Research programs working toward an HIV cure. Covers reservoir reduction, prevention policy, tumor-like tissue models, and vaccine development.
Researchers have identified a potential new way of fighting against HIV infection by targeting human endogenous retroviruses (HERV). A vaccine containing HERV antigens could stimulate T-cells that target cells expressing HERV, potentially protecting people from becoming infected or limiting damage caused by HIV.
The NIH has awarded $15 million over the next five years to the UCSF-GIVI Center for AIDS Research, doubling its previous support. The center provides strategic services and infrastructure to HIV/AIDS researchers, focusing on translational research and collaborations across disciplines.
A new study suggests that HIV/AIDS originated in Africa and traveled to the US through Haiti around 1969. Most US viruses descended from a single common ancestor originating from Haiti. The research used genetic analysis of archived blood samples to pinpoint the virus's entry point, shedding light on its early spread.
Local scientists play a crucial role in the fight against HIV, requiring adequate resources to conduct high-quality trials and develop treatments. Western governments must commit to sharing technology and expertise with developing countries on a long-term basis.
UF researchers tracked HIV genetic journey from birth to death in four children with HIV, finding the deadly X4 form emerges just before AIDS. The study reveals thymus as key location for viral replication and development of a 'program' of virus evolution over time.
The NIH grant will support innovative research into HIV transmission and early infection, with a focus on understanding the interactions between HIV and the immune systems of newly infected patients. The study aims to provide new clues for developing a vaccine and improving therapeutic outcomes.
A regulatory protein called CTLA-4 inhibits the action of HIV-specific CD4 T cells, leading to immune system breakdown in AIDS patients. Elevated CTLA-4 expression correlates with disease progression and reduced CD4 counts, suggesting a potential treatment target.
A mathematical model predicts that daily PrEP pills could prevent 3.2 million new HIV infections in southern sub-Saharan Africa in 10 years. The strategy is most effective when targeted towards high-risk individuals.
A new systematic review found that 'abstinence-plus' programs, which present safer sex as an option when abstinence fails, can increase abstinence, condom use, and reduce unprotected sex among North American youth. The study also suggests limited evidence of reduced pregnancy rates among teenage girls.
Dr. Michael Bruce Zwick is honored by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) for his groundbreaking work in developing an HIV vaccine. He has published numerous papers and received several prestigious awards, including the ICAAC Young Investigator Awards.
American Society for Microbiology honors Jason T. Blackard for his groundbreaking research on HIV and hepatitis C co-infections, including extrahepatic replication of HCV in HIV-infected women.
The University of South Florida's global health initiative will expand its research training partnerships in India to fight AIDS among adolescents. The program, valued at $1.36 million, will partner with Vadodara Medical College to train Indian physicians and healthcare professionals.
A new UCLA study reveals that unstable lifestyles and lack of organization in HIV patients' lives can act as a barrier to regular medical care. The researchers developed a six-item scale to gauge the level of chaos in an adult's life, which found those with more chaos scored higher on the scale and had lower mental health status.
A Harvard study found that socioeconomic status influences antiretroviral treatment effectiveness, even among those adhering to treatment schedules. Lower education levels were associated with faster regimen failure, while higher adherence self-efficacy reduced this risk.
Researchers studied the molecular mechanisms of successful HIV antibodies and found that Fc receptors play a crucial role in preventing infection. The study's findings may lead to the design of tailor-made vaccines that have never been done before.
The Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies will receive £15 million over five years to improve health status, focusing on HIV infection. Researchers will study the impact of ART programs and develop interventions to prevent transmission.
A study in Kabul found alarmingly high rates of risky injecting and sexual behaviors among injection drug users, with 50% sharing syringes and 76% engaging in paid sex. The incidence of Hepatitis C infection was also high, potentially foreshadowing an increase in HIV rates.
Researchers found that HIV reduced population growth in worst-affected areas by two-thirds, but the overall population continues to grow, with a higher crude death rate and lower birth rate in the presence of HIV.
A new study found that 1 in 20 North Carolina men who have sex with men reported using crystal methamphetamine, increasing the risk of spreading HIV and other STDs. Meth use is associated with inconsistent condom use, STD infection, HIV positivity, and erectile dysfunction treatment.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has been awarded a $16 million grant to establish the Pittsburgh Center for HIV Protein Interactions, which will investigate the life cycle of HIV. Researchers at the center will use advanced technologies to identify key virus-host interactions and develop new drug targets.
A comprehensive survey found that most older adults (57-85) are sexually active and view intimacy as crucial to life, but face high rates of 'bothersome' sexual problems. Healthier individuals report more frequent sex, with physical health playing a stronger role than age.
Leading researchers from IAVI, CDC and USMHRP presented final results of independent studies reexamining medical criteria for African volunteers in AIDS vaccine trials. The findings suggest that many healthy Africans have been excluded due to laboratory reference ranges developed for Western populations.
Researchers found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with lower CD4 cell counts and faster HIV disease progression in HIV-infected persons who are not on antiretroviral therapy. The study suggests that abstaining from alcohol use may decrease the risk of disease progression for these individuals.
A study found that fat on the chest and upper back is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes. The researchers also discovered that each type of fat contributes independently to insulin resistance, regardless of its presence.
Dr. Daniel Malamud leads a five-year research collective to study host defense molecules and bacterial factors in HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy. The project aims to define the interactions between these molecules and bacteria, with potential applications for designing better anti-HIV drugs and vaccines.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study documents high rates of HIV infection among young Nepalese girls trafficked to India, with 60.6% infected among those trafficked prior to age 15. The study highlights the dire health consequences of sex trafficking and the need for improved prevention measures.
Research suggests that tonsils may facilitate oral HIV transmission through their unique gene expression profiles, which include higher levels of immune function-related genes and lower levels of antiviral proteins. This makes the tonsil tissue more permeable to pathogens, increasing its vulnerability to infection.
A clinical trial by NIAID suggests that early antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected infants can significantly improve survival rates. The study found that children treated before three months of age had a better prognosis than those whose treatment was delayed, leading to a potential change in standard care worldwide.
Researchers identified three gene variants linked to HIV control and progression, providing new targets for therapies and vaccines. The study's findings could lead to improved treatments and more effective immune responses against the virus.
The CRESIB has launched a research programme on malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, aiming to better understand the disease and develop new control tools. The international consortium will bring together leading researchers from around the world to promote global efforts in P.vivax research.
The new publication provides up-to-date recommendations for clinicians treating patients with both HIV and TB, emphasizing the urgent challenge of integrating these two complex diseases. Key articles focus on treatment options, diagnostic tools, and prevention strategies, highlighting the need for closer collaboration between experts.
A clinical trial involving 5,045 women in South Africa and Zimbabwe found no statistical difference in the rate of new HIV infections between those who used a diaphragm with lubricant and male condoms versus only male condoms. The study found an overall HIV incidence rate of 4.0 percent, with no additional protective benefit from addin...
A recent study published in BMC Health Services Research found that larger HIV prevention programs in low and middle-income countries can reduce unit costs of prevention services by up to a third. By rapidly scaling up well-run existing programs, the study suggests that more HIV infections may be averted.
Researchers found that each doubling of a program's scale can reduce costs by around a third, making it a cost-effective strategy to prevent more HIV infections. Larger prevention programs use money more efficiently than smaller ones, with some large programs being ten times more efficient.
A new vaginal microbicide, VivaGel, is being tested in a clinical safety trial among sexually active young women to determine its safety and acceptability. The study aims to assess the product's effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission and gather information on user experience.
The International AIDS Society conference in Sydney drew a record number of 5,000 delegates and featured a new biomedical prevention track, reflecting increasing interest in microbicides and other innovative approaches.
Scientists have discovered how the HIV virus evades the human immune system, revealing a predictable pattern of mutations that can inform the design of an effective vaccine. The study's findings hold tremendous promise for global HIV efforts and could complement smaller functional studies with population-based approaches.
A new UCLA AIDS Institute study found that self-monitoring by HIV-positive patients is an effective strategy to reduce high-risk behavior. By answering questions about their sexual behavior, patients reflected on their own behavior and changed their actions.
Researchers discovered two human antibodies that can neutralize different strains of the SARS virus, which caused outbreaks in humans in 2002-2003. The antibodies were tested in lab assays and mouse models, showing potent neutralization of the virus.
amfAR is funding research projects to better understand the social and biological factors that influence HIV treatment. Studies will explore the potential benefits of maraviroc, a new antiretroviral drug, and examine how stigma affects healthcare quality for people with HIV.
A study conducted in Cambodia found that directly observed therapy significantly boosted immunity and reduced drug toxicities in HIV-infected children. The method, which involves trained childcare workers administering medication twice daily, is an effective and economical way to ensure adherence.
Scientists have challenged a long-held theory about how HIV depletes white blood cells, instead proposing that the virus slowly adapts to evade the immune system. This new understanding could pave the way for new treatment approaches.
A smokeless cannabis-vaporizing device delivers the same level of active therapeutic chemical and produces the same biological effect as smoking cannabis, but without the harmful toxins. The study found that vaporization produced comparable levels of THC with minimal exposure to combustion-generated toxins.
Researchers found that HIV patients with regular medical care have better survival rates compared to those without. The study, conducted on 2,619 men with HIV, showed that patients who visited their healthcare provider at least once each quarter had significantly lower risk of dying.
Researchers at UCLA AIDS Institute found a peptide that enhances HIV infection, contradicting its normal protective function. The discovery could lead to the development of new tools for gene therapy using HIV-based vectors.
Researchers explore how religious leaders and congregations respond to HIV/AIDS, with a focus on the impact on black church communities. The study aims to identify existing support groups and reveal how social networks can increase self-worth and prolong lives.
AIDS researcher Dr. Edward Johnson has received a $1.8M NIH grant to study the molecular mechanics of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a brain disease that kills four percent of AIDS patients worldwide. The research aims to understand how the JC virus causes PML, which can occur even in patients with well-managed AIDS.
A study by Ugandan researchers found that interruptions in antiretroviral medication supply due to financial or logistical issues led to the development of drug resistance in HIV-infected patients. Despite near-perfect adherence, treatment interruptions created opportunities for resistance to develop.
The rhesus macaque genome shows 97.5 percent similarity to both chimpanzees and humans, highlighting genetic differences between primates. Researchers identified 200 genes with evidence of positive selection during evolution, which may contribute to human-specific traits.
A new MUHC-led study reveals the oral fluid-based OraQuick HIV1/2 test to be 100% accurate and a patient-preferred choice for HIV testing in rural India. The test demonstrated higher accuracy than traditional blood tests, with minimal discomfort during sample collection.
Danish researchers have shed light on how viruses, like HIV and bird flu, trick human cells into producing proteins needed for replication. They developed optical tweezers to investigate the mechanical unfolding of pseudoknots, a crucial step in virus replication.
Scientists have identified a natural mechanism by which tumors and viruses evade the immune response, leading to the development of new cancer therapies. By inhibiting an enzyme called IDO, researchers hope to restore the immune system's ability to target cancer cells. Early clinical trials are underway to test this approach.
A new study by Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University found that adolescents with psychiatric disorders were less likely to use condoms consistently if they felt stressed or anxious about it. Helping teens manage their emotions may be crucial in preventing HIV and other STIs.
The Microbicide Trials Network will conduct 17 clinical trials over seven years to determine if topical microbicides can prevent the sexual transmission of HIV in women. The network, supported by NIH, brings together international investigators and community partners to develop and evaluate microbicides.
The NIAID has selected 60 U.S. and international institutions as HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) to conduct next-generation research on vaccines, prevention, and treatment. The CTUs will work together with clinical research networks to tackle critical research questions and accelerate progress against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded grants to University Hospitals Case Medical Center for expanded HIV treatment development and pioneering advances in Microbicides Trials Network. This includes immunology laboratory funding at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and clinical trial research sites in Uganda.
Two trials found HIV acquisition rates to be 53% and 51% lower in circumcised men compared to uncircumcised men in Kenya and Uganda, respectively. The Lancet published the findings on adult male circumcision as a prevention strategy for HIV.
A trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating women co-infected with HSV-2 and HIV with anti-herpes treatment significantly reduced HIV levels in genital secretions and plasma. The results suggest a new approach to reducing sexual transmission of HIV from already infected individuals.
Researchers have generated an atomic-level picture of a stable HIV surface protein component that appears vulnerable to attack from the b12 antibody. This finding could help develop an HIV vaccine capable of eliciting a robust antibody response.
Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology are developing a micropump to administer drugs and gene-based therapy treatments for auditory dysfunction. The goal is to improve treatment and cure hearing loss, surpassing the limitations of existing hearing aids and cochlear implants.