Research programs working toward an HIV cure. Covers reservoir reduction, prevention policy, tumor-like tissue models, and vaccine development.
Researchers at Temple University Health System have successfully eliminated HIV-1 from the DNA of human T-cells using a specialized gene editing system. The technology not only removes the virus but also protects infected cells against reinfection, holding promise for an eventual cure for patients with HIV.
Researchers developed a new long-acting formulation of raltegravir for pre-exposure prophylaxis, showing significant protection against multiple strains of HIV in animal models. The study found that the injectable provided strong suppression of viral load and could potentially improve adherence to medication regimens.
A large clinical trial found that treating HIV patients at risk for tuberculosis with TB drugs does not save more lives. Simple TB screening and isoniazid preventive therapy were well-tolerated and resulted in similar survival rates compared to a four-drug TB treatment.
Researchers found that a family-focused package of services can significantly reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV in resource-limited areas. The study showed a 74% reduction in infant infections in the intervention group compared to the control group.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have demonstrated that HIV infects and replicates in macrophages, a discovery with significant implications for HIV cure research. The study found that macrophages can sustain HIV replication in the absence of T cells and can establish infection in new hosts.
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 research team has identified rare potent antibodies in an HIV-infected individual and determined sequential structures that point to how they developed. This finding will help guide researchers as they try to build an experimental vaccine that recreates the pathway that gives rise to these important broadly neutralizing antibodies.
A reduced glycerin formulation of tenofovir gel was found safe when used daily and around the time of sex for HIV prevention. Participants were as likely to follow through using the gel with sex as they were taking daily oral PrEP, demonstrating its potential as a rectal microbicide for people at risk of HIV from anal sex.
A Phase 2 trial found that maraviroc-containing regimens are as safe and well-tolerated as TDF and emtricitabine when used as PrEP to prevent HIV infection in high-risk men. Five participants became infected with HIV during the study, but their low drug levels suggested inconsistent use of PrEP.
A novel coordinated care program helped black men who have sex with men adhere to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication regimen that prevents HIV infection. Nearly 80% of participants agreed to take PrEP, and 70% had protective levels in their plasma at the midpoint.
A large clinical trial found that a vaginal ring releasing an experimental antiretroviral drug reduced the risk of HIV infection by 27% overall and 61% among women ages 25 and older. The study's results suggest age-related disparities in protection, with younger women showing less consistent use and lower protection.
Researchers developed a designer recombinase called Brec1 that can specifically remove the provirus from most primary HIV-1 isolates. The approach has shown promise as a potential new therapy for HIV, with antiviral effects without measurable cytotoxic or genotoxic side effects.
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.
A recent study by NYU researchers found that four out of ten nightclub/festival attendees who use ecstasy tested positive for 'bath salts', despite reporting no use. The study used hair sampling to detect novel psychoactive substances in ecstasy users, highlighting the need for education and awareness about the risks of adulterated drugs.
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 computer model suggests that cutting incarceration can decrease the number of sexual partners men and women have, thus reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. The study also found that harsher penalties may exacerbate this effect, highlighting the need for more open criminal justice systems.
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.
A study published in AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses found that 18% of overweight adults on ART became obese, and 22% of those with normal BMI became overweight. The study suggests a higher risk of additional health complications for HIV-infected individuals.
Scientists discovered that adenosine deaminase enhances anti-HIV-1 specific immune responses by reducing regulatory T-cell mediated suppression. The enzyme activation increases CD4+ responder T cells, CD8+ T cell proliferation, and T cell memory generation.
Researchers developed statistical methods to analyze HIV-infected infant data, showing early ART treatment preserves immune system function. The study suggests better treatment strategies can be initiated shortly after birth.
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.
Researchers review studies on PrEP and aspirin, finding similar low rates of serious side effects. PrEP works well to prevent HIV when taken daily, supporting efforts to make it available over-the-counter.
A mathematical model suggests that offering PrEP to high-risk men can prevent around 7400 new HIV infections, making it a crucial strategy for reversing the epidemic. Implementing a comprehensive prevention programme including yearly testing and immediate ART can maximize the impact of PrEP.
A randomized trial in Kenya found that discontinuing cotrimoxazole (CTX) prophylaxis increased the risk of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea, as well as non-trauma mortality events. The study supports the continued use of CTX prophylaxis regardless of CD4 cell count or HIV/AIDS clinical stage in settings with high malaria prevalence.
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.
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.
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.
New research on Serianthes nelsonii, a critically endangered tree species in Guam, highlights two critical factors limiting its survival: root diseases and insufficient light. The study's empirical approach sheds light on previously overlooked threats to the tree's health.
Studies reveal that long-term sex work may increase HIV-1 resistance through changes in the cervical and vaginal microenvironment. Women who remain uninfected despite repeated sexual activity exhibit lower immune activation, enhanced expression of interferon ε, and reduced expression of genes critical for HIV survival.
A recent NYU study found that nearly 25% of high school seniors who misused prescription opioids more than 40 times also used heroin. The study, published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, examined associations between nonmedical use of opioids and heroin among US high school seniors.
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.
Researchers found that healthy people are willing to pay for life-saving treatments due to fear of future illness, even if they don't have a disease. This 'hidden demand' could transform medical innovation and allocation of research funds.
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.
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 recent US study found that some adult smokers who quit within the last year used e-cigarettes as a quitting aid. The study analyzed data from the 2014 National Health Interview Survey and found that nearly half of daily cigarette smokers have ever tried e-cigarettes. Daily e-cigarette use was more common among adults over age 25 than...
Scientists have developed a novel combination treatment using IL-21 to repair the immune system in HIV-infected individuals. The study found that IL-21 reduced residual inflammation and improved the reconstitution of Th17 and Th22 cells, critical for intestinal immunity.
A new analysis of the iPrEx trial suggests that PrEP is effective in preventing HIV infection among transgender women. However, lower drug levels and reduced adherence rates are observed due to socio-cultural factors, emphasizing the need for tailored delivery models.
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.
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 new €23 million initiative, EAVI2020, accelerates the search for an effective HIV vaccine by uniting leading researchers from across Europe and beyond. The project aims to develop protective and therapeutic vaccines through collaborative efforts.
Refined estimates suggest nearly three million AIDS deaths by 2010, highlighting the need for accurate reporting to monitor HIV control efforts. The study found that 93% of AIDS deaths were misattributed to other causes, hindering progress in South Africa.
A new review outlines findings that hint at the types of immune responses a preventive HIV vaccine may need to induce, including production of antiviral antibodies and CD4+ T cell responses. Many RV144 vaccinees produced antibodies in the IgG family linked to protection against acquiring HIV.
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.
Researchers found that low-income Virginians with HIV who enrolled in Affordable Care Act healthcare plans had better virologic suppression rates (85.5%) compared to those receiving care under the state's AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) (78.7%). Patients enrolling earlier in ACA insurance also tended to have better health outcomes.
Researchers found that effective HIV therapy can lower the risk of HBV infection, and vaccination against HBV protects individuals from acquiring a new HBV infection regardless of HIV status. However, vaccination rates remain low among high-risk groups.
Researchers have discovered three immune system biomarkers - PD-1, Tim-3 and Lag-3 - that can predict when the HIV virus will rebound after treatment interruption. These biomarkers are associated with 'exhausted' T-cells prior to patients commencing ART.
A new approach using DNA nanomachines can detect specific antibodies in five minutes, enabling rapid and affordable point-of-care diagnostics for infectious diseases like HIV. This technology promises to reduce healthcare costs and treatment initiation delays.
University of Missouri researchers have discovered that Interferon Induced Transmembranes (IFITM) proteins can inhibit the transmission of HIV-1, the most common HIV strain. The study found that IFITM proteins specifically interact with the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein and block its maturation, reducing viral infectivity and transmission.
Researchers argue that single therapies are unlikely to achieve long-term HIV remission, and propose a data-driven approach to combination therapy trials. The proposed method involves parallel animal and human studies, with combinations selected based on in vitro and existing data, accelerating the research process.
A study published in mBio found that children with cerebral malaria have an accumulation of white blood cells and platelets in the brain, which is more severe in HIV-positive children. This discovery may lead to better treatment algorithms for CM.
The Healthy Young Men's Study aims to improve HIV care and prevention among Black, Latino, and multiracial gay and bisexual young men. The 5-year study will investigate the use of new technologies and biomedical interventions to prevent new HIV infections in highly impacted communities.
A team of researchers has identified ERManI as a key protein that prevents HIV-1 replication, providing a potential natural defense against the disease. The discovery could lead to the development of new antiretroviral treatments and promote HIV resistance by increasing ERManI levels.
Researchers Ivona Pandrea and Cristian Apetrei are investigating the relation between accelerated aging characteristics linked to HIV infection and non-AIDS comorbidities. They aim to develop treatments tackling these processes, aiming to improve quality of life for people on HIV medications.
A new study by NYU researchers found that 1.2% of individuals aged 13-34 reported use of a novel psychoactive substance, with males, whites, and older individuals being more likely to use these substances. The study also found high co-use rates with traditional drugs like LSD, cocaine, and ecstasy.
Researchers found a significant increase in HCV infections among HIV-positive MSM, with the rate of new infections tripling between 1991 and 2010. The study also identified risk factors, including unprotected anal sex and sex while high on non-injected drugs.
The Third Coast Center for AIDS Research aims to slow and stop HIV in young gay men, a demographic group experiencing rising infections at 5% annually. The center will unite HIV researchers from different disciplines and provide services through five cores.
Researchers found that infection with multiple founder HIV-1 variants results in significantly higher mean viral loads and poorer clinical outcomes. The study analyzed data from two large HIV vaccine efficacy trials and showed that the number of variants at the beginning of infection affects the setpoint for viral load.
Participants in an agricultural intervention showed improved HIV outcomes, including increased CD4 cell counts and viral suppression rates. The program addressed food insecurity, poverty, and empowerment, demonstrating a potential solution to combat the intertwined issues of HIV/AIDS and food insecurity.