strategies may benefit from traditional cancer therapy approaches. By examining the broader tissue microenvironment, researchers identified shared bio...
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Scripps Research have developed an HIV vaccine that trains immune cells to see past HIV's defenses. The vaccine resulted in the best HIV-fighting antibody response ever seen in primates, with human trials now underway.
Alyssa Tilhou's innovative approach, Leveraging Informatics for Navigation and Knowledge (LINK), uses EHR data to connect patients to comprehensive addiction and HIV services. The platform aims to shift the burden of engagement from patients to healthcare systems, promoting patient-centered care and improved outcomes.
Researchers found that accelerated biological aging of a type of white blood cell called monocytes is linked to cognitive and mood-related symptoms of depression. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and personalized treatment for depression, particularly in high-risk populations such as women with HIV.
A new study found that 10-20% of patients who stopped taking daily HIV medication were able to control the virus on their own, thanks to the interaction between antibodies and T cells. The researchers plan to investigate how to strengthen these immune mechanisms to develop a treatment for everyone.
Researchers at Linköping University found that an existing medication can restore immune cell function in people with HIV. The study showed that the medication blocks type I interferon and restored the function of immune cells, potentially improving health outcomes.
A new study reveals two specific genes that act like security locks to keep the virus asleep in some individuals who naturally control HIV even after stopping therapy. Metformin, a common diabetes drug, can activate one of these locks to keep the virus in its dormant state.
Researchers have successfully isolated and grown authentic reservoir clones (ARCs) that evade the immune system, providing new insights into how to eliminate them. The study suggests that potent CTLs can catch these cells during brief windows of HIV visibility, slowly shrinking the reservoir.
Researchers developed antibody–drug conjugates that combine CD4 mimic and neutralizing antibodies to target HIV entry, showing seven times better efficacy than existing approaches. The strategy aims to block HIV before it enters the host cell, offering a more targeted therapeutic profile and potentially reducing adverse effects.
Researchers at Ragon Institute discovered that antibodies produced in germinal centers act as a 'brake' on selection, redirecting the immune system toward broader protection. Stronger-binding B cells suppress weaker ones targeting the same site, establishing a localized feedback loop.
A newly described HIV antibody targets the V3 glycan site in a different manner than previously known antibodies, remaining effective against virus variants that are resistant to classical V3 antibodies. This breakthrough supports antibody therapy combinations that neutralize the virus more effectively.
A new study found that tuberculosis is a major cause of deadly sepsis among people living with HIV, particularly in Africa. Early treatment of TB has been shown to significantly reduce sepsis deaths, with a 23% reduction in mortality rate.
Researchers at MIT and Scripps Research Institute have developed a vaccine that generates a significant population of rare precursor B cells capable of evolving to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. The DNA-VLP approach shows potential for inducing broadly neutralizing antibody responses against influenza as well.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have made a breakthrough in HIV treatment by enhancing NK cells to better fight HIV infections. The study shows that lab-enhanced NK cells can reduce the viral reservoir enough to allow long-term immunological control of HIV without daily antiretroviral medications.
A study found that switching to electronic medical records at HIV clinics in Malawi led to a 28% reduction in deaths after five years, with the greatest impact on children. The introduction of EMR systems prevented approximately 5,050 AIDS deaths and improved healthcare efficiency.
A new study found that telemedicine usage for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) increased from less than 1% in 2019 to nearly 20% of PrEP users in 2024. Total PrEP coverage also rose, with more than 591,000 users in 2024 compared to 264,000 in 2019.
A molecule capable of opening the 'shell' of HIV allows specific antibodies to trigger a cytotoxic reaction, facilitating the elimination of infected cells. The compound, CJF-III-288, modifies the HIV envelope protein structure, making it detectable and vulnerable to the immune system.
A study from the Ragon Institute of Mass General Brigham, MIT and Harvard found that immune cells called CD8+ T cells play a crucial role in controlling HIV. Researchers discovered that having these CD8+ T cell features before treatment was most important for achieving remission.
A new combination therapy approach enabled seven out of ten participants to keep the virus at low levels for many months after going off antiretroviral therapy. The results suggest a possible cure for HIV and offer a proof of concept that this approach could work.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that overactive plasmacytoid dendritic cells contribute to continuous immune inflammation and weaken antiviral T cell function. Reducing these cells or combining with an immune checkpoint inhibitor can restore antiviral T cell function and shrink the viral reservoir.
Researchers can utilize a combination of automated and manual actions to quickly identify suspicious behavior and prevent fraudulent actors from enrolling in online studies. A comprehensive checklist of indicators helps researchers spot potential fraud, such as similar patterns in email addresses or predictable responses.
A groundbreaking study in The American Journal of Pathology reveals a perineural pathway that enables HIV-infected immune cells to redistribute throughout the body, sustaining inflammation. The findings highlight the importance of the connection between the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system in immunity.
A comprehensive program in urgent care clinics and emergency departments significantly increased HIV testing for patients being evaluated for other sexually transmitted diseases. The program resulted in a 42% increase in HIV testing in urgent care clinics and a 53% increase in Intermountain emergency departments.
Researchers investigate whether combining fostemsavir with antiretroviral therapy can lower 'bad' antibodies that damage CD4 cells. The trial aims to test if this treatment reduces cardiovascular problems in people living with HIV. Participants will undergo cardiac CT scans to measure coronary plaque progression.
A successful HIV vaccine could be a major public health breakthrough, preventing 1.3 million new infections in 2024 and saving lives from the virus. The new childhood vaccine is based on the Env trimer protein complex and aims to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies in young immune systems.
A scientific team co-led by Dr. Lishomwa Ndhlovu at Weill Cornell Medicine has received an NIH MERIT Award to study a handful of people who have managed to clear HIV after a stem cell transplant. The goal is to identify the immune mechanisms that led to remission and develop a broadly applicable immunotherapy for eliminating HIV.
Despite federal law requiring some form of sexual education, a patchwork of state-level provisions mandate inaccurate or outdated curricula. Only 19 states require medically accurate instruction, while many states prioritize abstinence over comprehensive sex education.
Researchers have developed a stable Env protein trimer, SOSIP.664, that can elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. The breakthrough came after decades of work and multiple modifications to the protein, which is harder to engineer than its counterpart on SARS-CoV-2.
Weill Cornell Medicine leads a $14.9M NIH grant program to remove latent HIV from cells, aiming for effective cures. Researchers will use a personalized approach to develop tailored immunotherapies and broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV.
A new study shows that delivering a single injection of gene therapy at birth may offer years-long protection against HIV. The treatment uses an adeno-associated virus to deliver instructions to muscle cells, which produce broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of neutralizing multiple strains of HIV.
Researchers from Amsterdam UMC have made a breakthrough in developing an HIV vaccine with a germline-targeting strategy, inducing immune responses in participants. The phase one trial showed promising results, suggesting the potential for this approach to be further developed into a vaccine.
A pilot program was conducted in South Africa to provide harm reduction and medications for opioid use disorder among people living with HIV and illicit opioid use. The study found low uptake of medication-assisted treatment after release, citing perceived ineffectiveness and delays in initiation.
A global analysis reveals significant differences in disease rates, diagnosis, treatment, and death between males and females for three common conditions. Males are more likely to get sick and die from hypertension, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, while also being less likely to seek medical care.
A mathematical modeling study suggests that sustained HIV remission or eradication could consistently reduce new HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Netherlands. However, transient remission with a risk of rebound may increase new infections if not closely monitored.
A new, easier-to-administer sustained-release formulation of flucytosine has entered Phase II clinical trials in Malawi and Tanzania. The trial aims to address the growing concern of cryptococcal meningitis, a major health threat to people with weakened immune systems, particularly those with advanced HIV.
The University of Virginia has appointed Dr. Mark T. Esser as the inaugural head of its Manning Institute, a $350 million facility aimed at transforming healthcare and accelerating new treatments. Esser brings decades of experience in developing new medical breakthroughs and will foster an ecosystem of innovation to attract biotechnolo...
Tulane University scientists developed a handheld device to deliver rapid and accurate tuberculosis diagnoses in under an hour. The device, called the lab-in-tube assay (LIT), can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in saliva, blood, and sputum samples, offering a cost-effective tool for improving TB diagnoses in resource-limited areas.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University develop a disposable microchip technology for HIV-1 self-testing during acute phase or viral rebound. The device is expected to be affordable and provide results within 40 minutes.
Researchers found that electronic cigarettes have a lower likelihood of causing changes associated with atherogenesis, compared to tobacco cigarettes, among people living with HIV. This suggests switching to e-cigarettes could be a promising harm reduction strategy for this vulnerable population.
Virginia Tech researchers Pamela VandeVord and Gunnar Brolinson received a $2.17 million grant to investigate cranial osteopathic manual manipulation as a potential treatment for traumatic brain injury symptoms, particularly headaches. The noninvasive technique aims to enhance brain fluid motion and balance the autonomic nervous system.
Researchers identified nine distinct types of T cells that harbor inactive HIV cells, and persistent T cells with HIV even after antiretroviral therapies. This discovery brings medical experts closer to a cure for the infection affecting nearly 40 million people globally.
A cross-sectional study of Ugandan adults with and without HIV found the prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis disease to be much lower than expected in similar populations in the Global North. The study's results refute prior notions that well-controlled HIV infection is associated with increased CAD risk.
A new study by NYU researchers found that adults living with HIV in Malawi are more than twice as likely to also have dementia compared to those without HIV. The study sheds light on the significant burden of dementia among people living with HIV in resource-poor settings.
A new study by researchers at UCSF has found that long-acting injectable treatments can be transformative for patients who struggle to take daily HIV pills, resulting in undetectable viral loads and improved health outcomes. The treatment approach could help stop the spread of HIV by keeping more patients from being infectious.
Diane Santa Maria, dean of Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, has received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Her innovative research program focuses on HIV prevention among youth experiencing homelessness.
Dr. Jennifer Jao has been selected as Co-Chair of the International Maternal Pediatric and Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT) Network to guide critical work in improving HIV health outcomes globally. Dr. Jao's research focuses on pregnant individuals, children, and adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV.
Climate change is associated with poorer HIV prevention outcomes, including reduced testing and increased risk behaviors, leading to higher new infections and poorer treatment adherence. Researchers identified links between extreme weather events and HIV-related challenges, emphasizing the need for innovative interventions and strategies.
Research from Radboud University Medical Center shows that lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic strengthened the immune system's response to microorganisms. The study found that after lockdowns, inflammation levels in the body were low but the immune system reacted more intensely to viruses and bacteria.
Researchers discovered a potential mechanism behind statin therapy's heart-related benefits in people with HIV. Statin treatment increases the levels of an enzyme called procollagen C-endopeptidases enhancer 1, which helps stabilize vulnerable plaques and prevent their rupture.
A new hepatitis B vaccine, Heplisav-B, has been shown to be more effective than an older vaccine type in inducing a protective antibody response among people living with HIV who didn't respond to prior vaccination. The study found that up to 99.4% of subjects received the new vaccine showed protective levels of antibodies.
A recent clinical trial has revealed a twice-yearly injection of Lenacapavir to be 96% effective in preventing HIV infection, surpassing daily oral PrEP. The study included racially and ethnically diverse participants, highlighting the need for more options in HIV prevention.
A new IHME study reveals significant progress in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, with sub-Saharan Africa leading the way in cutting new HIV infections and deaths. However, the world is not on track to meet UNAIDS 2030 targets, with a quarter of people living with HIV not receiving treatment.
Researchers from the Wistar Institute and University of Buea have discovered HIV latency reversing properties in Croton oligandrus, an African plant used in traditional healing. The study confirms that four out of six isolated compounds reverse HIV latency in vitro, with some synergizing for improved strength.
A new study from Tulane University finds that historical race-based lending practices are still impacting health today, linking discriminatory policies to 15% longer delays in achieving viral suppression of HIV. This delay can impact individual health outcomes and public health efforts to curb the spread of HIV.
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team has found that giving iron supplements to children living with HIV can optimize brain development. The study, published in the Lancet HIV journal, demonstrates that iron is not only beneficial but also safe for these children.
A clinical trial has begun to assess the safety and acceptability of a novel rectal HIV microbicide douche containing tenofovir for pre-exposure prophylaxis. The study aims to provide an 'on-demand' HIV prevention method for eligible individuals who engage in receptive anal intercourse.