Research programs working toward an HIV cure. Covers reservoir reduction, prevention policy, tumor-like tissue models, and vaccine development.
NIAID is reshaping its research enterprise to broaden HIV vaccine discovery activities, with a focus on laboratory, non-human primate, and clinical researchers. The Institute plans to develop new initiatives to support individual investigator-initiated grants in HIV vaccine discovery and other tactics to interrupt HIV transmission.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is providing $4.4 million in funding to support three research teams investigating ways to improve the application of mental health research in Canada.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has decided not to conduct the PAVE 100 HIV vaccine trial, but will consider a smaller study to determine if the VRC vaccine regimen significantly lowers viral load. The decision comes after analyzing the STEP HIV vaccine study results, which found increased numbers of HIV infec...
A genetic variation that protects against malaria increases susceptibility to HIV by up to 40%, yet also prolongs survival by approximately two years. This finding highlights the complex relationship between genetics and HIV/AIDS, with implications for targeted prevention strategies.
A study published in the journal Addiction found that sexual behavior counseling during drug addiction treatment can decrease risky sexual behavior and HIV transmission in Russian substance-dependent individuals. The PREVENT program, a behavioral intervention, was effective in increasing safe sex among participants.
Researchers are comparing the effectiveness of tenofovir as an oral tablet and vaginal gel for HIV prevention. The study aims to understand how each formulation works in infection-prone cells, with a focus on optimal doses and women's adherence.
New UCLA study suggests that vaginal microbicides, currently being developed for women, might be more effective in preventing HIV infections in men. The study found that if the efficacy of these microbicides is less than 50% and adherence is less than 60%, they could prevent up to 21% of HIV infections in men.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that a public-health approach to HIV treatment in South Africa is equally effective as an individualized approach used in Switzerland. Treatment initiated early greatly reduces HIV levels and viral rebound, but higher mortality rates were observed in South Africa.
A federally funded consortium of researchers led by Baylor College of Medicine found that children treated for HIV are at higher risk of developing asthma. CD4 cells increase in these children, leading to inflammation in lung tissue and worsening asthma symptoms.
A meta-analysis of 38 randomized controlled trials found that interventions incorporating these characteristics significantly reduced HIV risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infections. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding diversity within African American communities in developing effective interventions.
The NIAID Vaccine Discovery Branch aims to remove fundamental obstacles to achieving a safe and effective HIV vaccine by focusing on the development and sharing of new knowledge. The branch will monitor scientific developments, identify gaps in knowledge, and promote research collaborations.
A study found that frequent self-cutting is linked to higher rates of HIV risk among teens. Teens who frequently cut themselves were more likely to share cutting instruments and exhibit less self-restraint.
Women were more likely than men to approach gender-matched brochures and retain information from them. The study found significant gender differences in exposure to the intervention, including women reading more brochures and retaining more information.
A randomized trial found that extending antiretroviral regimens can significantly reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission. Infants receiving extended prophylaxis had lower rates of HIV infection compared to those receiving standard care.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine has found that circumcision is safe for both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected men, with a low risk of moderate or severe surgical complications. The study also highlights the importance of refraining from intercourse after circumcision to prevent transmission of HIV to women partners.
The Einstein-Montefiore Center for AIDS Research has received a $8.5 million grant renewal from the NIH, supporting its growth of AIDS research programs and international collaborations. The center's contributions to HIV/AIDS research and treatment include identifying key areas of study and developing innovative therapies.
Scientists have identified CAML as a human host restriction to HIV release, which can now be overcome by Vpu. This discovery may lead to new treatments for HIV, as researchers are working on defining the mechanism and developing therapies.
Advances in sequencing and surveillance have enabled researchers to identify circulating strains of HIV-1, with subtype B prevalent in the Americas and clades A, C, and D in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study highlights the importance of viral diversity on disease progression and transmission.
A new study reveals that among billions of HIV variants, only a few lead to sexual transmission. The researchers used genetic analysis and mathematical modeling to identify precisely those viruses responsible for HIV transmission.
Researchers at PARC-MGH found that chronic viral replication leads to exhaustion of HIV-specific T cells. The study suggests that understanding the nature of CTL responses is crucial for designing effective vaccines against HIV. Persistent exposure to specific viral protein segments appears to be the key factor in CTL exhaustion.
Researchers have developed a new immunotherapy technique called OPAL therapy that stimulates immunity and controls virus levels in HIV-infected individuals. The treatment involves reinfusing fresh blood cells with overlapping peptides, showing promise in preventing AIDS progression.
Researchers at Stanford University have synthesized a compound that can be tailored to flush HIV out of hiding and into the crosshairs for targeted destruction. By synthesizing prostratin and DPP, two compounds found in plants, scientists can now tackle the virus more effectively.
A University of Minnesota study found that online interventions can help reduce HIV risk among young men who have sex with men. The research showed that meeting partners both online and offline increases the number of sexual partners and engagement in unprotected anal intercourse.
A new study has identified a human protein that can be targeted to block HIV infection, offering a potential breakthrough in the fight against AIDS. By inactivating this protein, called interleukin-2-inducible T cell kinase (ITK), researchers have found that HIV's ability to infect and replicate within immune cells is slowed or blocked.
The Wellcome Trust has announced a £20 million investment in research and training in Africa. Four major programmes will be established, focusing on strengthening social sciences research, clinical trials, and institutional infrastructure. This funding aims to support local researchers in tackling pressing problems in their region.
A computer-based program using a video doctor sharply reduces HIV-positive patients' sexual and drug risk behaviors, according to UCSF researchers. The Positive Choice program was tested at five San Francisco Bay Area outpatient clinics and showed significant reductions in risky behaviors among participants.
A study suggests that accelerating efforts to provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa could prevent over 1.2 million AIDS-related deaths by 2012, with full access reducing projected deaths to 800,000. Current treatment capacity would lead to 2.4 million deaths.
Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate the lengths of genetic pulses in HIV, favoring latency over replication. This finding offers promise for developing new treatments, as the 'switch' is a key factor in determining whether the virus becomes active.
Researchers at The Miriam Hospital and Brown University developed a new tool, the 'Willingness to Use Microbicides' scale, to measure women's willingness to use microbicides. Women with past experience using protective methods and casual sexual partners were more willing to use microbicides compared to their peers.
A Canadian-US research team has solved a major genetic mystery: how a protein in some people's DNA guards against killer immune diseases like HIV. The discovery of FOX03a offers promise for HIV vaccine development and treatments for other immune diseases, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
A team of researchers identified a human gene called TRIM22 that can block HIV infection in cell culture by preventing virus assembly. The discovery shows the body has a natural defense mechanism against HIV, but research is needed to understand why it doesn't work in people infected with HIV.
Researchers create devices called glycodendrons to inhibit HIV transport and stimulate immune response against the virus. The approach targets a specific carbohydrate structure on the viral surface, mimicking an antibody that protects against HIV progression.
A Phase II study found that the tenofovir gel was favorably self-applied and well-tolerated by HIV-negative women, with 80% following instructions to use the gel after sex. The researchers plan to proceed with larger studies to determine if the gel can prevent HIV infection.
The Omololu Falobi Award honors advocates for their work in community advocacy and international leadership in HIV prevention research. Srikrishnan Aylur Kailasam was recognized for his role in working with marginalized communities, while Lori Heise received the award for her leadership in microbicide research as a partner.
A Phase II study has shown that tenofovir gel is safe for daily use and most women adhere to the regimen, suggesting a potential new approach to preventing HIV transmission. The findings are significant for women who are at high risk of infection due to heterosexual intercourse.
University of Minnesota researchers have determined the atomic structure of APOBEC3G, a protein that inhibits HIV-1 infection. This discovery will help researchers manipulate the protein to combat HIV and develop methods to neutralize Vif, which triggers the destruction of APOBEC3G.
Research suggests that beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus in the vagina can reduce HIV virus levels in genital secretions, making it harder for the virus to spread. The study found a link between Lactobacillus production of hydrogen peroxide and lower vaginal HIV levels.
A new study highlights the link between depression and risky behavior among juvenile offenders. The research suggests that depression screenings should be included in the juvenile intake process to identify appropriate mental health interventions. This could lead to positive health outcomes for high-risk youth who have an arrest history.
Researchers have developed a new laboratory mouse model that can be used to test the efficacy of pre-exposure antiviral drugs to prevent HIV infection. The BLT mice have human blood cells, liver, and thymus tissue, making them susceptible to vaginal infection with HIV.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a key protein in dendritic cells that can stop HIV from 'budding', a crucial step in its life cycle. DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR demonstrated strong inhibition of viral production, rendering released particles uninfectious.
A large-scale randomized trial of nearly 4,500 men found no significant differences in sexual satisfaction and performance between circumcised and non-circumcised individuals. The study's findings support the use of circumcision as an effective way to reduce HIV transmission
A new UCLA AIDS Institute study found that newly homeless youth are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior if they lack supervision and social support. Drug use also plays a significant role in this behavior, particularly among females living in nonfamily settings.
The amfAR Mathilde Krim Fellowship program awards $1 million to bright young scientists working on prevention and treatment solutions for HIV/AIDS. Recipients include researchers studying HIV Tat-mediated transfer, TRIM5 modulation, biophysical studies of integrase-DNA complex, and morphogenesis of HIV-1 particles.
New research identifies a second gene, TRIM22, that exhibits rapid evolutionary adaptation to defeat retroviruses, suggesting alternate defense mechanisms over time. The study suggests that both TRIM5 and TRIM22 have played roles in protecting humans against retroviral infections.
Researchers from University of Missouri and Imperial College London found that chemical markers on cancer and HIV-infected cells can fool the immune system, making it ineffective against vaccines. The study suggests that vaccines may be unlikely to work due to these shared sequences.
Researchers at Brown University have created a 10-minute animated video explaining rapid tests for HIV, aiming to educate patients and healthcare providers. The video's effectiveness was tested in pilot trials, showing that it can improve comprehension of rapid HIV testing fundamentals.
Researchers call for GPs to be more proactive in offering HIV testing to higher-risk groups, citing low rates of early diagnosis and serious consequences. The study found that half of surveyed HIV-positive Africans were diagnosed late, despite above-average use of healthcare services.
Researchers found that newly HIV-infected men in the US dramatically shifted their behavior to choosing only unprotected sex with other infected individuals. This change reflects a systematic shift among men, mostly gay, to protect their partners from HIV infection.
A new investigational drug, tesamorelin, significantly improved symptoms of HIV lipodystrophy by reducing deep abdominal fat deposits and improving lipid abnormalities. Participants reported significant improvements in body image and reduced distress.
Researchers developed an HIV prevention program for adolescent runaways using a Strengths-Based Case Management model. The program focused on the youth's strengths and future goals, empowering them to realize their potential and preventing health risks.
CONRAD has received a $28.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop microbicides for HIV prevention, supporting combination microbicide research and testing of novel candidates.
A new study reveals HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) is widespread and severe in low- and middle-income countries. MSM are 19 times more likely to be infected than the general population, with rates up to 100 times higher in some countries.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes the contributions of researchers and managers in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Since the first cases of AIDS were reported, NIH has established a comprehensive trans-NIH research effort to understand HIV biology, develop effective therapies, and prevent new infections.
A Harvard Medical School and PIH study found that integrating HIV testing into primary medical care reduced diagnosis delays. In a single clinic, 85% of patients diagnosed on first visit, and median delay was just 62 days.
Two studies led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers suggest that HIV subtype E is more virulent than other subtypes, leading to significantly shorter survival rates in Thailand. The studies found a median survival time from infection to death of 7.8 years for Thai men, compared to 11 years globally.
A qualitative study found critical failures in South Africa's Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, including inadequate HIV testing and lack of nevirapine administration. The research highlights the need for strengthened HIV testing and a revised antiretroviral drug regimen to improve uptake.
Researchers found that suppressing herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) significantly reduces levels of HIV in the blood and rectal secretions, making patients less likely to transmit the virus. This reduction in HIV levels could have a significant impact on transmission of HIV.
The STEP study, sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc. and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has discontinued vaccinations due to lack of efficacy. Volunteers will now be informed about receiving either the vaccine or placebo and continue to participate in ongoing risk reduction counseling and study-related tests.
A recent study found that early and routine testing for HIV is key to curbing the spread of the disease among teenagers. Teens who have previously been tested are more likely to get re-tested, highlighting the importance of making testing readily available.
A new UCLA study reveals that people seeking antiretroviral medications after high-risk sexual encounters are likely to complete the full treatment regimen. The research also shows a strong demand for publicly available post-exposure prophylaxis among high-risk populations in Los Angeles County.