Research programs working toward an HIV cure. Covers reservoir reduction, prevention policy, tumor-like tissue models, and vaccine development.
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.
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.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has awarded UCLA a $5 million grant to create a resource center for researchers studying the effects of substance abuse on HIV/AIDS. The Collaborating Consortium of Cohorts Producing NIDA Opportunities will connect researchers with access to millions of pieces of research data and lab samples.
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.
A new synthetic molecule, SUW133, has been designed to reactivate dormant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in mice and lead to cell death. In a study published in PLOS Pathogens, researchers found that up to 25% of latently infected cells died within 24 hours after treatment.
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.
A Yale-developed videogame improved sexual health knowledge and attitudes among minority youth, while also reducing risky behavior and STI transmission rates. The game, PlayForward: Elm City Stories, was designed with teen input and showed sustained positive changes in attitudes and knowledge over a year.
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.
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.
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.
The Joint West Africa Research Group (JWARG) has begun a study to identify cases of suspected severe infectious diseases in West Africa. The study will enroll adult volunteers who present as severely ill with a suspected infectious source, and collect samples for laboratory analysis.
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.
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.
Scientists from Queen Mary University of London created an AI that uses internet searches to source and process associated words and images for a novel mind reading card trick. The computer assists in designing the trick by uncovering suggestions and acting as an aid to prompt further creativity.
Researchers developed algorithms that pinpoint individuals most likely to influence peers to get tested for HIV status, resulting in a 70% reach compared to current methods. The AI-powered approach encouraged testing, with 37% of peers getting tested when selected by HEALER and 25% by DOSIM.
Researchers will analyze adaptive immune responses of infants with different HIV exposure in utero, comparing those exposed to low and high levels of HIV infection. The goal is to understand the mechanism of increased susceptibility to infections and develop strategies for improving infant health.
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.
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 study published in mBio found a ten-fold increase in certain bacteria under the foreskin can increase HIV risk, suggesting that penile microbiome may be a previously unrecognized risk factor. The researchers also suggest that this risk factor may be sexually transmissible and could lead to novel ways to protect against HIV infection.
A University of Oklahoma professor finds that well-designed visual aids are beneficial for diverse people facing complex decisions, including physicians and patients. The study shows that visual aids increase the likelihood of deliberation and lead to more enduring changes in attitudes and behavioral intentions.
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 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.
The Francis Crick Institute has launched a fellowship programme to train African researchers to combat infectious diseases in their home countries. The programme, called the Crick African Network, will provide two years of intensive training and mentorship to foster the next generation of research leaders in Africa.
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.
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 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 at NIH have discovered that HIV uses a protein on the cell surface to invade cells. By blocking this step, they found it prevents HIV genetic material from entering cells. The study could lead to the development of new drugs to prevent HIV infection by targeting the transfer of phosphatidylserine.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that epigenetic changes cause T cell exhaustion, leading to failed immunotherapies against cancers and viruses like HIV. Treating T cells with decitabine reversed exhaustion, enabling improved treatment efficacy.
A new study has shown that boosting volunteers with an additional dose of AIDSVAX B/E vaccine 6-8 years after their initial vaccination resulted in higher humoral and CD4+ T-cell responses. This increased immune response suggests a potential for improved protection against HIV infection.
City College of New York scientists discover a rapid method to produce new molecules inhibiting the HIV virus, focusing on modifying nucleosides and their impact on biological activity. The research yields diverse compounds that can be tested for structural effects against the virus.
A study by H. Fisher Raymond found that MSM with known HIV infection who know their viral status tend to reduce sexual risk behaviors. The results suggest a link between undetectable viral load and safer sex practices, but more research is needed to confirm this association.
The NIH-funded Einstein-Rockefeller-CUNY Center for AIDS Research aims to prevent HIV transmission and develop a cure. The center will focus on behavioral science, clinical translation, biomarker discovery, and HIV vaccine development to improve population health outcomes.
A Duke-led research team developed an investigational vaccine that added three more targets to the original RV144 human vaccine candidate. The resulting pentavalent vaccine protected over half of the vaccinated animals from simian-human immunodeficiency virus infection, demonstrating improved protection compared to the original regimen.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have identified key mutations that allow HIV to escape a broadly neutralizing antibody. The study's findings could inform the development of more effective vaccines against this notoriously difficult-to-target virus.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that immune cells latently infected with HIV can proliferate and replenish the virus reservoir, which is resistant to antiretroviral drug therapy. The proliferation of these reservoir cells poses a significant challenge to developing a cure for HIV.
The special section aims to facilitate consumer-driven advancements in wearable virtual system applications, including automotive, industrial, and military vision systems. Papers describe various approaches and technologies to address challenges such as latency, acuity, field-of-view, fashion, and donning/doffing.
A new study published in Prevention Science found that Charlie Sheen's HIV-positive disclosure on November 17, 2015, corresponded with record levels of HIV testing, including a near-doubling in at-home rapid test sales. The study also suggests that public health leaders should consider embracing big media data for decision-making.
A special issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases focuses on HIV eradication, exploring scientific thinking behind cure strategies. Researchers from UNC and other institutions discuss challenges and priorities in key areas of HIV cure research.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that mothers with early HIV infection and high CD4+ counts who continued antiretroviral therapy (ART) after delivery experienced fewer adverse outcomes. However, challenges with long-term ART adherence were observed.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that inhibiting SMYD2 enzyme can reactivate latent HIV, offering a potential therapeutic target for the 'shock and kill' approach. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for eliminating HIV latency and developing more effective treatments.
The Microbicide Trials Network (MTN) starts a Phase I study to test a vaginal ring containing dapivirine and levonorgestrel, aiming to provide protection against HIV and unintended pregnancy. The trial aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the dual-purpose ring.
Early findings from PopART, a clinical trial evaluating universal HIV testing and treatment, show increases in HIV awareness and ART coverage. However, challenges persist in reaching men and younger adults with HIV, highlighting the need for optimized resource allocation to accelerate progress against the global HIV epidemic.
A University of Surrey-led study has developed a model to provide vital insight into controlling CMV infection, particularly in transplant patients and HIV/AIDS sufferers. The research identified four unique patterns of response and created a sophisticated mathematical model to predict therapy duration needed for viral clearance.
Research found that defective HIV proviruses can produce viral proteins, reducing the effective immune response and interfering with HIV cure. This discovery highlights a previously unknown obstacle in HIV treatment and may lead to new courses of therapy.
Researchers found that defective forms of HIV create proteins recognized by cytotoxic T cells, which can distract the immune system from functional viruses. This discovery could help develop a vaccine to boost immunity against HIV.
A global clinical trial will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, cabotegravir, compared to a daily oral pill, Truvada. The study aims to improve adherence and efficacy in high-risk men who have sex with men and transgender women.
Professor Michael Farzan of Scripps Research Institute has received a $4.8 million grant to bring an HIV vaccine closer to human clinical trials. The project aims to develop an 'off switch' that halts production of antibodies and makes the vaccine safe for long-term exposure.
Researchers at TSRI have found a way to tether HIV-fighting antibodies to immune cells, creating a cell population resistant to the virus. This technique could potentially cure HIV by quickly replacing diseased cells.
Research highlights the importance of understanding inmate relationships, particularly in non-marital partnerships, to prevent HIV-related sex risk. The study found that relationship satisfaction was a strong correlate of protection against non-monogamy and STI/HIV risk.
Case Western Reserve University researchers aim to combat chronic inflammation by targeting oral complications in HIV patients, which can lead to malnourishment and further weaken the immune system. The team will investigate regulatory T-cells and study tissues from HIV-positive patients taking common antiretroviral drugs.
A new study projects that a culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program promoting alcohol abstinence among HIV-infected residents in Kenya could save $628,000 over five years. The program uses trained paraprofessionals with limited training to deliver the intervention, which boosts alcohol abstinence rates to 69 percent.