Research programs working toward an HIV cure. Covers reservoir reduction, prevention policy, tumor-like tissue models, and vaccine development.
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.
Access to UK sexual health clinics has worsened over the past few years, with women being less likely to receive appointments. Clinics in England show the sharpest decline, falling below recommended standards of offering 98% of patients an appointment within 48 hours.
Scientists at TSRI have developed a method to analyze the glycan shield on HIV's protective outer glycoprotein, enabling the creation of a 'fingerprint' to identify potential vaccine targets. The new method saves time and has revealed that the glycoprotein does not have as many holes as previously predicted.
Researchers at Portland State University have found that only half of a virus's genes are necessary for infection, highlighting the resilience of these pathogens. The study's findings also shed light on the molecular basis of survivability under extreme conditions and potential origins of life.
A new study by Monell Center researchers found that older U.S. women with poor olfactory function tend to have fewer social connections and a poorer social life score. The study suggests that maintaining a vital social life can help improve mental and physical health in older adults.
A lab study identifies mutations in hepatitis C virus that evade the natural immune system and vaccines, highlighting a major barrier to vaccine development. Researchers found that these mutations occur outside of traditional vaccine targets and confer resistance to commonly used antibodies.
The NIDA grant will support two studies examining the mechanisms linking HIV syndemic factors, including emotion regulation, executive attention, and attentional bias. The findings aim to advance syndemic research and inform the development of interventions to reduce the burden of HIV among gay and bisexual men.
Unemployment significantly impacts female HIV cases among those aged 15-24 in developing nations. Young women turn to transactional sex for security and economic stability.
A University of Liverpool-led trial has successfully used nanotechnology to improve drug therapies for HIV patients, achieving a 50% dose reduction while maintaining therapeutic exposure. The trial's results have the potential to revolutionize HIV treatment, making it safer, more affordable and accessible to resource-limited countries.
In less than a year, researchers have developed multiple vaccine platforms providing robust protection against Zika virus challenge in animal models. However, safety considerations and unique challenges associated with the virus must be addressed in clinical development.
Scientists discovered that fibroblasts, a type of connective tissue cell, increase HIV infection in immune cells through trans-infection and make them more prone to infection. Epithelial cells, on the other hand, secrete high levels of antiviral proteins that inhibit infection.
A new study has identified a window of opportunity for potent HIV-specific CD8+ T cells to kill HIV-producing cells and reduce the seeding of the HIV reservoir. Fully differentiated HIV-specific CD8+ T cells, detected at peak viremia, correlate with decreased viral load and reduced HIV reservoir size.
A Brown University team proposes a new framework to evaluate the implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in clinical practice, identifying critical elements where patients may drop out of preventive care. The proposed nine-step process aims to improve access to PrEP and patient retention in care.
A small study of nine AIDS patients treated with traditional Chinese herbal medicine for over a decade resulted in undetectable or low viral loads, sparking potential interest in TCM as a functional cure. The findings suggest that these observations warrant further exploration by the HIV research community.
A study found that educating religious leaders about the benefits of male circumcision led to a significant increase in circumcision rates in Tanzania. The intervention is believed to have worked by empowering religious leaders to discuss circumcision with their congregations, and may be an effective way to promote other healthy behavi...
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the causes of accelerated aging in HIV-infected individuals. Studies suggest that statins may be effective in reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health. The findings aim to shed light on the negative health consequences of HIV, including premature aging.
Research suggests that people infected with HIV may be more susceptible to developing diabetes, with a prevalence nearly 4% higher than the general public. Despite obesity being a key risk factor, the study found that HIV positive adults are at heightened risk of diabetes at younger ages and in its absence.
Researchers found that treating subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy can reduce pregnancy loss, especially for those with higher TSH levels. However, treated women were more likely to experience preterm delivery and gestational diabetes.
Researchers identified a molecular signaling pathway that promotes sensory neuron growth and prevents or reverses peripheral neuropathy in cell and rodent models of type 1 and 2 diabetes, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and HIV. Anti-muscarinic drugs already approved for other conditions may offer new treatment options.
A new HIV antibody, 10-1074, has been successfully tested on humans, demonstrating high antiviral activity and favourable pharmacokinetic properties. The trial also investigated the development of resistant HIV variants, providing valuable insights into the potential treatment approach.
Researchers found that women with pro-inflammatory bacterial species were at a 4-fold higher risk of acquiring HIV than those with healthy vaginal bacteria. The study suggests specific genital bacteria can increase HIV risk by making it easier for the virus to find a foothold.
A new study from UCLA suggests modifying federal health guidelines to use a risk calculator that takes into account more factors, potentially increasing effectiveness of PrEP in preventing HIV transmission. The calculator uses real-world data and is expected to be useful for gay and bisexual men who have sex with men.
Researchers found that temporarily blocking type I interferon can restore immune function and speed up viral suppression in HIV-infected mice. This approach may help eradicate HIV throughout the body when combined with antiretroviral therapy.
A study conducted by New York University researchers found that individuals with substance use disorders face significant challenges transitioning from long-term residential treatment to the community. Common barriers include unmet basic needs, strained relationships, and lack of support networks.
A recent study found significant increases in past-year alcohol use, binge drinking, and alcohol use disorders among older adults, particularly women. The researchers highlight the need for healthcare providers to screen for unhealthy alcohol use in this population.
Researchers found that peer-referral strategies outperformed traditional methods in detecting undiagnosed HIV among high-risk heterosexuals. The study suggests a new approach for identifying and treating undiagnosed HIV cases in the US, with potential to reduce transmission rates.
A new study aims to explore the challenges faced by teenagers at high risk for HIV who are required to obtain parental permission to participate in prevention trials. The research will examine parents' views on consent and teens' willingness to engage their parents in the process.
A cross-sectional study found that HIV-positive patients with chronic pain did not experience significant functional interference, maintaining high activity levels. This contradicts previous assumptions and highlights the complex relationship between HIV-related pain and physical activity.
The HVTN 702 study is the largest and most advanced HIV vaccine clinical trial in South Africa, testing a new experimental vaccine regimen. The study aims to enroll 5,400 men and women and provide greater protection against HIV infection than previous vaccines.
Researchers at Centre for Genomic Regulation develop new technology to detect latent HIV, shedding light on expression landscape of the virus in human genome. The technology shows that different HIV reactivation drugs target different locations within chromosome, leading to more selective treatment.
A new approach to an HIV vaccine has been developed by combining a common cold virus with a DNA-based vaccine, resulting in specific immune responses in mice. The vaccine targets the Tat protein that helps the virus replicate, preventing infection and replication.
Researchers developed genetically engineered T cells armed with a fusion inhibitor to disrupt HIV's entry process. The C34 peptide was shown to be potent and effective against diverse HIV strains, including those resistant to existing drugs.
George Washington University researchers received a $2.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to investigate the role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in cancer development. They plan to use a novel computational pathway program, Telescope, to pinpoint HERV expression in various cancers.
Scientists from the National Institutes of Health identified an antibody, named N6, that potently neutralized 98 percent of HIV isolates tested. The researchers also tracked the evolution of N6 to understand how it developed its ability to neutralize nearly all HIV strains, which will inform vaccine design.
A Drexel University study shows that accounting for stigmatizing behaviors and substance use reduces the racial disparity in HIV risk between black and white men. Key findings reveal higher rates of HIV prevalence among black non-MSM and white MSM engaging in risky behavior, particularly amphetamine use.
Researchers found that a therapeutic vaccine and immune stimulator combination improved virologic control and delayed viral rebound in non-human primates infected with SIV. The study showed promise for achieving long-term viral suppression without antiretroviral therapy.
Researchers developed a vaccine combining with an innate immune stimulant to target dormant HIV cells. The combination showed reduced viral loads and delayed rebound in animal trials, offering hope for ART-free, long-term viral suppression.
Immunotherapy has shown modest control of HIV and identified pre-existing drug resistance as an important barrier to antibody-based treatments. The study used broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies, but suppression did not surpass 8 weeks in most participants.
Antibodies from Ebola survivors can strongly neutralize the virus and protect mice from a lethal challenge. The study found these protective antibodies using a new technology called Immune Repertoire Capture°0niversity.
A new study proves that Gaétan Dugas was one of many thousands infected in the years before HIV was recognized. The term 'Patient Zero' was created inadvertently in the earliest years of investigating AIDS, and Dugas's global defamation is attributed to this mistake.
Using a high-throughput cell-editing platform, researchers have successfully mutated genes in human immune cells to make them resistant to HIV infection. The new system enables the rapid testing of gene mutations that confer resistance, which could potentially accelerate the quest for an HIV cure.
Researchers developed a novel water dispersible nanotherapy for paediatric HIV patients, removing the need for high ethanol concentrations. The new approach has the potential to overcome challenges with current antiretroviral therapy, including administration of high doses and urgent need for better formulations.
Participants were highly adherent to using the gel before and after sex (93%) as they were to taking daily oral Truvada (94%). The study found that most participants used the gel 80% of the time or more, suggesting a potential alternative for HIV prevention.
Scientists at Binghamton University are developing a high-performance sensor to improve hearing aids, addressing limitations in microphone technology and noise understanding. The research aims to create more sensitive MEMS microphones for improved sound detection.
A large HIV prevention trial found that women experiencing intimate partner violence were less likely to use a vaginal ring, with improved adherence after disclosure. Counseling and support can help these women adhere to the ring, improving their protection against HIV.
Researchers found no differences in HIV drug resistance between women using dapivirine and placebo rings in the ASPIRE trial. The dapivirine ring was safe and helped protect against HIV, with an overall risk reduction of 27%.
The experimental vaginal ring had little effect on sexual intercourse, with most women reporting no interference. However, some women experienced diminished pleasure due to worry about their partner noticing the ring, and those facing intimate partner violence or social harms were more likely to have low adherence.
Researchers will examine the intersection of alcohol use and comorbidities in people living with HIV, including tuberculosis, cardiovascular disease, and falls. The five-year grants aim to improve health outcomes for alcohol-using individuals living with HIV.
Scientists describe a multi-step method to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies in genetically engineered mice, which can recognize multiple HIV mutations. This approach offers a starting point for developing an HIV vaccine that could prevent infection or cure the systemic illness.
Researchers developed a technology to generate mouse models quickly testing and tweaking potential HIV vaccines. The goal is to create broadly neutralizing antibodies able to fight any mutant HIV strain, which would be the 'holy grail' of AIDS vaccines.
Researchers describe a potential vaccination strategy to jump-start the selection and evolution of broadly effective antibodies against HIV. They plan to test this approach in an upcoming human clinical trial, promising progress toward a human vaccine.
Researchers have developed a new approach to creating human vaccines against HIV using Kymouse, a genetically modified mouse that mimics human antibody responses. The study found that Kymouse can produce antibodies of the type needed for protection, suggesting ways to improve immunization regimes.
A new metric called the Relative Citation Ratio (RCR) allows researchers to evaluate article influence regardless of publication or field. RCR is benchmarked to a peer comparison group, providing a more accurate measure of an article's impact.
A single HIV mutation was found to induce two different outcomes in T cell adaptation, revealing a complex co-evolution between the virus and human immune cells. This finding has significant implications for the development of T cell-mediated AIDS vaccines.
Researchers discovered that some monkeys with depleted immune systems still had a second line of defense against tuberculosis, targeting CD8 and B cells. This finding could lead to more effective vaccines for TB, which affects people co-infected with HIV.
A study by Stanford University researchers found that physicians provide inconsistent and varied advice on e-cigarettes to patients. The study analyzed over 500 online interactions between doctors and patients discussing e-cigarettes and identified significant knowledge gaps in the medical community.
Scientists developed a reductionist approach to HIV vaccine design by engineering broadly neutralizing antibodies with minimized rare features. The resulting antibodies retained their specificity for HIV while exhibiting excellent neutralization breadth, offering promising leads for HIV vaccine development.
Researchers found that nearly a third of HIV's immune target sites were 'pre-adapted' to the newly-infected partner, suggesting vaccine designers focus on conserved viral proteins. The study builds upon previous research using computer models and emphasizes the importance of finding this balance in vaccine development.
A recent study found that a UB-developed smartphone app can improve antiretroviral therapy adherence among people living with HIV. Participants reported high compliance with daily report completion, citing the app's ease of use and text reminders as key factors.
Despite limited safety data, investigators face significant challenges to conducting HIV research in pregnant women, including complex ethical and legal concerns. To address these gaps, Dr. Anne Lyerly is leading the PHASES Project to develop guidance for ethically advancing HIV research in pregnant women.