Research programs working toward an HIV cure. Covers reservoir reduction, prevention policy, tumor-like tissue models, and vaccine development.
Adaptive clinical trial designs may accelerate HIV vaccine development by rapidly screening out poor candidates and evaluating promising ones. These designs can provide key information on the immunological basis for HIV prevention, helping to advance vaccines through clinical trials more quickly.
A new study published in The Lancet found that Illicit drug overdose deaths in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside dropped by 35 per cent after the establishment of Insite, North America's first supervised injection facility. The facility has been shown to save lives and reduce harms associated with illicit drug use.
A University of Minnesota scientist has been awarded a five-year, $10 million grant to study the human antiviral protein APOBEC3G and its potential to treat HIV and other viral diseases. By producing atomic resolution images of the protein, researchers hope to develop novel methods to alter it for therapeutic use.
Researchers found that intensive or family-based HIV prevention interventions may be needed to encourage juvenile offenders to use condoms and stop engaging in risky sexual behavior. Despite interventions, one-third of teens continue to have unprotected sex.
Researchers found that higher levels of HIV-1 in genital secretions are associated with a greater risk of transmission between opposite-sex couples, independent of blood levels. The study's findings offer insight into the biology of infection spread and suggest new strategies for prevention.
The National Centre for HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research has launched its new identity as the Kirby Institute, with a focus on broader work beyond HIV. The institute has received a $10m donation from The Atlantic Philanthropies to support new facilities and research.
Scientists have engineered a protein fragment that prevents the AIDS virus from entering cells, offering a potential breakthrough in treating and preventing HIV/AIDS infection. The discovery is based on a naturally occurring protein called RANTES, which was modified to remove harmful effects while maintaining its therapeutic properties.
A recent publication in the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology highlights the need to establish guidelines for studying HIV's entry point: the female genital tract. Research attention has shifted from blood to this area, but proper sampling methods and assays are crucial for accurate results.
A new oral HIV preventive drug regimen has shown promising results with a near 50% reduction in HIV incidence in high-risk individuals. However, more research is necessary to address ongoing monitoring of side effects, adherence and counseling needs, physician attitudes, and the effectiveness of intermittent dosing.
Researchers have developed new rectal-specific lubricants that can help protect against HIV and other STIs when used with condoms. These lubricants, which combine microbicidal properties with condom use, are currently being tested in clinical trials.
A Dartmouth HIV/AIDS study found that a protease inhibitor was working better than nevirapine among infants with no previous exposure to the popular anti-retroviral. The treatment could turn treatment 'on its head' in resource-limited countries, where cheaper alternatives are often preferred.
A new mouse model closely resembles the human body's reaction to early HIV infection, showing inflammatory responses, changes in brain cells, and neuronal loss. The study is a breakthrough in understanding how HIV affects brain functioning in its initial stages.
Researchers investigated the risks of starting antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients with TB, finding that early ART may not reduce AIDS risk for those with fewer than 250 CD4+ T cells. Microbicide studies showed promise with rectally applied tenofovir gel reducing HIV infection risk in men and women.
A University of Missouri project empowers women living with HIV to make changes by taking pictures and documenting their lives. The photos help identify social, mental, and physical challenges and possible solutions, enabling the women to resolve issues such as difficult housing situations.
Researchers have reformedulated tenofovir gel to make it safe and effective for rectal use, with laboratory tests showing reduced harm to the lining of the rectum and comparable HIV protection. The reformulated gel is now being tested in clinical trials to address concerns about comfort and side effects.
Researchers have discovered a genetic feature of early-transmitting HIV that enables it to bind tightly to CD4+ T cells through integrin alpha-4 beta-7. This binding enhances the ability of HIV to complete sexual transmission and establish infection in an individual.
Teenage girls and young women infected with HIV are more likely to get pregnant and experience pregnancy complications compared to their HIV-negative peers. The study found that behaviorally acquired HIV-infected teens were seven times more likely to have multiple pregnancies than those infected at birth.
The Scripps Research Institute team created a library of 50 synthetic compounds from natural Japanese-plant compounds, including one that shows great promise in inhibiting HIV replication and fighting inflammation. The compound has been identified as a promising lead for potential use as an HIV-fighting drug.
Researchers have gained insight into HIV's structure and how it infects healthy cells. The study provides key information to develop treatments that stop HIV from entering cells.
A new study by Stanford University School of Medicine researchers found that expanded HIV screening and treatment could prevent up to 212,000 new infections over the next 20 years. The strategy of one-time screening for low-risk individuals and annual screening for high-risk individuals is cost-effective.
Stephanie Willerth's research on HIV has significantly advanced understanding of the virus and its resistance to medications. Her study of over 15,000 different versions of the virus has led to the identification of specific genes resistant to drugs, paving the way for more effective treatments.
Global heterogeneity in HIV-1 strains affects properties like viral fitness and transmissibility. New forms will continue to emerge, necessitating updated prevention and control strategies.
Researchers found that certain mutations in the virus render it ineffective against drugs, but also impair its ability to kill immune cells. This discovery may lead to a new diagnostic tool and more effective treatments for HIV patients.
The iPrEx trial found that once-daily TDF/FTC significantly reduced HIV risk among participants receiving a comprehensive prevention package, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the drug regimen. The results support PrEP as a promising prevention intervention for gay men and other men who have sex with men.
A clinical trial known as iPrEx found that taking antiretroviral drugs daily can significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men. The study involved 2,499 participants and showed a nearly 44% lower rate of HIV infections in those taking the drug.
A multinational trial found that taking an antiretroviral tablet daily can prevent HIV in gay men, with a 43.8% reduction in new infections compared to a placebo. Regular adherence and monitoring are crucial for this strategy to work.
The Global iPrEx study found that daily use of the oral antiretroviral combination pill was 44% effective in reducing risk of HIV infection in men who have sex with men. Risk of HIV infection fell by 50.2% among participants who took the pill at least 50% of the days.
A strong link has been found between depression and risky sexual behaviors in South African youth, with depressed individuals more likely to engage in transactional sex and experience relationship violence. Researchers recommend routine screening for depression to reduce HIV risk in the region.
A new study finds that weekly SMS check-ins increase the likelihood of patients with HIV having undetectable viral loads, leading to better health outcomes and reduced transmission. The text-message support system showed a 12% increase in undetectable levels among participants.
Researchers will investigate the complex interactions between alcohol consumption and HIV, including brain and liver damage, adherence to antiretroviral medications, and safe sex practices. The goal is to determine whether individuals need to stop or reduce their drinking.
A consortium of researchers has designed an early phase safety trial to assess mosaic vaccines in humans. The trial aims to test the mosaic concept and potentially lead to the next generation of HIV vaccine candidates.
A new study found that single-dose nevirapine can hamper the drug's effectiveness if used later to treat HIV-infected women. The WHO has revised its guidelines to advise against using nevirapine in combination with other drugs, if treatment begins fewer than 12 months after exposure.
A new research method has provided unprecedented clarity on the behavior of the HIV protein Gag, which plays critical roles in the assembly of the human immunodeficiency virus. The study reveals new conformations of the protein and offers potential avenues for developing antiviral drugs.
A mobile outreach program staffed by current and former sex workers is associated with increased entry to detoxification and residential drug treatment among women in street-based sex work. The program provides a safe space for sex workers to rest and have access to health, support, and addiction treatment services.
A study published in Nature Medicine reveals a new strategy for protecting newborns against HIV by boosting their immune system. By educating part of the baby's immune system within the first few hours of birth, researchers hope to limit the levels of infection and extend lives.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have made two fundamental discoveries about broadly neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies, which effectively keep the virus at bay. They found that most antibodies bind to their target in a polyreactive manner, enhancing overall affinity by binding non-specifically to the virion.
A Phase I study has begun to evaluate a combination DNA prime/MVA vector boost vaccine regimen to protect against diverse subtypes of HIV-1. The study will enroll 92 participants and test two intramuscular delivery methods for the DNA prime, Biojector 2000 and CELLECTRA EP, to compare their effects on immune response.
Researchers will investigate biological mechanisms of broadly neutralizing antibody generation and its relevance to AIDS vaccine design. The U19 grant will support studies using samples from HIV-positive volunteers worldwide.
The NIH will fund a five-year research initiative to identify and treat HIV-positive inmates in the US prison system. The goal is to reduce HIV transmission and improve public health by linking those in incarceration to antiretroviral therapy and medical care.
A new study found that the effectiveness of anti-HIV drugs darunavir and ritonavir was similar between men and women. However, women dropped out of the trial at higher rates than men due to reasons other than drug failure. The study aims to improve retention of diverse populations in HIV treatment trials.
HIV-1 virus uses ATP to remove AZT, a widely used AIDS treatment, allowing it to replicate itself. This discovery helps researchers understand why anti-AIDS treatments can fail, enabling the development of more effective treatments for HIV patients.
A recent study by IRCM researchers revealed the crucial role of the Vpr protein in blocking cell division and triggering immune cell death during HIV infection. The findings suggest that targeting this process could lead to new potential therapeutic targets, providing a better understanding of HIV infection and AIDS.
Scientists have identified six critical amino acids in the TRIM5α protein that enable it to destroy HIV. Altering these amino acids in human cells renders TRIM5α ineffective against HIV-1 infection, highlighting a potential target for therapy development.
A cognitive-behavioral intervention to reduce substance use and sexual risk behavior among men who have sex with men was partially successful, but further research is needed to identify better methods. After one year, participants reported a 32% reduction in unprotected anal sex and similar reductions in other risk behaviors.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified two FDA-approved drugs, decitabine and gemcitabine, which, when combined, may be an effective treatment for HIV. The drug combination forces the virus to mutate itself to death, a phenomenon dubbed 'lethal mutagenesis.'
Researchers found HIV-1 virus alters in semen versus blood through two distinct mechanisms, affecting its replication and transmission.
Researchers found two mechanisms altering HIV-1 population in semen, including clonal amplification and compartmentalization. The study suggests the viral population in semen may be distinct from that in blood, affecting our understanding of transmission and selective pressures.
A new research approach targets infected cells to eliminate HIV, offering a potential cure. By inducing programmed cell death, the approach aims to reduce the viral load and prevent disease progression. If successful, this therapy could lead to an eradication of the virus.
A joint project of UCSF and KEMRI has received a 5-year grant to expand its care and support for people affected by HIV/AIDS in Kenya. The grant will allow the project to serve at least 80% of HIV patients needing care within its service areas.
A work group led by a Kaiser Permanente researcher developed and adopted 17 national measures to assess HIV care quality, including screening, prevention, and antiretroviral therapy. These measures have been endorsed by several organizations and are being pilot-tested to improve patient outcomes.
A recent study by The Wistar Institute found that the newly identified human adenovirus AdHu26 commonly infects people, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa, rendering it an unlikely candidate as a vaccine carrier. In contrast, chimpanzee adenoviruses demonstrate similar functionality and are considered superior for mass vaccination.
Carol Iversen received the 2010 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for her research on Enterobacter sakazakii taxonomy. Her work led to the creation of a new genus Cronobacter, which has improved detection and isolation of the bacteria.
A US-Mexico border program using a 35-minute behavioral intervention significantly reduced the incidence of HIV and STIs among female sex workers. The program, called Mujer Segura or Healthy Woman, was found to be cost-effective, with an estimated expense per intervention of less than $200.
A new method of attack against the AIDS virus has been developed using a prevention system that stiffens cell membranes, making them impenetrable to the virus. This research, published in Chemistry & Biology, provides a novel focus on regulating cell membrane fluidity and preventing viral fusion.
The Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Center for AIDS Research has received a five-year, $9 million NIH grant renewal to continue HIV-related research. The funding will support new initiatives on HIV and cancer links, faculty development, and international collaborations.
Researchers gathered for a workshop to review and debate the latest research on HIV reservoirs, with the goal of controlling or eradicating the virus. Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy, HIV remains hidden in certain cells, making lifelong treatment necessary.
A new study finds that hazardous alcohol consumption is linked to increased HIV infection rates in Southern and Eastern Africa. Venue-based interventions have been shown to be effective in changing individual behavior and social norms, but more research is needed to address the gender gap in these programs.
A study of microbicide gel shows reduced risk of HIV and herpes infections in women, with a 39% effective reduction in HIV risk and 51% effective prevention against genital herpes. The gel contains 1% tenofovir and has the potential to prevent over half a million new HIV infections in South Africa alone.
A recent study found that using a vaginal microbicide with an antiretroviral drug called tenofovir significantly reduced HIV infections among women. The study involved 889 women from South Africa and found that those who used the gel before and after sex had 39% fewer HIV infections compared to those who used a placebo gel.
A vaginal gel containing 1% tenofovir has been shown to significantly reduce a woman's risk of HIV infection and genital herpes. The study found that the gel was 39% effective in reducing HIV risk during vaginal intercourse, increasing to 54% for women using the gel in over 80% of their sex acts.