Research programs working toward an HIV cure. Covers reservoir reduction, prevention policy, tumor-like tissue models, and vaccine development.
Researchers from Ragon Institute develop a computational method to analyze viral protein sequences, identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited for vaccine development. The approach uses spin glass models and fitness landscapes to predict the prevalence of mutant proteins, providing a new way to design effective HIV vaccines.
A new paper highlights how political conflict can lead to disrupted treatment, promoting resistance to antiretroviral drugs and treatment failure. The authors call for further research and planning to mitigate the effects of treatment interruption in strife-prone nations with high rates of HIV infection.
A new study suggests that current CDC guidelines for HIV screening are too restrictive, recommending less frequent testing for both high- and low-risk groups. More frequent screenings, up to every three months for high-risk individuals and every three years for low-risk groups, would be cost-effective in the long run.
A study published in AIDS journal reports that patients with undetectable viral loads and near-normal immune cell counts on antiretroviral therapy have similar mortality rates to the general population. However, those with lower CD4+ cell counts were at increased risk of death.
A multi-site study led by a Miriam Hospital researcher reveals that treatment-experienced HIV patients can safely achieve viral suppression without incorporating the traditional class of HIV medications into their treatment regimen. This new approach could change treatment guidelines, lessen side effects, and increase adherence rates.
A new study found that community-based HIV-prevention efforts can significantly increase testing rates and reduce new infections. The trial demonstrated a 14% reduction in new HIV infections compared to control communities.
A new report by researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine highlights significant confusion among health and social care professionals about criminal prosecutions for HIV transmission. The study recommends improving best practice, training, and online resources to reduce stigma and promote public health.
Researchers orally disseminated their HIV research findings to 477 participants, who enthusiastically received the information and identified new areas for investigation. The dissemination conference was funded by several organizations, including the National Institutes of Health.
The VOICE study found that daily dosing of tenofovir gel was not effective in reducing HIV acquisition due to low adherence rates. In contrast, coital dosing, where women use the product around the time of sex, showed a significant reduction in HIV infections and herpes genital infections.
The study demonstrates that community efforts can significantly increase HIV testing rates, especially among men and young individuals. The intervention communities showed a 45% higher rate of testing for men compared to control communities, leading to a 14% reduction in new HIV infections.
A two-year-old child was treated with antiretroviral drugs from birth and later showed no detectable levels of virus or disease symptoms without treatment. Researchers are exploring the possibility of replicating this outcome in clinical trials involving other HIV-exposed children.
A team of researchers describes the first case of a functional HIV cure in an infant, achieved through prompt antiviral therapy within 30 hours of birth. The infant remained virus-free for over a year without treatment.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified 25 human proteins that may be critical to HIV-1's ability to infect new cells. These proteins are found in viruses from two different types of infected cells, providing a potential target for diagnosis and treatment.
Research suggests a significant proportion of HIV positive patients are not disclosing their infection to NHS staff, potentially skewing estimates of undiagnosed HIV. This phenomenon may be linked to fear of judgment or stigma, highlighting the need for further study and education.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a natural protein called cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (CH25H) that can block the entry of HIV and other deadly viruses into cells. The protein, which is activated by interferon, produces an oxysterol that can permeate cell walls and inhibit viral growth.
Researchers led by Ken Williams are studying cell types that contribute to an HIV viral reservoir and developing new therapies to control the virus's debilitating effects. The team aims to target specific cells and cellular activity linked to conditions like dementia, cardiovascular disease, and nerve damage.
Researchers found that African American and Latino men who have sex with men voluntarily used health-related Facebook groups to discuss HIV knowledge, stigma, and prevention, leading to increased requests for home-based HIV tests. The study suggests social media can be a useful tool for collecting and analyzing data, saving money and i...
A recent study found that tenofovir gel achieves substantially higher concentrations of active drug in vaginal tissue than the oral tablet, suggesting it should be highly effective in protecting women against HIV transmitted through vaginal sex. However, this has not been borne out in HIV prevention trials to date.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that patient-directed problem-solving approaches improved HIV drug adherence, with patients taking nearly twice as many prescribed doses as those in standard care. This approach also led to a 50% improvement in viral suppression rates.
A UCLA-led study found that older adults' general mistrust of the government and AIDS-related conspiracy theories significantly impact their willingness to get tested for HIV. Despite venues offering free testing, 45% of participants had not taken an HIV test in the past year.
The African Partnership for Chronic Disease Research will collect detailed health and disease information from over 24,000 individuals across 10 countries. This will provide a unique framework for researchers in these countries and enable the development of long-term strategies for disease control and management.
Researchers have gained additional insights into an HIV vaccine that help explain its successes and failures, providing new options for vaccine designers to strengthen the drug. The study found that the vaccine-induced antibodies recognized virus-infected cells and flagged them for an attack by other immune cells.
Scientists tracked the origins of HIV and discovered potential genetic resistance in West African human populations. The study found overlaps between selection signatures and protective genes against HIV-1, which may have evolved to counteract the virus.
A new study suggests that maraviroc, an HIV treatment drug, could be effective in treating Staphylococcus aureus infections. The discovery was made through a serendipitous finding and further confirmed using mouse models, showing that blocking CCR5 receptor can help control the infection.
A Phase 2a trial is being conducted to assess the effectiveness of AZD5847, a new test drug for patients with tuberculosis, including those with HIV co-infection. The study aims to improve treatment options for TB, a leading infectious cause of death among people with HIV/AIDS.
Arturo Casadevall, Ekaterina Dadachova, and Joan Berman received funding to develop novel vaccines for tuberculosis (TB) and an innovative HIV treatment. They will use radioimmunotherapy (RIT) to target and destroy HIV-infected cells in the central nervous system.
Dr. Sean B. Rourke, head of the Neurobehavioural Research Unit at St. Michael's Hospital, has received $1.5 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to establish a community-based HIV/AIDS research centre across Canada.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a versatile platform to offer contraception and prevent HIV using electrically spun cloth with nanometer-sized fibers. The fabric can dissolve to release drugs, providing immediate or sustained protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Imtiaz A. Khan, a GW professor, is studying the effects of microsporidia on HIV patients using a $1.6 million federal grant. His project aims to regulate CD8+ T cells to prevent complications in immunocompromised individuals.
A new study at the University of Cincinnati uses computer-based simulation modeling to estimate the operational disruption and lost opportunity costs of introducing HIV testing into emergency departments. The research aims to provide valuable guidance for hospitals and policymakers on implementing HIV screening programs.
Researchers at Wits University and Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa have discovered a unique feature of HIV that enables infected people to create potent antibodies. These broadly neutralizing antibodies can kill up to 88% of HIV types, providing an important new approach for developing an AIDS vaccine.
A new study by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that high-dose micronutrient supplementation has no effect on HIV disease progression in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy. The study also showed that high doses of multivitamins increased the risk of liver problems and other serious conditions.
The University of Michigan has been awarded a $21 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to establish the Center for HIV RNA Studies, which aims to better understand the HIV virus on a molecular level. Researchers hope that this breakthrough could lead to innovative treatment approaches for AIDS and other diseases.
Research reveals that preferentially transmitted HIV strains in heterosexuals are often similar to the strain initially infecting the partner, indicating an evolutionary advantage. This finding may help advance HIV prevention efforts and develop an effective vaccine.
The Scripps Research Institute has received a $20 million grant to research HIV drug resistance and develop new anti-HIV treatments. The HIVE Center will investigate the structure and function of HIV, including how it responds to drugs used in AIDS therapy.
A team of researchers has identified a possible key to slowing the progression towards AIDS by uncovering an early immune response that targets a specific section of the HIV protein. This novel finding could lead to new insights into vaccine design and may provide hope for better treatment options for those living with HIV.
Researchers found that taking Truvada daily leads to a 99% reduction in HIV infection risk and that participants need to take the medication at least 4 days per week to achieve a 90% risk reduction. The study focused on men who have sex with men, as the findings may not be applicable to other populations.
A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine has reaffirmed the effectiveness of Truvada in preventing HIV transmission, finding that patients can reap benefits even with lower adherence to daily regimens. The research suggests that alternative dosing strategies could be explored to optimize efficacy and convenience.
Despite negative stereotypes, religious groups in Africa promote medical solutions and provide care for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Many congregations actively engage both faith and biomedical approaches to address the epidemic.
A new study found that the RV144 vaccine was effective in preventing certain HIV viruses, particularly those carrying specific genetic footprints. The vaccine's immune response targeted the Env-V2 region, leading to increased efficacy of up to 80 percent.
Researchers at OHSU's Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute studied the mechanism behind protection offered by slightly weakened monkey AIDS virus versions that were too risky for human use. The study reveals that anti-viral T cells in lymphoid tissue are responsible for this protection, which is lost when the virus is further weakened.
Between 2000-2008, the proportion of HIV-infected patients in the US receiving effective treatment increased from 54% to 83%, leading to reduced infectiousness and healthier immune systems. This trend was observed across all age groups, regardless of treatment adherence.
Mario Santiago has been awarded the ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his work on HIV research, particularly in understanding retroviral resistance genes and their mechanisms of action. His research has contributed significantly to the development of new approaches to HIV vaccine development.
Chittaranjan Kole, a Clemson University scientist, has received the Outstanding Crop Scientist Award from the International Crop Science Society for his lifetime and original contributions to crop science. He is recognized for developing crop varieties for functional foods and dietary supplements to combat chronic ailments.
A three-year grant will investigate how people trust and rely on automation in various daily contexts. The research aims to understand why some types of automation are trusted and used while others are not, particularly for an aging population.
African American couples affected by HIV will benefit from a new intervention program, Eban, which aims to reduce HIV transmission and promote healthier living. The program's effectiveness was previously tested in a four-city study with 535 serodiscordant couples.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that black gay men are 15 times more likely to have HIV than their counterparts. Social inequalities play a major role, with stigma, poverty, and inadequate healthcare access contributing to the disparities.
A landmark HIV treatment-as-prevention study has found that providing antiretroviral treatment to HIV-infected individuals earlier, when their immune systems are healthier, delays AIDS-related health events such as chronic herpes simplex virus and tuberculosis. Earlier treatment is also cost-effective as it increases survival, prevents...
A new analysis of the HPTN 052 study results shows that early antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a triple winner: improving patient health, protecting partners, and being very cost-effective. The strategy can increase survival, prevent costly opportunistic infections, and avert early transmissions.
Researchers have discovered a new strategy to directly attack and eradicate latent HIV infection using the deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat. The study showed that vorinostat was able to unmask hidden virus in patients receiving treatment for HIV, increasing active HIV levels by an average of 4.5-fold.
A dual-vaccine model addressing heroin abuse and HIV could treat addiction while preventing infection, says NIDA. The proposal combines hapten-based vaccines for a potent adjuvant formulation, inducing high-titer antibodies to heroin.
A large clinical trial testing a vaginal ring containing dapivirine, a potent antiretroviral drug, is underway in Africa to evaluate its safety and effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission among women. The trial aims to enroll 3,500 women across several African countries.
A recent HPTN study found significantly higher rates of new HIV infections among young black gay and bisexual men in the US compared to white MSM. The study's findings highlight the need for urgent action to stem the spread of HIV among this population.
A study conducted in India found that non-disclosure of HIV serostatus to sex partners is a significant issue among female sex workers and their clients, with rates ranging from 17-86%. The study suggests that improving basic HIV knowledge, reducing alcohol consumption, and increasing awareness about partner status can help increase di...
A new study reveals disturbingly high HIV infection rates among young black gay and bisexual men in the US, with a 2.8% annual rate of new infections nearly 50% higher than among white MSM. The study also found that poverty and untreated sexually transmitted infections were associated with HIV infection in this population.
Three scientists, Drs. David Smith, Samuel Friedman and Jeremy Luban, will study how to prevent transmission among the newly infected and identify genetic influences in disease progression. Their research aims to develop novel systems for mapping patterns of new HIV infections and preventing stigmatization.
Dr. Warner C. Greene and global AIDS experts release a locally affordable version of the world's leading AIDS medical textbook, designed specifically for resource-poor regions. The textbook features up-to-date clinical information on HIV/AIDS, including managing and treating the disease in resource-poor settings.
Black gay couples tend to practice safe sex and discuss their safety habits, while white gay couples are more likely to discuss risks but less likely to use condoms. The study suggests that being in a relationship isn't a risk factor for black men, but rather other factors need to be explored.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a natural compound, Cortistatin A, that effectively reduces HIV replication by 99.7 percent in infected cells. The compound works by inhibiting the viral protein Tat, making it a promising potential treatment for the ongoing pandemic.
Researchers will explore ways to induce protective IgA human antibodies by vaccines to prevent HIV-1 infection, and produce recombinant IgAs to be tested as therapies.