Research programs working toward an HIV cure. Covers reservoir reduction, prevention policy, tumor-like tissue models, and vaccine development.
Researchers have created a new onsite method to quickly diagnose tuberculosis, reducing diagnosis time from weeks to days. The test uses bacteriophages with green fluorescence protein to detect the deadly drug-resistant strains that can mingle undetected with treatable TB strains.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a diverse team of antibodies in slow-progressing HIV patients whose coordinated pack hunting knocks down the virus. These natural antibodies, produced by six people infected with HIV, show limited neutralizing ability when alone but become effective when combined.
Scientists have developed a new technology to isolate dozens of HIV-specific antibodies from a single individual, allowing for the first time to study natural antibody-mediated HIV neutralization. This breakthrough may prove important in understanding how effective HIV-neutralizing antibodies arise during infection.
Researchers at Rutgers University have made significant progress in developing an HIV vaccine by identifying a crucial part of the virus that is common to most varieties. They created a method to immunize animals with this target, resulting in antibodies that can stop a diverse set of HIV isolates.
The UCSF Center of Excellence for Transgender HIV Prevention has received a grant to expand access to culturally competent health care information and resources. This will improve the quality of medical care received by transpeople in California and around the nation.
A clinical trial involving over 3,000 women found a vaginal microbicide gel to be 30% effective in preventing HIV infection in women. The study, known as HPTN 035, demonstrated promise for an HIV prevention method that women can initiate.
UCSF researchers found that hair samples can accurately predict treatment success in HIV patients by analyzing antiretroviral drug levels. This method may become a new standard in HIV clinical care, allowing for the monitoring of pill-taking and treatment response.
The International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care has submitted recommendations to the Obama administration, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to strengthen US HIV/AIDS programs and global health initiatives. The organization advocates for scaling up HIV prevention activities in developing countries and promoting evi...
Researchers have successfully infected pig-tailed macaques with a human version of HIV, creating an animal model for studying prevention methods. The new strain, simian-tropic HIV-1 (stHIV-1), can spread almost as quickly as in humans and persists for several months.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from over 2,800 HIV-infected patients to identify 14 'escape mutations' that help the virus survive. These mutations allow the virus to evade the immune system's destruction, making it challenging to develop effective AIDS vaccines.
MIT Sensory Communication Group researchers create tactile devices that translate sound waves into skin vibrations, improving communication for deaf people relying on lip reading. The devices could be integrated into smartphones, providing a cost-effective alternative to cochlear implants.
The UCSF-GIVI CFAR's mentoring program uses innovative strategies like 'trans' mentoring to support early-career investigators. The program aims to retain and optimize productivity of these researchers, addressing concerns about lack of access to funding and support for clinician scientists.
A new study found that gene therapy can be developed as a potentially effective treatment for HIV, reducing viral load and preserving the immune system. The technique involves delivering genes to cells to prevent viral replication, with promising results in a clinical trial involving 74 HIV-positive adults.
A five-year Canadian study led by Dr. Cécile Tremblay aims to develop new strategies to fight AIDS in individuals who naturally control their HIV infection progression. The study will analyze factors predicting favourable outcomes and identify drivers of HIV diversity.
The Ragon Institute aims to unlock the mysteries of the immune system to find new ways of preventing and curing human disease. Its initial focus will be on identifying effective immune responses in HIV-infected individuals and designing strategies to induce those responses.
A study found that hospitals in states where Medicaid does not cover routine male circumcision are half as likely to perform the procedure, leading to increased risk of HIV infection among lower-income children. The study also highlights disparities in healthcare services for Hispanic communities.
Martin Delaney, founder of Project Inform, received the NIAID Director's Special Recognition Award for his efforts on behalf of HIV-infected people. He played a key role in expanding access to life-saving antiretroviral medications.
A variant of the protein Nef has been identified as a potential target for HIV treatment, with the goal of suppressing its production to prevent AIDS progression. Researchers believe that a drug affecting Nef could provide protection against the virus and complement existing therapies.
Scientists have identified a critical element in HIV pathogenesis: the translational control of HIV-1 RNA in the cytoplasm. A Sam68 mutant suppresses Nef expression by sequestering nef mRNA, offering a new strategy for developing anti-HIV therapeutics.
A study published in Blood journal reveals that individuals with rare blood type Pk are more resistant to HIV infection, while those without it are more susceptible. This discovery paves the way for new therapeutic approaches to induce HIV resistance and promote further understanding of the pandemic.
Researchers have identified broad-spectrum aptamers that can treat many subtypes of HIV-1 by inhibiting reverse transciptase. These synthetic molecules can reduce viral infectivity and block the normal action of RT enzyme.
Researchers successfully blocked PD-1, boosting anti-viral killer cells and antibody response, reducing plasma viral load and prolonging survival of SIV-infected rhesus macaque monkeys. The therapy showed improved function of T cells in the blood and gut, increasing antibody production against SIV.
A UCSF study found that maternal cells enter the fetus during pregnancy, inducing regulatory T cells that enforce a state of tolerance between the fetus and mother. This discovery defines a previously-unrecognized pathway for human tolerance development.
The African AIDS Vaccine Programme (AAVP) is a network of African HIV vaccine stakeholders working towards an AIDS-free continent. The programme, established in 2000, supports and represents diverse communities involved in HIV vaccine research and development.
Researchers found a retrovirus in the DNA of a gray mouse lemur, suggesting lentiviruses may have coevolved with primates for millions of years. This discovery could lead to new insights into why non-human primates don't get AIDS and potential treatments for humans.
Three studies show that becoming circumcised reduces a man's chances of acquiring HIV from an infected woman by approximately half. The Male Circumcision Consortium will work to expand voluntary male circumcision services in Kenya and other African countries, with the goal of saving millions of lives.
A survey of researchers found that many engaged in self-censorship after public debate about NIH grant funding, removing politically sensitive language and stopping certain topics. The study also showed that some researchers strengthened their commitment to complete their research despite controversy.
A landmark clinical trial of an HIV vaccine candidate found no protection against infection, despite generating a strong immune response. The study, sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc. and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, analyzed the effects of the vaccine on study participants' immune responses and viral load.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that the MRKAd5 HIV-1 gag/pol/nef vaccine failed to provide any protection against HIV infection. However, immune responses mounted by T-cell-based vaccines alone may not be sufficient to protect against HIV infection or disease.
Researchers have found a way to 'rescue' immune cells that are exhausted from fighting off HIV infection using the molecule Tim-3, which is present at high levels on poorly functional immune system cells. Blocking the activity of Tim-3 improved cell function and allowed them to rejoin the battle against HIV.
Researchers at UCLA discovered a chemical called TAT2 that can prevent or slow telomere shortening in immune cells, potentially making it a key weapon in the fight against HIV. The study found that TAT2 treatment prolonged the ability of killer T-cells to divide and inhibited HIV production.
A new study reveals how an HIV vaccine may have enhanced infection rates by tethering the vaccine to immune cells, facilitating entry and activation of T cells. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing HIV infection.
Researchers found a 71% higher risk of death for patients who deferred treatment compared to those who started HAART earlier. The study's findings suggest that initiating therapy at an earlier stage of HIV disease may improve patient outcomes.
A new study found a correlation between anti-HIV immune response and sexual activity in treatment-suppressed HIV patients. Individuals with regular unprotected receptive anal intercourse showed stronger anti-HIV immune responses.
Researchers have identified the evolutionary origin of two genes, MDA-5 and RIG-I, which trigger the body's immune response to viral infections. These genes induce type I interferons, providing a unique mechanism for protection against viral infection.
Researchers found strong associations between markers of inflammation and coagulation and increased risk of death from non-AIDS diseases. Biomarkers IL-6 and D-dimer levels were unchanged in patients receiving continuous ART treatment, suggesting a link to intermittent ART.
A meta-analysis of 15 studies found no association between circumcision and lower risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men. Circumcision may be beneficial in preventing other STIs, but its effectiveness is unclear for HIV prevention.
Researchers found that family interventions, including parental supervision and open communication, significantly reduced risky sexual behaviors among teens with mental health issues. Family involvement also showed promise in reducing HIV risk among juvenile offenders.
Researchers at Salk Institute and Burnham Institute for Medical Research have identified 295 human host cell factors involved in HIV infection. This study may lead to the development of novel therapies aimed at disrupting human-HIV interactions and preventing viral replication.
Researchers discovered that HIV-1 group M strain began spreading among humans between 1884 and 1924. The study suggests urbanization played a significant role in the pandemic's emergence. A genetic analysis revealed evidence of common ancestor around 1900, indicating an earlier origin than previously thought.
A systematic review suggests that over 40% of injecting drug users in nine countries are HIV positive, highlighting a major challenge to global public health. The authors estimate that there may be 15.9 million people worldwide who inject drugs.
A significant percentage of resident physicians reported that patient handoffs contributed to incidents resulting in patient harm. The study found that half the residents reported that problematic handoffs reduced their ability to provide complete and accurate information.
A recent study published in the Journal of Homosexuality found that internalized homonegativity, or negative attitudes towards homosexuality, is a stronger predictor of poor mental and sexual health among gay men than the act of being homosexual itself. The research suggests that positive attitudes towards homosexuality are associated ...
A study by Indiana University found that rural HIV care providers face significant stigma and discrimination, hindering their ability to provide quality care. This has important health and economic implications, highlighting inefficiencies in the public health system.
Researchers discovered that acyclovir directly suppresses HIV-1 in tissues co-infected with several herpesviruses. The activated form of acyclovir inhibits the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, necessary for viral replication. This finding holds promise for developing new anti-HIV treatments combining acyclovir with other therapies.
A recent study found that teens who did not use condoms were more likely to believe that condoms reduce sexual pleasure and were concerned about their partner's approval. The study recommends clinical interventions to address these attitudes and promote condom use.
A recent study found that public health institutions can increase HIV prevention program enrollment by up to 15% by offering a neutral message, rather than an invitation to counseling. This approach is particularly effective for participants with no intention of using condoms.
Researchers discover HIV's ability to break down the internal skeleton of resting T cells, allowing it to overcome a previously resistant barrier. This process involves the activation of protein cofilin and actin microfilaments, which may provide a new target for therapy.
A new collaborative study explores how operations research can maximize efficient use of limited resources, including antiretroviral drugs and medical personnel. The researchers show that using mathematical modeling approaches can help plan national drug distribution systems and predict demand for services.
A University of Chicago study found that over 13% of elderly Americans experience mistreatment, with verbal and financial abuse being the most prevalent forms. The study also revealed wide variations in mistreatment depending on age and ethnicity.
A novel approach to treating HIV/AIDS uses customized dendritic cells to stimulate immune response, showing potential for innovative therapeutic approach
Researchers from Michigan State University found that many low-cost over-the-counter hearing aids fail to meet basic fitting requirements and may damage a person's hearing. The study advises consumers to consult with an audiologist for proper fitting and customization.
A new study reveals that a history of sexually transmitted disease increases the risk of sexual dysfunction in older adults. The study found that physical health and mental health are significant factors contributing to sexual problems in both men and women, with certain demographics experiencing specific challenges.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center are launching a study to investigate the impact of mistrust in medical care on Latino HIV patients' mortality rates. The study aims to understand cultural and social factors contributing to this disparity.
A new study found that referees tend to award more points to tae kwon do competitors dressed in red than those dressed in blue. The researchers discovered a split-second bias toward red-clad athletes when competitors are evenly matched in skill.
Researchers found no correlation between traditional and standardized assays, highlighting the need for a physiologically relevant platform. Clade C antibodies showed broad cross-reactivity, neutralizing multiple viruses in both formats.
A study of HIV-infected crack users found that nearly half reported unprotected sex in the last six months, highlighting a pressing need for targeted interventions. The five-year HOPE study aims to improve engagement in care and prevention services, particularly for female users.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has published a special issue focusing on AIDS and HIV research, featuring reviews on vaccine development, B-cell abnormalities, and viral reservoirs. Key findings also include an increased rate of asthma in HIV-infected children treated with HAART.
Researchers will explore how HIV infection causes immune activation and depletion, with potential for clinical applications in AIDS treatment. The grant supports four projects ranging from basic lab research to experimental models and translational research.
A new study published in The Lancet warns that HIV transmission could quadruple in certain populations if people with HIV follow potentially misleading advice. Mathematical modeling predicts that HIV transmission would be four times higher in serodiscordant couples who abandon condom use.