Research programs working toward an HIV cure. Covers reservoir reduction, prevention policy, tumor-like tissue models, and vaccine development.
Researchers found that vaccinated monkeys infected with SIV develop high levels of neutralizing antibodies in their blood but are still susceptible to infection. The study's findings challenge the long-held assumption that a protective vaccine only needs moderate antibody levels to neutralize the virus.
A recent NYU study found that top high school students experience chronic stress due to academic, social, and personal pressures. The research highlights the need for schools and families to address these factors to prevent mental health problems and promote college engagement.
Researchers found that nearly 25% of female sex workers entered the sex trade before age 18, and six percent tested positive for HIV. Adolescents were more likely to experience violence, have multiple clients per day, and not use condoms, increasing their risk of infection.
A new $1.45-million program will enhance the training of scores of Ghanaian researchers in new research methods, grant writing, ethics, and clinical care for TB and HIV patients.
UC Davis researchers have identified a compound, PEP005, that activates latent HIV and increases activation by up to 15-fold when combined with JQ1. This breakthrough offers promising hope for an HIV cure. The study's findings suggest that PEP005 is already approved by the FDA and has great potential to advance into clinical studies.
The amfAR report identifies key indicators and recommendations for policymakers and community stakeholders to improve HIV prevention and care outcomes in states. The report urges states to target resources to key populations, remove barriers to access, and modernize laws related to HIV exposure.
A UTHealth researcher has been awarded a grant to analyze the genetic and social network aspects of HIV transmission clusters. The study, led by Dr. Kayo Fujimoto, will compare social clustering by venue to common viral strains of HIV infection.
Canada has eliminated mother-to-child HIV transmission by ensuring all pregnant women are screened for HIV and receive treatment. Regular combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is nearly 100% effective in preventing transmission when given during pregnancy.
HPTN 067 study finds that high-risk populations in Bangkok, Harlem, and South Africa can adhere to daily PrEP regimens with high levels of coverage and satisfaction. The study suggests that non-daily dosing regimens could be a cost-effective alternative for increasing accessibility to PrEP.
The RV144 HIV vaccine trial found that host genetics influenced the immune response, with specific HLA alleles modulating antibody responses. This discovery could inform the development of more effective next-generation vaccines.
Researchers discovered HIV exploits regulatory process between BST2 and ILT7 to limit antiviral response, allowing virus to spread and persist in long-lasting reservoirs. Blocking Vpu's action could prevent early viral expansion and dissemination, enabling pDCs to trigger effective antiviral responses.
Research reveals genetic differences in processing tenofovir among individuals, which could affect its effectiveness when used as a topical gel. Genetic variants identified in a study may lead to reduced activation of the drug, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.
A rollator improves walking distance and time for patients with COPD, while a draisine has detrimental effects. Researchers found that unaided walking resulted in the longest distance walked by COPD patients.
The article highlights lessons learned from monitoring complex HIV clinical trials in Africa over 15 years, including the use of on-site and central monitoring, local monitor teams, and standardized processes. The authors encourage global trial teams to publish their practical observations to improve best practices.
The ASPIRE Phase III trial tested the safety and effectiveness of a vaginal ring containing dapivirine for preventing HIV in women. The study found that women who used the ring experienced reduced risk of HIV infection, paving the way for potential long-acting protection against the disease.
A study from Botswana suggests that longer secondary schooling can significantly lower the risk of HIV infection, with women benefiting most. The researchers found that pupils who stayed in school for an extra year had an 8 percentage point lower risk of HIV infection about a decade later.
A study in Botswana found that each additional year of secondary school lowers the risk of HIV infection by 8 percentage points, particularly for women. The research suggests that secondary schooling could be a cost-effective way to reduce HIV transmission and has large benefits beyond HIV prevention.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has awarded six researchers $300,000 per year for five years to support innovative studies on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. The Avenir Award Program supports creative individuals who wish to pursue research approaches for improved prevention and treatment.
When safety-net agencies close, clients are often left 'lost in the system,' with delays in care and a loss of essential connections. Researchers recommend that agency leaders plan for sustainability and policymakers implement incremental changes to ensure vulnerable individuals can access necessary services.
A randomized trial of daily oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in men and transgender women who have sex with men found no link between Truvada use and depression. Half of participants reported clinically significant depression, highlighting the need for further research on PrEP's impact during vulnerable times.
Researchers have made significant progress toward developing an HIV vaccine by stimulating animals to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies. The studies, funded by NIAID, demonstrate techniques for producing antibodies that can stop HIV from infecting human cells or evolve into such antibodies.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute successfully test an experimental HIV vaccine candidate in mice, producing antibody precursors necessary to recognize and block HIV infection. The findings provide key information for the development of an effective AIDS vaccine.
Researchers used humanized mice to study the effects of cocaine on immune systems, finding that cocaine makes people more susceptible to HIV infection. The study suggests that cocaine blunts the body's defense against the virus and increases the pool of cells that can become infected.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles discovered two new locations in HIV's genetic code that affect the virus's ability to infect cells, influencing disease progression. The study found that slight genetic changes to the C2 region and bridging sheet of gp120 molecule can alter receptor usage.
Dr. Steven Douglas has made significant contributions to the understanding of HIV infection through his work on immune cells and mechanisms of infection. His research has led to the identification of potential targets for treating HIV, including a pathway involving substance P and a cell receptor.
Research suggests that gay and bisexual men in homophobic countries are less likely to know about HIV, use condoms, but face a higher potential risk of infection as technology increases access to sexual contact
A new study published in AIDS found that homophobia reduces the use of HIV prevention services and compromises health service quality among gay and bisexual men. Men living in homophobic countries are also at a heightened risk of disease, despite limited access to prevention services.
Virologists discovered that a small section of the envelope protein, located on its 'tail', is required for it to be sorted into viral particles. This finding could help researchers design more effective vaccines and target HIV with antiviral drugs.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have redesigned an antibody using a computer program, increasing its potency and ability to neutralize multiple strains of HIV. The study suggests that computer-redesigned antibodies may speed the search for an effective therapy or vaccine against HIV.
HIV reservoirs are persistent cells that harbor the virus, making it difficult to achieve a cure; current therapeutic strategies focus on eliminating or controlling the virus without daily ART.
A microclinic intervention significantly reduced disengagement from care by half and decreased stigma by 25% among rural Kenyan HIV patients. By mobilizing social networks, these clinics provided crucial support to patients, ultimately improving retention in care.
Two Boston University medical students, Joseph Park and Jacqueline Estevez, have been selected to conduct full-time biomedical research in the Medical Research Fellows Program. They will receive mentored research training from top biomedical scientists, focusing on Vibrio parahaemolyticus and cytokine profiles for liver cancer treatment.
The UNSW research provides new insight into hearing loss and improves cochlear implant functionality, enabling better sound localisation in noisy conditions and protecting against noise damage. The study's findings suggest a potential link to age-related hearing loss and aim to develop more accurate soundscapes.
Researchers from Penn Medicine and the Perelman School of Medicine will engineer T cells to be resistant to HIV-1 infection using a new gene therapy approach. The project aims to make more CD4 T cells resistant to the virus, re-invigorating the immune response.
A new approach to fighting HIV has been discovered by researchers at the University of Montreal, who identified a way to use a tiny molecule to 'open up' the virus and expose its vulnerable parts. This breakthrough could lead to the design of a vaccine to prevent transmission and potentially one day eradicate the virus.
A vaccine targeting the viral protein Tat shows promise in boosting an HIV-infected patient's immune system, increasing CD4+ T cell count and reducing latent virus DNA load. The results suggest a new treatment scenario to investigate intensified antiretroviral therapy with a vaccine.
The District of Columbia Center for AIDS Research brings together six institutions to combat the HIV epidemic in Washington D.C. Georgetown University Medical Center plays a key role, with its Women's Interagency HIV Study and clinical and population sciences core providing critical services.
Researchers found that people tend to seek information on HIV-related topics at the beginning of the week and engage in risky behaviors on weekends. Implementing interventions based on these patterns could lead to better outcomes, including improved ART adherence and increased testing.
The District of Columbia Center for AIDS Research (DC CFAR) will provide significant pilot award funding opportunities and mentorship through its Developmental Core, promoting scientific research in DC on HIV cure and prevention. With this grant, the DC CFAR joins ranks of leading research institutions as a full CFAR.
A six-year, $40 million trial aims to investigate the effectiveness of statin therapy in reducing HIV-associated cardiovascular risk. The REPRIEVE study is the largest clinical trial to focus on cardiovascular disease in HIV patients, targeting those with no known heart disease and low traditional risk factors.
A large-scale study of Ebola survivors found persistent health effects, including vision loss, hearing impairment, and cognitive decline. The study highlights the need for strategies to address the long-term health needs of survivors.
Researchers at Yale University found that men with HIV infection are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol than uninfected men. On average, HIV-infected individuals get a buzz from imbibing just a quarter less of a drink than others.
Researchers at University of Strathclyde develop miniature directional microphone to tackle sound localization challenges in hearing aids. The new design aims to improve the quality of support for those affected by hearing loss.
University at Buffalo researchers have discovered a way to easily and effectively fasten proteins to nanoparticles, showing promise for developing an HIV vaccine and targeting cancer cells. The new biotechnology uses modified proteins and nanoparticles made of natural pigments and metal, and has been tested with impressive results.
The NIH has launched a multicenter, international clinical trial to investigate the use of statins in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events among people with HIV. The trial aims to inform the best approach to preventing cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected individuals.
Researchers have been focusing on long-term solutions, but Levy argues that new approaches are needed to prevent infection and disease. He highlights six questions that deserve more attention, including the role of innate immune response, CD8+ T cells, and strategies for an HIV vaccine and cure.
A new NYU study examines prevalence and correlates of hashish use among US high school seniors, finding that males are more likely to use the potent form. The study also found that frequency of marijuana use increases risk for recent hashish use, with students who feel 'hooked' on marijuana nearly doubling their odds
A single infusion of the experimental 3BNC117 antibody significantly reduced HIV levels in infected individuals, with some remaining sensitive to the antibody for up to 28 days. The study's findings suggest that 3BNC117 is safe and potentially effective in controlling HIV levels.
Researchers found a potent antibody, 3BNC117, can dramatically reduce viral loads in HIV-infected individuals by catching the virus off guard. The treatment was well-tolerated and effective, with some individuals experiencing sustained reductions in viral loads.
Researchers at UCLA find that HIV infection accelerates age-related epigenetic changes, leading to accelerated onset of diseases like cancer and osteoporosis. The study suggests that HIV itself may accelerate these aging-related changes by more than 14 years.
A new study from NYU researchers dramatically improves ART adherence among minority individuals with HIV, reducing hospitalizations and mortality rates. The 'Heart to Heart' intervention targets emotional, social, and attitudinal barriers to ART initiation.
Researchers identified HIV replication in the brain as early as four months post-infection, with 20% of participants exhibiting central nervous system (CNS) replication. This finding highlights the importance of routine HIV testing and prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy to prevent neurocognitive impairment.
A recent NIH-funded study found that HIV can genetically evolve and replicate in the brain within four months of infection, with signs of inflammation or viral replication present in up to 30% of infected patients. The study suggests that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent potential brain damage.
A new study published in the journal AIDS found that for most children with HIV and low immune cell counts, cells rebound after treatment. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,700 children infected with HIV before or during birth and found that 86% of children achieved normal CD4+ counts within one year of treatment.
Researchers found that most people with HIV exercise at home, but not intensely enough. The study suggests designing a flexible plan to maximize health benefits of exercising.
Researchers in Tanzania and Zambia found that a low-cost intervention combining community support and screening for cryptococcal meningitis reduced HIV-related deaths by 28%. The trial suggests that this approach could close the gap in HIV deaths between Africa and wealthier regions.
A new NYU study found that males and black students are more likely to use synthetic marijuana, while frequent nightlife and other substance use increase the risk. The study also suggests that most non-marijuana users have never tried synthetic marijuana.
A new study maps distinct brain signatures for two types of extroverts: gregarious 'people-persons' and ambitious 'go-getters'. The research, published in Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Neuroscience, found overlapping yet distinct signatures in the anatomy of the brain.
Researchers confirm how viral reservoirs form in patients living with HIV and prove effective in animal trials at blocking pathways to those reservoirs in the brain and gut. Natalizumab, a humanized antibody, effectively blocks monocyte traffic, reversing lesions on the central nervous system.
The HVTN 100 trial aims to build on the RV144 results by testing a modified vaccine regimen with greater protection for southern Africa's predominant HIV subtype. The trial will enroll 252 HIV-uninfected adults and monitor safety and immune responses.