Researchers describe a novel mechanism of HIV-1 spread by dendritic cells, using a molecule called GM3 for attachment and spread. This unique contact between HIV-1 and dendritic cells may offer a new direction for anti-viral therapies, as drugs targeting this interaction could have the benefit of acting on the host.
Researchers found an increase in condom use among participants on longitudinal follow-up at six-month and 12-month intervals. Males, older patients, and HIV-positive patients were more likely to use condoms in their sexual encounters.
African-led initiative calls for increased research and advocacy on rectal microbicides to address the growing issue of unprotected anal intercourse in Africa, which is 10-20 times more likely to result in HIV infection than unprotected vaginal intercourse.
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A daily pill to prevent HIV infection is cost-effective for men at high risk of acquiring the virus, according to a Stanford University study. The researchers found that targeted use of the drug in this population could save $495 billion over 20 years compared to widespread use.
The conference presents promising results from anti-retroviral based microbicides and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with potential to end the AIDS epidemic. Key findings highlight the need for diverse approaches, adherence, risk perception, and delivery of PrEP options to high-risk populations.
A team of UCLA researchers demonstrates that genetically engineered human blood stem cells can form mature, multi-functional T cells that specifically target HIV-infected cells. This approach shows promise for suppressing the virus in living tissues in animal models.
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Researchers analyzed immune responses in RV144 trial participants and found that antibodies specific to the V1V2 region correlated with lower infection rates. Vaccine recipients with high levels of IgA envelope protein binding antibody had less protection from HIV than those with low levels.
A study analyzing blood samples from RV144 trial participants found that those with high levels of a certain antibody were less likely to get infected. Researchers believe this may indicate the need for a different type of immune response in an HIV vaccine, but further testing is needed.
Laboratory studies of the RV144 vaccine have found that antibodies specific to a particular region of the HIV outer coat correlate with lower infection rates among vaccinated individuals. In contrast, high levels of a different type of envelope binding antibody appear to offer less protection against HIV.
Researchers argue that incentives can encourage participants to engage in healthy behaviors when properly designed and evidence-based. The authors propose that Research Ethics Committees require an evidence-based rationale for predicting incentive effectiveness.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine argues that the use of cash incentives to promote healthy behaviors may not be as problematic as previously thought. The authors suggest that when incentives are used to encourage people to engage in activities they are already familiar with and likely to benefit from, ethical concerns may be m...
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A study found that only three out of 187 syringe exchange programs received federal funding, citing barriers to accessing funds due to local law enforcement requirements and guidelines. The researchers advocate for easier access to federal funding and call for legislative support to maximize public health benefit
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that female sex workers are nearly 14 times more likely to be infected with HIV compared to the general population. The analysis of 102 previous studies representing almost 100,000 female sex workers in 50 countries revealed a significant disparity in HIV prevalence a...
A two-year Duke University study found that over half of patients had experienced sexual or physical abuse in their lifetime, leading to worse medical outcomes and poorer health-related behaviors. Childhood trauma was also associated with instances of unprotected sex, missing antiretroviral medications, and recent emergency room visits.
SIV's natural hosts, non-human primates, display a unique immune response to the virus, characterized by low immune activation and efficient preservation of immune cells. This study suggests that understanding these adaptations could inform medical care for people living with HIV.
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A clinical trial shows that interferon-alpha can control HIV replication in patients who stop antiretroviral therapy, reducing integrated HIV DNA levels and decreasing reservoirs. The study provides hope for a functional cure and opens the way to further research on HIV eradication.
Scientists at Emory University and GeoVax Labs developed a vaccine that protected nonhuman primates against multiple SIV exposures over three years. The vaccine regimen included a DNA prime vaccine with GM-CSF, which enhanced immune responses and provided 70-84% overall protection.
Two NIH-funded studies demonstrate the benefits of immediate antiretroviral treatment for HIV-infected infants, showing improved survival rates and healthier brain development. The studies found that treating infants with ART within the first year of life significantly reduced the risk of death and disease progression.
A recent US study found that only about 75% of HIV/AIDS patients in the United States remain in consistent care, with long gaps between appointments common. Patients with certain characteristics, such as women, white patients, and those with low CD4 counts, are more likely to stay in care.
A Phase I clinical study has confirmed that a new rectal formulation of tenofovir gel is safe and well-tolerated when used daily for one week. The gel, designed to reduce glycerin levels, showed promise in preventing HIV transmission from anal sex, with high adherence rates among participants.
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A new research collection highlights the prevalence of improper condom use worldwide, citing common challenges in the US and globally. The study emphasizes the need for improved education and access to condoms to reduce unplanned pregnancies and STIs.
A researcher at Indiana University has discovered a compound that could counteract HIV's ability to hijack the immune system's protection mechanism. The compound, which binds to the CD59 protein, enables antibodies and complement proteins to attack infected cells instead of just viral particles.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which the immune system tries to halt HIV's spread, focusing on a protein called SAMHD1 that protects cells from viral hijacking. By understanding this mechanism, scientists may find new ways to stop or slow the virus' ability to infect.
A team of researchers has discovered how the protein SAMHD1 protects immune cells from HIV by starving the virus of necessary building blocks. This finding could lead to more effective anti-HIV drugs and new insights into other viral infections.
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Researchers analyzed data from an observational study to examine the relationship between HIV illness severity and psychiatric disorders. The study found limited evidence of associations between specific antiretroviral therapy and psychiatric symptoms, but noted associations with quality of life and cognitive functioning.
A Wayne State University researcher is working to promote HIV testing among African-Americans by expanding testing in county jails. Her team provides comprehensive HIV prevention services, including counseling and referrals for those who test positive.
Five Portuguese scientists have been awarded prestigious funding by the US-based HHMI for their innovative research projects. The awardees, who are based in Portugal, will receive $650,000 over five years to work on diverse areas of neuroscience and parasitology.
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New research aims to create algorithms mimicking human brain sound processing to enhance speech intelligibility in noisy situations. The goal is to develop a brain-inspired speech enhancer that can identify sound sources and reduce the stigma associated with hearing aids.
A recent study published in Nature shows that a novel combination of HIV vaccine candidates provides partial protection against Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) infection in rhesus monkeys. The optimal vaccine combinations also substantially reduced the amount of virus in the blood.
A groundbreaking clinical trial has demonstrated that antiretroviral drugs can provide both treatment and prevention for HIV, reducing transmission rates by up to 96%. The study found that treated individuals are significantly less likely to infect their partners.
The HPTN 052 study found that early treatment with antiretroviral therapy can reduce HIV transmission in couples by at least 96%. The research has been recognized as a scientific breakthrough of the year, inspiring efforts to end the world's AIDS epidemic.
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A study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers found a 74 percent greater risk of overdose among HIV-infected drug users, attributed to biological and behavioral factors. The study suggests that access to medication-assisted therapy, highly active antiretroviral therapy, and naloxone can help reduce this increased risk.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that Danish HIV patients with optimal treatment can live as long as the general population. The study, which has been tracking HIV patients for over 15 years, shows that patients are not as ill on diagnosis and have higher CD4 cell counts. This suggests that early treatment and better care may be con...
Researchers at Caltech have successfully delivered neutralizing antibodies to mice using Vectored ImmunoProphylaxis (VIP), a novel approach to HIV prevention. The treatment effectively protected the mice from HIV infection and produced high concentrations of broadly neutralizing antibodies that may translate to human protection.
A Scripps Florida scientist has received a $3.4 million grant to study a new compound that blocks HIV replication by targeting the viral protein Tat. The goal is to evaluate its therapeutic potential in animal models and optimize it for human clinical trials, potentially leading to a novel class of anti-viral drugs.
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The Vaginal and Oral Interventions to Control the Epidemic (VOICE) study found that daily use of an antiretroviral-containing oral tablet or vaginal gel was not effective in preventing HIV infection among women. The study will continue to examine the safety and effectiveness of oral Truvada as a preventive measure for women.
Mayo Clinic has been awarded a $1.25 million grant by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop online medical education in Ethiopia.
A topical gel containing an anti-HIV drug was found to be safe and effective in reducing HIV infection when applied to rectal tissue exposed to HIV. The study suggests a significant reduction in HIV transmission, particularly for receptive anal intercourse, which accounts for a major route of new infections.
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A Wayne State University researcher is conducting studies to understand the differences in marijuana use among three subgroups of HIV-positive patients. The goal is to address knowledge gaps and inform decision-making at a state level, potentially guiding treatment and policy.
A novel molecular mechanism discovered by Bruce Beutler and colleagues suggests that the body's molecular sensors may trigger autoimmune disease. The researchers' findings have important implications for understanding the initiation of both protective and inflammatory immune responses, as well as autoimmune diseases.
A team of Caltech biologists has developed a new, more potent HIV antibody that targets the virus's entry site. The antibody shows increased effectiveness against multiple subtypes of HIV, paving the way for potential clinical testing and improved vaccine development.
A new standard definition for loss-to-follow-up (LTFU) has been established for HIV antiretroviral therapy patients, using a 180-day clinic visit threshold. This definition was developed based on statistical analysis of data from 111 health facilities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
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Breakout Labs aims to accelerate revolutionary science by supporting independent scientists and early-stage companies with radical ideas. Funding is provided through a revolving fund, with successful projects contributing back to the program.
Starting HIV therapy two weeks after TB treatment increases survival by 33 percent, according to a recent study. The study suggests that immunosuppressed patients should be started on ART rapidly at two weeks after beginning TB therapy.
Researchers have discovered a highly effective antibody that can neutralize approximately 70% of globally circulating HIV strains by targeting the virus's envelope protein. The new findings suggest a promising target for AIDS vaccine development, with potential implications for broadening the protection against the fast-mutating virus.
Researchers have discovered two genetically distinct HIV types in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with HIV-associated dementia, which may predict disease progression and cognitive damage. The study found that one variant infects macrophages, a type of white blood cell, while the other reproduces in T cells.
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Researchers have found a rise in male breast cancer cases over the past two decades, despite low awareness. The study highlights the need for better information, treatment, and emotional support for men affected by the disease.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered how cell-penetrating peptides, such as the HIV TAT peptide, interact with cells to facilitate the transfer of molecular cargoes. The study reveals that these peptides can act like a Swiss Army Knife, interacting strongly with membranes and cytoskeletons to produce multiple pathways of translocation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have modified HIV to trigger an immune response, a major hurdle in vaccine development. The altered virus activates the adaptive immune system's response against HIV, negating its immunosuppressive properties.
Researchers found slower disease progression among patients starting treatment with CD4 counts between 350 and 499. The study suggests initiating therapy at this range may provide long-term benefits, but no benefit is seen for patients with CD4 counts above 500.
Researchers from Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health are part of a $10 million grant to examine the consequences of alcohol on HIV disease. The study aims to understand how alcohol affects HIV clinical manifestations and develop more effective treatments.
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Researchers will evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of a unique combination of HIV prevention strategies in Botswana, aiming to reduce infections by at least 50%. The study will analyze viral gene signatures and examine the effectiveness of targeting individuals with high viral loads.
Researchers at Imperial College London discovered that removing cholesterol from HIV's membrane prevents the virus from damaging the immune system. This finding could lead to the development of an effective HIV vaccine by boosting the adaptive response and weakening the innate immune system's overreaction.
A $37 million grant has been awarded to test a combination prevention strategy to prevent HIV in African countries. The PopART project aims to reduce new HIV infections through community-wide testing, medical circumcision, and immediate ART for those testing positive.
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Zachary A. Klase has been awarded the ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research on HIV-1 pathogenesis and RNA interference mechanisms in mammalian cells. His work focuses on understanding HIV transcription regulation, microRNA processing, and innate immune signaling.
Researchers create cats with intrinsic immunity to feline AIDS by inserting protective protein genes. The technique, called gamete-targeted lentiviral transgenesis, also makes the offspring glow green for tracking purposes.
The Einstein College of Medicine consortium aims to collect and analyze data on nearly 40,000 patients with antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Burundi, Cameroon, and Rwanda. The project will help improve the care and lives of residents by providing a robust database for researchers to examine the real-world practice and results of ART.
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Scientists are working on structure-based HIV vaccines and understanding the evolutionary processes of human B cells producing broadly neutralizing antibodies. New research tools and a better understanding of the human immune response offer optimism for developing an effective HIV vaccine.
A new University of Toronto study highlights the need for improved communication with high-risk communities about HIV vaccine trials. Researchers found that misinformation, distrust, and misunderstanding persist, affecting participants' willingness to participate.
Researchers have demonstrated a new HIV vaccine approach by designing an altered form of the virus's outer coating protein. This allows for better targeting of immature B cell receptors, leading to enhanced immune responses in animal models.