Research programs working toward an HIV cure. Covers reservoir reduction, prevention policy, tumor-like tissue models, and vaccine development.
A new molecule called eCD4-Ig has shown promise in controlling HIV without daily antiretroviral drugs. The molecule, developed by NIH-funded scientists, safely protected monkeys from infection with an HIV-like virus during a 40-week study period.
A new study found that fast-replicating HIV strains lead to more signs of acute inflammation and faster disease progression. The strain's replicative capacity affects immune system disruption and can inform vaccine development and eradication strategies.
A new electronic model developed by McMaster University researchers aims to revolutionize shared decision-making in doctor's offices. The SHARE-IT decision aids provide simple formats for patients to review medical information and evidence, promoting meaningful conversations between patients and doctors.
Researchers will investigate gut leakage in HIV patients, leading to systemic inflammation and organ damage. They aim to determine if gut repair improves overall health.
A team of researchers is exploring the blood of Ebola virus disease survivors to identify antibodies and immune cells that could help doctors fight future infections. The study aims to develop fully human antibodies targeting the Ebola viruses to guide the development of improved therapeutics and vaccines.
Research from the University of Minnesota found a significant connection between Craigslist's personals section and a 16 percent increase in reported HIV cases. The study suggests that online platforms can facilitate new social routes of HIV transmission, emphasizing the need for targeted efforts to reduce disease spread.
Researchers at Caltech develop antibody-based molecules that bind to and neutralize HIV more effectively than natural antibodies, offering a potential approach to engineer more effective HIV-fighting drugs. The breakthrough uses DNA as a molecular ruler to design novel molecules.
Prof. Amanda Fisher, a renowned cell biologist from Imperial College London, has been awarded the Helmholtz International Fellow Award for her outstanding contributions to gene regulation and HIV research. Her work focuses on epigenetic gene regulation and T lymphocyte development.
A new study finds that consumers are more interested in a new product when they visualize using it in the past, but less interested when visualizing in the future. This effect varies depending on how easy or difficult it is for consumers to visualize using the product.
Researchers developed an intervention to help individuals gradually increase their hearing-aid use and satisfaction. The study found that over half of participants increased their hearing-aid use from zero to four hours, and 60% reported being satisfied with their devices.
Long-acting cabotegravir injections have been shown to be highly protective against vaginal transmission of a virus similar to HIV in two studies involving female monkeys. The drug's potential to improve adherence and offer an additional option for HIV prevention has sparked hope among researchers.
Research reveals that HIV/AIDS patients in the southern US have significantly lower survival rates compared to other regions. The study found that 15% of people diagnosed with HIV and 27% of those diagnosed with AIDS died within five years of diagnosis.
Researchers are exploring innovative approaches to combat HIV latency, including shock-and-kill strategies and monoclonal antibody-based drugs. These novel therapies aim to eradicate latent viral reservoirs, a key challenge in achieving an HIV cure.
A meta-analysis of 12 studies found that women using Depo-Provera had a moderate 40% increased risk of acquiring HIV compared to non-hormonal methods. The study's findings have significant implications for women worldwide who use hormonal contraception.
A team of Yale and Johns Hopkins researchers identified a strategy to stimulate killer T cells to target and destroy infected cells harboring dormant viruses. The study suggests that directing CTL responses to unaltered pieces of virus may be the future direction for developing a therapeutic vaccine to clear HIV.
In a unique account, Timothy Ray Brown describes his experience as the first person cured of HIV through a stem cell transplant. He shares the details of the bold experiment that used a donor resistant to HIV infection. The 'Berlin patient' offers a rare glimpse into the human side of this groundbreaking treatment.
Byproducts from gum disease bacteria can reactivate dormant HIV in T-cells, leading to higher virus replication. This discovery highlights the significance of treating periodontal disease early for individuals with HIV infections.
Researchers conducted the first Ebola vaccine trial in Africa using an early-generation vaccine candidate, demonstrating safety and immunogenicity. The study found that the vaccines produced similar immune responses in African and US populations, providing proof of principle for a multivalent filovirus vaccine.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine propose that cell-associated HIV transmission is an important element contributing to the HIV epidemic, challenging traditional views on virus transmission. Genetic evidence suggests that HIV-infected cells populate genital secretions and breast milk, providing a new target for HIV ...
Researchers have found a combination of llama antibodies that can neutralize a wide range of circulating HIV viruses, offering a promising approach to developing an effective HIV vaccine. The study identified four broadly neutralizing antibodies induced by vaccination in llamas, which showed features similar to human antibodies.
A new study from UCLA found that combining social media with behavioral psychology increased HIV testing rates among men who have sex with men in Peru. The Harnessing Online Peer Education intervention was more effective than traditional care through social media, suggesting a valuable tool in the fight against HIV.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that home-based HIV testing and counseling services can achieve higher participation rates among rural Africans. The researchers compared two community approaches: home-based and mobile clinic-based services. They found that the home-based approach reached more first-time testers, particular...
A new technology, known as FISH investigation protocol, optimizes flow cytometry to reveal RNA transcription in cells. This breakthrough enables researchers to study the mechanisms causing diseases and establish drug efficacy.
A Penn Medicine study found that people with mental illness are more likely to have been tested for HIV than those without. The study also found that those with schizophrenia and bipolar disease had the highest rate of HIV testing.
Researchers create cellPACK software to explore viruses, bacteria, and human components in 3D, demonstrating its power by modeling HIV structure. The tool solves the challenge of visualizing mid-size structures, reducing model creation time from weeks to hours.
Research suggests that HIV's rapid evolution is slowing its ability to cause AIDS, while access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) enables infected individuals to progress more slowly. The study found that HIV adaptation to the immune system comes at a cost, making the virus less virulent.
A recent survey of symptomatic HIV-positive people in rural Mozambique found that those who initially consulted traditional healers had a 2.4 times longer delay between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis of HIV. The study highlights the need to engage traditional healers in HIV care and provide incentives for referrals.
Dr Marc Pellegrini has been awarded a $1.225 million fellowship to focus on progressing his research into chronic infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and tuberculosis. The grant will enable him to explore how microbes evade the immune system and apply these discoveries to eradicate these diseases.
A case study published in AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses suggests that HIV transmission via shared manicure instruments is possible. Genetic analysis indicates a common viral ancestor between two patients, supporting the theory of transmission through infected equipment.
Researchers found that macrophages, thought to be HIV's long-term hideout, are actually short-lived in primate model. The study suggests that therapeutic strategies targeting infected macrophages could facilitate viral elimination.
The study found that 33% of high school seniors support full legalization, while 28.5% believe it should be treated as a minor violation. High school seniors who identify as female, black or Hispanic, and reside in urban areas are more likely to favor liberal marijuana policies.
A sub-study of the VOICE trial found that despite reported high adherence rates, fewer than 30% of women used their assigned HIV prevention products regularly. Women cited fears about product side effects and negative attitudes from peers and community members as reasons for nonuse.
The VOICE trial found that regular use of tenofovir gel reduced the risk of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) acquisition by 46 percent. Women who used the gel regularly were 20.2 percent likely to acquire HSV-2 compared to 11.6 percent among those who didn
A new supplement in BJOG explores the potential of broad-spectrum prevention methods that can prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs, including HIV. The research highlights the need for funding to spur innovation and close gaps in development.
New research reveals the complete structure and movement of HIV spikes, shedding light on how the virus evades detection by the immune system. The findings suggest a ground-state, pre-fusion form of the spike should be targeted in an effective HIV vaccine.
Researchers from University of Southern Denmark have developed a new method that enables the fast and accurate identification of potential HIV drugs. By screening half a million compounds, they found 14 promising compounds that inhibit the virus's ability to reproduce. This breakthrough could significantly shorten the time it takes to...
A new study reconstructs the genetic history of HIV-1 group M and concludes that it originated in Kinshasa around 1920. The team's analysis suggests a 'perfect storm' of factors, including urban growth, transport links, and social changes, contributed to the emergence of HIV from Kinshasa and its spread across Africa and the world.
A new preclinical trial will begin to confirm the HIV vaccine candidate's excellent results, led by Dr. Ruth Ruprecht and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The study aims to provide mucosal protection and blood antibodies against infection.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens shows that an irradiation plus transplantation combination approach can treat or even possibly cure HIV/AIDS in nonhuman primates. The treatment eliminated most of the animals' CD4-T cells, allowing their own virus-free hematopoietic stem cells to regenerate blood and immune cells.
Researchers have discovered a surprisingly diverse family of antibodies that can broadly neutralize different strains of HIV, providing new options for vaccine design. The findings offer clues on how to elicit high levels of these antibodies in people.
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is partnering with the Population Council on a five-year USAID-funded project to conduct operational HIV research. The Supporting Operational AIDS Research (SOAR) project will produce high-quality evidence to guide HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs worldwide.
A new study by NYU's Center for Drug Use and HIV Research found that many drug users have concerns about genetic testing due to lack of confidentiality and disclosure. Despite these concerns, participants indicated they would be more positive towards genetic testing if it improved their medical care.
Researchers found that certain individuals with HIV are more tolerant of the virus than others, with factors including age and HLA-B gene variants playing a role. The study suggests that tolerance-based treatments could be an alternative to traditional resistance-based strategies.
Researchers find Puerto Rican people who inject drugs have higher HIV risk and prevalence than other Latino groups, with lower availability of prevention tools and treatment programs. The study recommends a coordinated, multi-region effort to address the disparity and bring an end to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
New research finds that South African patients with HIV have chances of remaining alive beyond 2 years on ART comparable to those of North American patients. After correcting for under-ascertainment of mortality, researchers found higher mortality rates in South Africa compared to Europe and North America.
Research published in The Lancet HIV reveals that polydrug use is common among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK, and is strongly linked to condomless sex. Condom use was markedly lower with increasing polydrug use.
A NYU study found that young adult non-medical prescription opioid users are at high risk for overdose due to their lack of knowledge about overdose awareness, avoidance, and response strategies. The study highlights the need for education about naloxone and overdose prevention services for this population.
Researchers developed a semi-soft vaginal suppository made from carrageenan to deliver the antiviral drug Tenofovir, reducing the spread of HIV and AIDS. The study found that women prefer this drug-delivery system due to its plant-based material, stability, and ease of use.
Historic HIV vaccine trials have triggered an antibody response that lasts for two years, according to researchers at Duke University Medical Center. This response may provide protection against HIV infection.
A new study found that desire for intimacy is a strong predictor of whether gay and bisexual men will adopt PrEP. Men in steady same-sex relationships with HIV-negative partners who value intimacy are more likely to take antiretroviral medications to prevent HIV.
A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that an individual's genotype correlates with their ability to develop immunity to HIV in response to vaccination. Researchers identified single nucleotide variations in genes involved in antibody production, which were associated with protection against HIV infection.
A study by NYU CDUHR researchers found that peer group dynamics play a significant role in facilitating the transition from oral and/or intranasal prescription opioid (PO) use to heroin injection. Nonmedical PO users are at high risk of acquiring HIV and/or HCV through injection and sexual risk behaviors associated with drug use.
The Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI) is a $130 million NIH-funded program that has increased enrollment and broadened curricula in sub-Saharan Africa. MEPI has also improved Internet access, skills labs, and research capacity development, with significant accomplishments reported from institutions across the region.
A new study reveals how a drug called KP1212 induces rapid mutation in HIV, which could help combat the residual virus in patients. The researchers believe that over time, this treatment could lead to the destruction of latent viruses, potentially curing HIV patients.
Researchers have found that an anti-cancer drug can activate hidden HIV in the body, increasing viral load and potentially allowing killer T-cells to destroy infected cells. The discovery could be a step towards developing a treatment for HIV by combining activation of the virus with a vaccine.
A study of over 3,000 Kenyan men found that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of acquiring HIV without leading to increased promiscuity or decreased condom use. Despite an initial increase in sexual activity, all other risky behaviors declined and condom use increased across both circumcised and uncircumcised groups.
Scientists have discovered that the HIV viral reservoir is established remarkably early after infection, posing new challenges for its eradication. The study found that the reservoir was seeded in tissues within days of infection, before detectable virus was present in the blood.
A new study by NYU researchers found that African Americans and Latinos with HIV/AIDS face significant barriers to care, including fear of stigma and distrust of the medical system. Peer-recruitment was found to be nearly twice as effective as in-clinic recruitment for locating and engaging this vulnerable population.
A study published in JAMA reveals that physicians have difficulty recognizing the presence or absence of early HIV infection through clinical exam alone. Routine HIV testing is crucial for early detection and treatment, which can greatly reduce mortality and transmission.
A new algorithm-based method uses EMR data to identify patients with newly diagnosed HIV infection, improving clinical outcomes. The method was validated and tested on patients undergoing HIV testing from 2006-2012.