Research programs working toward an HIV cure. Covers reservoir reduction, prevention policy, tumor-like tissue models, and vaccine development.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has named leadership groups and clinical trials units to lead the restructuring of HIV/AIDS clinical trials networks. The new structure aims to increase collaboration, expand research scope to include co-infections, and create transparent mechanisms for idea solicitation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that HIV-infected women have a greater prevalence of noncalcified coronary artery plaques, which are more vulnerable to rupture. Immune system activation is also increased in these women, particularly with age.
Researchers used RIT to destroy HIV-infected cells in blood samples, reducing infection levels to undetectable. The treatment also showed effectiveness in targeting brain and central nervous system infections.
CONRAD and Eastern Virginia Medical School will receive $80 million in funding to develop new HIV prevention products, including microbicides and objective measures of adherence. The project aims to address the high risk of HIV infection among young women in South Africa.
A new aggressive HIV strain, A3/02, has been identified in West Africa and is associated with a shorter period of five years from infection to AIDS development. The study also highlights the increasing global spread of recombinant HIV forms, which can be more vigorous and aggressive than traditional strains.
A University of Missouri researcher found that photovoice empowered women living with HIV to realize their strengths despite struggles. The project allowed them to reflect on their experiences and appreciate the present, giving them hope and motivation.
A large-scale study found that government grants in South Africa significantly reduce the risk of sugar daddy relationships among teenage girls, which is a major cause of HIV infection. The study suggests that providing financial security to girls through child support grants can empower them to make safer choices.
Research by Case Western Reserve University found that younger individuals with HIV are more likely to experience social isolation and stress due to stigma and limited support networks. In contrast, older adults with HIV were found to have developed social connections and coping mechanisms that helped mitigate these effects.
Researchers found that HIV protein Tat alters synaptic connections between nerve cells, leading to neurocognitive impairment in infected patients. The changes appear to be a protective response resulting from the over-excitation of the network by Tat.
Researchers developed a first-of-its-kind microbicide gel formulation that delivers antiviral products to both the vagina and rectum, showing promise for HIV prevention. The DuoGel contains IQP-0528 and has been shown to prevent HIV-1 infection in vaginal and rectal tissues.
A U.S.-based analysis by University of Pittsburgh researchers suggests that bisexual men may not be responsible for significant HIV transmission to their female partners. The study found that bisexually behaving men were only 40% as likely to be infected with HIV as homosexually behaving men, primarily due to lower rates of unprotected...
A study found a disconnect between public health campaigns promoting STI testing and actual conversations between lovers, particularly among college-age individuals. Conversations about STIs can influence behavior and decision-making, but many participants reported limited discussions or no testing.
Key findings include the potential for affordable bridge therapy, a potential solution for those on ART developing aging-related diseases, and a possible clearing of the latent reservoir that could contribute to a cure. A vaccine is also being explored, with promising avenues including monoclonal broadly neutralizing antibodies.
A study found considerable gender, racial, and sexuality differences in attitudes toward bisexuality, with women, white people, and those identifying as lesbian or bisexual showing less bias. The research highlights the need for social marketing interventions to reduce stigma and improve HIV prevention rates within the bisexual community
Danish researchers have discovered how the body's immune system responds to HIV infection, identifying key proteins and mechanisms that can be targeted for improved treatments. The study's findings aim to enhance the immune system's ability to defend against uncontrolled virus growth.
Researchers have developed a detailed picture of the HIV envelope trimer, critical for understanding how HIV enters cells and creating potential vaccines. Atomic-resolution imaging revealed the structure of the Env trimer, its assembly, and interaction with broadly neutralizing antibodies.
A study found that early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-infected individuals with uninfected sexual partners can be a cost-effective strategy to prevent viral transmission. In South Africa, the treatment was projected to save money during the first five years, while in India, it was determined to be cost-effective o...
Research suggests that older children with HIV may need to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) earlier to achieve high CD4 counts in later life. The recommended CD4 count thresholds for ART initiation are unlikely to maximize immunological health in children who have never received ART before the age of 10 years.
Researchers found a 60-fold increase in dormant HIV proviruses, potentially making it harder to find a cure. The latent reservoir is thought to contain functional proviruses that can reactivate and resume infection if antiretroviral therapy is stopped or interrupted.
A new HIV vaccine has demonstrated partial protection against simian-human immunodeficiency virus in rhesus monkeys, with an 87-90% reduction in infection rate. The vaccine uses optimized antigens that mount antibody and cellular immune responses to diverse strains of the virus.
The V-SmartTM therapeutic delivered tenofovir at levels considerably above therapeutic concentrations, overcoming the challenge of delivering HIV drugs through the BBB. The successful outcome confirms the strong potential of the delivery system to treat neuro-HIV and improve lives of AIDS patients.
The McGill/MUHC research team developed an innovative oral self-test screening strategy and interactive website/app called HIVSmart to address the stigma associated with HIV testing. The award-winning strategy aims to improve access to care by allowing individuals to be tested in the privacy of their own homes.
Researchers will investigate links between substance abuse and HIV among Latino and African-American men who have sex with men. The MASCULINE study aims to determine how substance use affects HIV transmission and treatment outcomes.
A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that HIV-negative partners who know they are protected from HIV transmission do not engage in significantly more risky sexual behavior. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 participants and found no increase in unprotected sex, despite knowledge of protection.
The grant aims to investigate the effects of HIV-related changes on oral bacterial communities and their relationship to various oral infections in HIV disease. Researchers will explore how these changes affect conditions like oral candidiasis, periodontal disease, and cavities.
South Africa has made significant progress in reducing child mortality rates, mainly due to improved HIV/AIDS care. The country's under-five mortality rate has decreased by six to 10 percent per year since 2006, with the proportion of deaths due to AIDS falling from 39% to between 11 and 24%.
A Phase II clinical trial is underway to test the safety and acceptability of a reduced glycerin gel formulation of tenofovir in preventing HIV transmission through unprotected anal sex. The study aims to determine whether rectal microbicides can be used as an additional tool to reduce HIV risk.
The NIH has awarded $17 million to support genomics research in Africa, enhancing the continent's research capacity and training African genomic scientists. The new grants will study various health conditions important in Africa, including neurological disorders and respiratory diseases.
Researchers found that early diagnosis of HIV increases lifetime costs but improves length and quality of life. Activated B cells are identified as an early sign of AIDS-related lymphoma, while new circumcision devices need further development to increase circumcision rates in Africa.
Researchers will examine alcohol marketing and its role in early alcohol use among African youth acquiring HIV in Uganda. The project aims to develop communication messages and materials for a counter marketing campaign to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry have discovered a new way HIV-1 reproduces itself without integrating its genetic material into cell DNA, allowing the virus to persist in vivo and evade antiviral drugs. This finding may lead to the development of new treatments aimed at eliminating the virus from infected individuals.
Researchers discovered that levels of certain fats in cerebral spinal fluid can predict cognitive decline in HIV patients. The findings suggest that these fat markers reflect changes in brain metabolism, disrupting the 'garbage disposals' and leading to cognitive declines.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have developed an HIV/AIDS vaccine candidate that appears to completely clear the AIDS-causing virus from the body. The vaccine uses a modified form of cytomegalovirus to generate T-cells capable of targeting and eliminating infected cells.
A substudy found that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can be highly effective in preventing HIV infection with high adherence rates. Participants who received counseling and support showed 100% efficacy, while those who did not showed significantly lower rates of adherence.
The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme will receive £14 million over five years to continue its focus on infectious diseases and training local doctors. The program will also investigate the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases in Africa, including diabetes and chronic lung disease.
A UCLA study demonstrates that combining behavioral science with social media and online communities can lead to increased HIV testing and encouraged significant behavioral change among high-risk groups. The approach proved to be one of the best HIV-prevention methods on the Internet, with high retention rates and successful engagement.
Three NIH scientists, Drs. Warner Greene, Richard Sutton, and Timothy Cardozo, receive $500,000 each to support groundbreaking HIV/AIDS research. Their projects focus on modifying the immune response to prevent further CD4 T-cell loss, identifying protective genes against HIV infection, and developing a combined cocaine/HIV vaccine.
A new study found no link between distrust in medical research and willingness to participate in related studies, contrary to popular belief. African Americans and Mexican Americans were more likely to endorse HIV conspiracy beliefs but significantly more willing to volunteer for HIV vaccine research.
A study found that both web-based and print-based decision aids significantly improved prostate cancer knowledge and reduced decisional conflict among patients. The tools offered flexibility for patients and providers, with increased satisfaction reported among those using print decision aids up to 13 months after treatment.
Researchers at George Mason University have discovered that genistein, found in soybeans, can inhibit HIV infection by blocking cellular signals. The study's early findings suggest that genistein may be used as a complement treatment for HIV infection, potentially addressing drug toxicity issues.
A team of researchers has developed a strategy for inducing a key part of an effective immune response to HIV by tracing the evolution of HIV-recognizing molecules. The study suggests that a future vaccine against HIV could combine multiple biological components to give broad protection against the virus.
A University of Missouri researcher has developed an intervention to help adults with hearing impairments acclimate to hearing aids. The intervention aims to reduce the stigma associated with wearing hearing aids and increase their use among this population.
Researchers have discovered that a reduced daily dose of the antiretroviral medication efavirenz is both safe and effective in suppressing HIV. The findings could lead to lower treatment costs and increased access to life-saving therapy for millions worldwide.
A study published in Menopause found that women with HIV suffer from moderate to severe hot flashes, which significantly impact their daily functioning and overall well-being. The study also highlighted the potential risks of hot flashes on their health, HIV treatment, and ability to abstain from drugs and alcohol.
AIDSVu, a detailed publicly available view of HIV prevalence in the US, has released updated maps displaying 2010 data and recent national HIV prevalence data. The new maps highlight urban cores with higher HIV rates and show disparities among black and Hispanic/Latino Americans.
Researchers found that work provides emotional support and extra financial resources for women with HIV, enabling them to better self-manage daily tasks. The study also highlights the importance of job training programs and microenterprises in improving the lives of these women.
A new intervention program in rural India has shown significant improvements in HIV/AIDS patients' lives by training lay women as social health activists. The program improved therapy adherence, immune-cell counts, and nutrition levels among patients.
Baligh Yehia has received the 2013 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his pioneering work in HIV health services and quality research. He is recognized for his contributions to developing policies on healthcare reform, access to medical care, and performance measurement.
Research suggests that improved training in communication and interpersonal skills may help improve health, immune function, and reduce the spread of HIV. Patients who feel respected by their physicians are more likely to keep scheduled appointments and adhere to medical regimens.
A survey of adult South African men found that approximately one in 20 reported consensual sex with a man, while one in ten reported being sexually assaulted by another man. The study highlights the need for targeted HIV prevention messages and addressing male-on-male sexual violence.
A new study found that a daily oral dose of tenofovir significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection in people who inject drugs, with 17 participants infected out of 1204 on the drug versus 33 on placebo. Adherence to the treatment was key to its effectiveness.
Scientists have determined the precise chemical structure of the HIV capsid using a supercomputer on a 64 million-atom sample. The discovery has provided valuable insights into the development of new antiretroviral drugs that can suppress the HIV virus and stop AIDS progression.
Scientists have determined the precise chemical structure of the HIV capsid using a combination of laboratory techniques and computational simulations. The resulting structure revealed 216 protein hexagons and 12 protein pentagons, which work together to form the cone-shaped capsid.
Recent research at the University of Missouri discovered that listening to upbeat music can successfully try to be happier. Participants improved their moods after being instructed to attempt to do so, especially when listening to Copland's music, and reported higher levels of happiness over a two-week period.
The University of Rochester has been designated a Center for AIDS Research by the National Institutes of Health, with $7.5 million in new funding to advance HIV/AIDS research. The CFAR will focus on brain and aging effects, as well as RNA biology, with collaborations between departments.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to represent HIV-infected cell reproduction, revealing significant uncontrolled replication in sanctuary sites. The discovery implies current antiretroviral therapies may not be as complete in suppressing HIV as previously thought.
Researchers analyzed data from the RV144 HIV vaccine trial, which showed a 31% protection rate. They found that specific antibodies may interfere with the protective effects of other antibodies, reducing the vaccine's efficacy. This discovery can inform future vaccine development strategies to overcome these limitations.
Scientists analyzed patent medicines from the Henry Ford Museum collection to identify potentially toxic substances like arsenic, mercury and lead. The study found that some ingredients were actually healthy and mainstays in modern dietary supplements, while others posed significant health risks.
Researchers have identified a key player in the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV, paving the way for potential vaccine discovery. By studying the co-evolution of HIV and an individual's immune response, scientists can identify target proteins to include in vaccines.
Researchers have discovered that broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) can handle HIV's high mutation rate, offering a promising strategy for vaccine development. The study found that mutations in framework regions strengthened the antibodies' antiviral activity while conserving key structural features.