Articles tagged with Hiv Research
A new drug has shown promise in clearing HIV from the brain by targeting infected cells and reducing viral load. The treatment, BLZ945, successfully cleared the virus from brain tissue, providing a potential new avenue for HIV treatment.
Researchers at George Mason University's Center for Infectious Disease Research have made a breakthrough in finding a functional cure for HIV. Using an HIV-like virus particle called HIV Rev-dependent lentiviral vector, the team was able to reduce viral reservoirs and boost the immune system to produce antiviral neutralizing antibodies.
The PrEPVacc HIV vaccine trial found no significant reduction in HIV infections among participants. The study reported more infections in the vaccine arms compared to the placebo groups, but the results are inconclusive due to wide statistical confidence intervals.
An exploratory analysis associates current or previous use of antiretroviral drug abacavir with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in people with HIV. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, found no elevated MACE risk for other antiretroviral drugs included in the analysis.
Scientists have isolated two novel daphnane diterpenoids from Daphne pedunculata, exhibiting anti-HIV activity and contributing to the understanding of structure-activity relationships between daphnane diterpenoids and HIV inhibition. These findings hold promise for developing new HIV therapeutics.
Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a new antibody therapy using llama-derived nanobodies that can broadly neutralize numerous strains of HIV-1. The nanobodies mimic the recognition of the CD4 receptor, offering unprecedented neutralizing abilities and potential for single-molecule treatment.
A new lab test developed by Weill Cornell Medicine can detect persistent HIV strains in Africa, a vital tool in the search for an HIV cure. The test helps measure the persistence of HIV in people affected by viral strains found predominantly in Africa, where women are disproportionately affected.
Researchers have successfully stimulated animals' immune systems to induce rare precursor B cells that can produce HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies. The findings are an encouraging step in developing a preventive HIV vaccine, targeting the challenging task of genetically diverse HIV.
Researchers at Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard have developed a comprehensive platform for HIV vaccine research using the mRNA-LNP system. The platform has shown promising results in preclinically validating next-step boost immunogens and providing new insights into the basic biology of antibody responses.
The Kobe University study traced the HIV variant CRF01_AE to Thailand, where it emerged around 1977. The virus then spread through Southeast Asia and was introduced to Indonesia at least three times, with an Indonesian strain moving to Iran. Understanding these transmission trends is crucial for developing effective treatments.
A recent Indonesian study investigates the relationship between coping mechanisms and self-stigma among people living with HIV. The research found that most participants reported low coping strategies and high levels of self-stigma, revealing a moderate correlation.
Researchers have identified CAR-T cell therapy as a potential treatment for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, and type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Early studies have shown promising results in reducing disease activity and improving patients' quality of life, but long-term data on safety and efficacy is limited.
Researchers found that children born to mothers with HIV infection have an increased risk of immune abnormalities, impaired growth, and development. Infants exposed to HIV had a 41% higher mortality rate than those not exposed, with systemic inflammation being strongly associated with infant mortality.
A new study reveals that a specific RNA chemical modification, m6A, is crucial for HIV-1 virus replication and production. The research found that targeting this modification could lead to the development of new treatments for HIV infection.
A recent study has found increased coronary vessel wall thickness in asymptomatic individuals living with HIV, which is significantly associated with impaired diastolic function. The study also highlights the impact of HIV on developing subclinical coronary artery disease and its effects on heart function.
A study published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that normal levels of interferon-β are required for normal memory function, and its absence changes nerve cell components in a sex-dependent fashion. The research also showed that higher or lower than normal levels of interferon-β affect the brain in a sex-dependent manner.
Researchers develop a new method to efficiently capture and isolate HIV particles using nanofibrils and magnetic beads. This innovation improves the sensitivity of existing diagnostic tools, enabling better monitoring of viral infections and resistance.
Researchers have found an effective and affordable targeted treatment strategy for an HIV cure, using a virus-like particle that can 'shock and kill' latent HIV reservoirs. The study demonstrates the therapy is 100 times more effective than other candidate HIV cure therapeutics.
A new nanofluidic implant has been shown to deliver an HIV drug with increased potency compared to existing oral medications, providing a potential breakthrough in addressing treatment nonadherence. The device is intended for long-term controlled release and avoids repeated systemic treatment, which can lead to adverse side effects.
Researchers are evaluating two prototype placebo rings in a study to determine their safety and usability for women. The goal is to inform the final design of a dual-purpose ring that can prevent both HIV and unplanned pregnancy for a month at a time.
Researchers have identified a potential path to eliminate the viral reservoir that prevents people from being completely cured of HIV. A new drug candidate, called a proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) molecule, triggers the degradation of the Nef protein, which suppresses HIV replication and restores immune system detection. This ...
Researchers successfully demonstrate CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology to eliminate all traces of the HIV virus from infected cells in laboratory settings. The study aims to develop a robust and safe combinatorial regimen to target diverse HIV strains across various cellular contexts.
A study published in JAMA found that three months of social worker follow-up support improved HIV clinic attendance and antiretroviral therapy initiation, but did not reduce mortality after one year. The intervention, known as Daraja, was highly effective at addressing barriers to care such as stigma and lack of social support.
A Phase 2b pilot study found semaglutide reduced liver fat content in people with HIV, with 29% of participants experiencing complete resolution of MASLD. The treatment also led to weight loss and improved blood sugar levels.
A large clinical study conducted in South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe found that the dapivirine vaginal ring and daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis to be safe for HIV prevention among pregnant women. The study involved 248 pregnancies and showed no increased risk of stillbirth or miscarriage.
A large international clinical trial found that standard tools underestimate cardiovascular event risk in people with HIV, particularly in high-income regions and those with detectable viral loads. The study highlights the need for updated screening tools to provide precision care for the diverse population living with HIV.
A new study by the University of Washington found that condom use has been declining among younger gay and bisexual men, even when not taking PrEP. The study highlights the need for continued education about the benefits of using condoms during sex to reduce HIV transmission rates.
A new study has found that heavy alcohol use and illicit opioid use are linked to a higher risk of falls and fractures among people living with HIV. The study suggests the need for targeted clinical screening and interventions to prevent falls and related injuries, particularly among populations already at risk.
A new approach to fighting HIV has been developed using RNA, specifically small interfering RNAs (siRNA), which regulate gene expression in cells. This nanomedicine was shown to reduce HIV replication by 73% and is intended for vaginal application to prevent sexual transmission.
A recent study by Rutgers Health professor Stephanie Shiau and colleagues found that women with HIV experience accelerated DNA aging, linked to poorer physical function. The research highlights the unique challenges faced by women with HIV as they age, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have explored a new approach to combat HIV by enhancing Natural Killer cell function. The study found that providing healthy NK cells and an anti-HIV drug resulted in significant reductions in infection burden, offering a potential cure strategy.
A new clinical trial demonstrates a small reduction in the latent reservoir of HIV-infected cells using a combination of vorinostat and immunotherapy. While the results are promising, further research is needed to create more effective approaches to flush out the virus and attack it when it emerges from latency.
Two studies found people living with HIV in Catalonia have lower complete COVID-19 vaccination rates than those without HIV. However, they received more booster doses. Factors contributing to these disparities include previous SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, socioeconomic situation and migration status.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a critical structure on the HIV virus that plays a crucial role in its infection process. By understanding this structure's dynamics, scientists may be able to design broadly neutralizing antibodies for an AIDS vaccine.
A study by Texas Biomed researchers identified mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, and inguinal lymph nodes as the leading sources of HIV rebound infection. The findings have implications for potential new therapies targeting these tissues to prevent viral spread.
Three different HIV antibodies independently protected monkeys from acquiring SHIV, providing statistically significant protection and dose-dependent effect. The findings support the HIV fusion peptide as a promising preventive vaccine target.
Research finds that people with higher HIV viral loads have higher recombination rates, enabling the virus to diversify and evade the immune system. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how recombination drives HIV evolution.
A new study will analyze electronic health records to identify facilitators and barriers of successful pediatric-to-adult HIV care transitions among youth in South Carolina. The research aims to develop guidance to improve systems and protocols for vulnerable populations.
A new study suggests that stronger responses from immune cells called CD8+ T cells may be key to increasing HIV immunity. Future HIV vaccine candidates may benefit from additional doses or longer persistence in the body to further stimulate the immune system.
Researchers are shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying HIV replication and viral integration, opening new avenues for tackling the virus. Discoveries suggest that targeting the cell nucleus and harnessing innate immunity may be key to blocking viral replication and persistence.
A new study published in Nature Microbiology suggests that providing easy access to HIV treatment and care for heterosexual men could rapidly cut transmission to their female partners. Closing the viral suppression gap in men is estimated to halve rates of new infections among women and eliminate gender disparities.
A new HIV prevention study, PrEPVacc, has stopped further vaccinations due to little or no chance of demonstrating vaccine efficacy in preventing HIV acquisition. The trial, testing two different combinations of HIV vaccines and a new oral PrEP drug formulation, aims to find out if either can prevent HIV infection.
A study of over 50 babies with HIV found that starting antiretroviral therapy within hours of birth can safely suppress HIV in the blood to undetectable levels. The treatment regimen was shown to halt the formation of hard-to-treat viral reservoirs, potentially leading to ART-free remission.
Scientists identify a link between HIV's gp120 protein and chronic inflammation, leading to premature aging and comorbidities. A clinical trial aims to test the effect of Fostemsavir on reducing cardiovascular diseases and improving quality of life for women living with HIV.
A new study by Rutgers University found that Latino sexual minority men who experience racial and ethnic prejudice are more likely to delay HIV testing, complicating efforts to end the over 40-year epidemic. The researchers suggest that everyday discrimination may be a barrier to testing frequency.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that the COVID-19 pandemic slowed progress on reducing HIV blood levels and worsened outcomes for certain groups, particularly Black patients and people who inject illicit drugs. The study tracked data from 17,999 participants across eight large HIV clinics in the US.
Researchers found large reservoirs of proviruses with mutations that help them evade detection, leading to low levels of residual viremia in individuals with HIV. Altered gene expression patterns also contributed to dampened immune responses and increased survival of infected cells.
A study of over 2,300 patients found that HIV-1 neutralizing antibody response decreases over time but highly potent broadly neutralizing antibodies remain detectable. This finding suggests a possible permanent vaccine response and is an important step toward developing an effective HIV-1 vaccine.
Researchers created a blood-based test to detect both diseases, measure viral and bacterial loads, and track treatment progress. The test aims to improve patient outcomes by catching immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) earlier.
Researchers at UCLA and Charles Drew University are receiving NIH funding to tackle the HIV epidemic, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as youth, transgender individuals, and Black Americans. The projects will explore innovative implementation strategies to enhance community engagement and support high-quality services.
A UMass Amherst study explores gender differences in HIV-related stigma and social support among people living with HIV experiencing food insecurity in the Dominican Republic. Women described outright rejection, violence, and disempowerment, while men's experiences were more subtle.
A recent study found that integrated clinics can improve health outcomes and reduce costs for patients with multiple chronic conditions. The INTE-Africa study showed that retention rates were close to 90% and viral suppression rates remained unchanged, highlighting the benefits of integrating HIV and non-communicable disease care.
A large public health survey in rural South Africa found that approximately half of people living with HIV, diabetes or hypertension have unmet health needs. The study's novel framework quantifies met and unmet health needs for individuals living with infectious and non-communicable diseases.
A Phase 1 trial of a preventive HIV vaccine candidate has begun enrollment in the US and South Africa. The vaccine, VIR-1388, aims to instruct immune cells to recognize and respond to HIV.
Researchers found that a subset of HIV-infected cells produce viral RNA and proteins during anti-retroviral therapy, which may impact patients' immune responses. The study suggests that these non-functional viral pieces can stimulate an immune response, potentially leading to inflammation and negative consequences for treated individuals.
A Canadian research team has identified the locations of HIV reservoirs in the body, revealing that they are concentrated in the spleen and lymph nodes. The discovery provides a potential window of opportunity for targeting these reservoirs with future therapies.
Research from Boston Medical Center found that providing pragmatic support improved treatment outcomes for people with HIV who inject drugs in St. Petersburg, Russia. The odds of achieving viral load suppression at 12 months were 3 times higher for participants randomized to the intervention group.
Researchers found that Dectin-1 stimulation induced a unique immune signature in HIV-positive older adults, characterized by increased levels of IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-α. This signature may contribute to the pro-inflammatory environment associated with HIV and aging.
Researchers have discovered a blood cancer drug that can kill 'silent' HIV cells and delay reinfections. This breakthrough could lead to a future cure for the disease, which affects an estimated 39 million people worldwide.
A retrospective study of 28.3 million people in Brazil found that social determinants like poverty, education, and racism significantly increase the risk of contracting and succumbing to AIDS. Lower wealth and education levels were strongly associated with higher AIDS incidence and mortality rates.