Articles tagged with Hiv Research
A pivotal trial of PRO 140, a long-acting HIV therapy, achieved significant viral load reduction when combined with optimized antiretroviral treatment. The study met its primary efficacy endpoint and showed promising results for patients previously treated with HIV-1 infection.
Monash researchers have discovered a unique set of 'super' receptors on immune cells capable of killing HIV across genetically diverse populations. These killer CD4+ T cells can recognize HIV fragments in people with different HLA molecules, a feature that may help control the spread of the disease.
Researchers found that T cells can establish and maintain HIV infection in the brain, suggesting a reservoir for future HIV cure approaches.
A new study has identified a distinct group of men who may be underestimating their HIV risk due to fear of stigma and rejection. These men, including bisexual and non-gay-identified individuals, tend to mix with each other and acquire infection from within their own networks, rather than openly gay men or heterosexual women.
A new experimental vaccine regimen has been developed using a vulnerable site on HIV to induce antibodies that can neutralize multiple strains of the virus. In tests with mice, guinea pigs, and monkeys, the vaccine elicited antibodies that neutralized up to 31% of viruses from a globally representative panel of 208 HIV strains.
Higher levels of bilirubin in the blood are associated with lower rates of heart failure, heart attack, and stroke, even in people without liver disease. The study suggests that bilirubin may have beneficial effects as an antioxidant, potentially reducing chronic disease morbidity risk.
A study published in AIDS Care found that patients on a single-tablet daily regimen had better treatment retention and viral suppression than those taking multiple pills. The single-pill regimen resulted in higher rates of adherence, retention, and HIV suppression.
A new study led by UTSA researcher Phillip Schnarrs found that family approval is a major barrier to PrEP uptake among Latino gay and bisexual men. The research suggests that racial disparities, limited knowledge, financial barriers, language barriers, and lack of insurance coverage contribute to the low PrEP adoption rates among minor...
Researchers have found that only a small percentage of latently infected cells are reactivated by the 'shock and kill' approach, indicating a need for new treatment strategies. The study suggests exploring alternative approaches to control or eliminate non-reactivatable latent HIV genomes.
Researchers found that three antiretroviral drug regimens taken by pregnant women with HIV pose similar risks for adverse birth outcomes, including premature delivery and death. TDF-FTC-ATV/r appears to have a lower risk of preterm birth and low birth weight compared to other regimens.
A collaborative effort found that CD32 identifies actively infected cells, not latently infected ones. The study challenges recent results suggesting CD32 as a preferential biomarker to identify HIV reservoirs.
A 20-year Quebec study reveals socio-economic inequalities impact access to AIDS treatment, with HIV-infected individuals on social assistance struggling to initiate early ART. The study highlights the need to consider socio-economic factors in controlling the HIV epidemic, as delayed access can put patients' health at risk.
Two genetically modified broadly neutralizing antibodies protected rhesus macaques from an HIV-like virus, SHIV, with long-term protection of up to 37 weeks. The study demonstrated that genetic mutations increased durability and led to extended protection.
Researchers found an association between certain risk-related terms on Google Trends and subsequent syphilis trends reported to the CDC. The Twitter-based model predicted state-level trends in syphilis with 90% accuracy, allowing for early warning systems to be developed.
Scientists at the University of Waterloo have developed a vaginal implant that decreases the number of cells targeted by the HIV virus, taking advantage of natural immunity. The implant, containing hydroxychloroquine, was tested in an animal model and showed significant reduction in T cell activation.
The US government has renewed funding for UC San Diego's Center for AIDS Research, supporting continued studies of HIV/AIDS. The five-year, $15 million grant will focus on finding a cure for HIV in those already infected and preventing transmission to uninfected individuals.
A recent study found that a focus on boys and young men is crucial to continue progress in reducing new HIV infections. Researchers suggest that improved health counseling and engagement with peers can encourage more adolescents to undergo circumcision, which reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 60%. The study also highlights the ne...
Artificial molecules mimicking DNA's surface features have been successfully synthesized, demonstrating the ability to inhibit activity of several DNA-binding enzymes. These findings pave the way for new medicines by inhibiting DNA-protein interactions.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered a pathway that involves enzyme SAMHD1 in regulating the immune system. This study suggests blocking SAMHD1 activity might thwart disease progression and provides potential targets for new treatments.
Three NIDA Avant-Garde Award recipients will receive funding to investigate natural killer cell targeting, therapeutic dendritic cell vaccines, and a new platform for HIV-1 vaccine development. These innovative approaches aim to enhance the immune response against HIV in drug users.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a potential strategy to combat HIV latency by modulating histone crotonylation, which regulates HIV transcription. Increasing crotonylation increased viral transcription in both cell models and patient samples, suggesting a promising approach for developing an HIV cure.
The HOPE open-label study found that women's risk of acquiring HIV was reduced by more than half, with an incidence rate of 1.9 new infections per 100 participants. Women's adherence to the ring use appears to be higher in HOPE compared to ASPIRE, with 89% indicating regular use.
A new study found that genital inflammation significantly reduces the effectiveness of tenofovir gel in preventing HIV infection in women. The study showed that tenofovir gel provided only 57% protection against HIV acquisition in women with genital inflammation, even if they used the gel consistently.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are investigating whether menstrual cup use reduces bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections in girls in Kenya. Studies have shown that menstrual cups can significantly reduce these infections by up to 52%.
A recent study has confirmed that the spleen acts as an HIV sanctuary, hiding the virus from detection even when antiretroviral therapy is effective. Researchers also explore natural products with therapeutic compounds and gather insights on people living with HIV's perceptions of cure-related research.
A recent study found a strong association between high levels of alpha-4 beta-7 on CD4+ T cells and increased risk of HIV acquisition and rapid disease progression. Women with higher pre-infection levels of alpha-4 beta-7 had more rapidly declining CD4+ T cell counts and greater viral loads.
A new study published in LGBT Health found that young men who have sex with men are less likely to receive school-based HIV education than their female-only sex partners. The study associated HIV education with reduced sexual risk behaviors, particularly among young MSM.
Researchers found that conducting HIV testing among social and risk networks of those recently diagnosed with HIV can identify undiagnosed cases at higher rates and lower costs than other approaches. The study used a network-based recruiting, counseling, and HIV testing strategy, which was more effective in locating undiagnosed positives.
A recent study found that latent HIV reservoirs exhibit inherent resistance to CD8+ T-cells, making it challenging to eliminate the virus. Researchers at George Washington University used their most powerful combinations against these cells, but were unable to kill the virus, which remained present at high levels.
Timothy Ray Brown, the first person cured of HIV, continues to advocate for research funding and education on the impact of an HIV cure. Despite disappointment over decreased public desire for a cure, he remains optimistic that a functional cure can be achieved with proper funding.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine provides a more accurate representation of site- and regional-level mortality among people on HIV therapy in Zambia. The research found that mortality is substantially underreported in routine provincial program data, leading to a change in the ranking of provinces by mortality rates.
A new study provides a model for accurately measuring HIV mortality rates in Zambia, which is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. The study found that mortality is substantially underreported in routine data, with some provinces showing mortality rates up to 23-fold higher than reported.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a slow-release pill that can deliver HIV therapeutics once weekly, improving adherence rates and preventing thousands of new infections. The pill uses an ingestible mini pill box to release medication slowly over time, reducing the need for daily doses.
Researchers at MIT and Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a capsule that can deliver a week's worth of HIV drugs in a single dose. The new design allows for gradual release of the drug throughout the week, improving patient adherence and potentially preventing infections by up to 20 percent.
Researchers developed a long-acting compound that targets HIV's replication, suppressing the virus and protecting immune cells. The compound works synergistically with current treatments, enhancing their potency and potentially improving treatment for 37 million people worldwide affected by HIV.
Research suggests that the DMPA contraceptive shot increases the risk of HIV infection by 40% due to its effects on immune function and genital tract barrier function. Alternative hormonal contraceptives with a different form of progestin may help reduce this risk.
Researchers found that FDA-approved anti-inflammatory medications tofacitinib and ruxolitinib can block HIV production from infected cells, prevent transmission to bystander cells, and decay the viral reservoir. The study suggests using Jak inhibitors as a potential treatment for HIV-infected individuals to control the virus.
A new population-based model has been developed to track new HIV infections with greater accuracy, enabling researchers to better target prevention strategies and evaluate interventions. The tool uses biomarkers to identify recent infections, reducing false classifications and costs for studies.
Scientists at The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa discover Maraba virus can eliminate latent HIV-infected cells. Laboratory tests show the virus targets cells with impaired interferon pathway, leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Researchers developed an experimental heroin vaccine that induces antibodies blocking the drug's effects, preventing euphoria and addictive properties. The vaccine appears to dampen the impact of heroin at high doses, potentially preventing overdose. Antibodies induced by the vaccine do not cross-react with therapies for opioid misuse.
Researchers identified Nef MY9 and Pol IY11 as immunodominant epitopes for HLA-C*12:02 haplotype, showing its ability to supplement HLA-B's control over HIV-1 replication in infected individuals. The study adds knowledge to the AIDS research puzzle, highlighting a potential protective mechanism against the virus.
A KAIST research team developed a new technology to detect RNase H activity using catalytic hairpin assembly, overcoming limitations of existing methods. The technology amplifies detection signals, enabling more sensitive assays and potential screening for inhibitors.
A randomized clinical trial found no benefit for a therapeutic HIV vaccine in suppressing viral infection, but provided valuable insights for future cure efforts. Four people in the placebo group exhibited spontaneous HIV suppression, exceeding expected rates among the general population.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital are developing new models to test HIV vaccines, enabling the rapid evolution of human antibodies in mice. This approach could lead to a protective version of broadly-neutralizing antibodies in uninfected individuals through preventative immunization.
The HPTN 084 study enrolls 3,200 HIV-uninfected women in seven countries to test the safety and efficacy of a long-acting injectable cabotegravir compared to daily oral TDF/FTC. The study aims to increase HIV prevention choices for women, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where they bear a disproportionate burden.
The NIH has launched a Phase 2b proof-of-concept study called Imbokodo to assess the safety and efficacy of an experimental HIV vaccine regimen. The study aims to enroll 2,600 HIV-negative women in sub-Saharan Africa and will test the quadrivalent mosaic vaccine against placebo.
A new dual-purpose drug delivery device, SCHIELD, aims to provide long-acting contraception and HIV prevention for women in low- and middle-income countries. The device, set to be launched in Kenya and South Africa, has the potential to improve health outcomes and empower women.
Researchers at Stellenbosch University found that HIV affects the brain in early stages of infection, leading to decreased blood flow and brain functional impairment. The study used fMRI scans to compare brain activity of people with and without HIV, revealing a link between frontal lobe atrophy and cognitive symptoms.
A phase 2b clinical trial of a novel HIV vaccine regimen has begun in southern Africa, aiming to reduce the incidence of HIV infection. The mosaic vaccine, developed by researchers at the Ragon Institute, is designed to respond to various viral strains and address genetic diversity.
The first large-scale clinical trial of a long-acting injectable medication for HIV prevention in sexually active women has begun. The study will examine whether a long-acting form of the investigational anti-HIV drug cabotegravir can safely protect women at risk for HIV infection.
A combination of proven HIV prevention measures significantly reduced new HIV infections in a Ugandan district. The strategy includes voluntary medical male circumcision and HIV-suppressing antiretroviral therapy.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately following an HIV diagnosis dramatically improves retention in clinical HIV care. Patients who were eligible for ART at diagnosis were 25 percentage points more likely to start therapy and 18 percentage points more likely to remain in care at...
Researchers have designed second-generation vaginal films that can provide extended release and improve mucoadhesiveness for up to seven days, addressing issues with current HIV prevention methods. These films use a combination of modified natural polymer and functional biopolymer to deliver antiretroviral drugs.
Researchers find that certain spellings in HIV and other viruses' genetic codes are critical for replication and infection. The discovery highlights a potential avenue for vaccine development by exploiting this variation.
Researchers at OHSU have successfully performed stem transplants on monkeys, offering a critical tool to explore the Berlin patient's unexpected cure. The findings provide hope for improving stem cell transplant outcomes for human patients with blood-related conditions.
A special issue of PLOS Medicine presents groundbreaking research on HIV prevention, treatment, and cure. Studies reveal improved outcomes with combined interventions aimed at linking patients to care and retention, as well as substantial benefits for people with HIV.
Women involved in high-risk sex behaviors have more diverse vaginal bacterial microbiota, a lower abundance of protective Lactobacillus bacteria, and are at higher risk for STIs and HIV-1 acquisition. The study suggests that low diversity vaginal microbiota is associated with less risk of vaginal infections.
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 identify regulatory T cells containing replication-competent virus in lymph nodes and gut, providing a strong rationale for targeting CTLA4. The discovery could help design immunotherapies to purge the viral reservoir and induce a stronger antiviral immune response.
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.