Research programs working toward an HIV cure. Covers reservoir reduction, prevention policy, tumor-like tissue models, and vaccine development.
Caroline Shiboski, a renowned oral medicine expert, has been awarded the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award for her groundbreaking research on immune dysfunction and its effects on oral health. Her work has led to significant advances in understanding and treating conditions like Sjögren's Syndrome and HIV-related oral diseases.
Dr. Linda Chang's award-winning project aims to eradicate all traces of HIV from the body and treat co-existing substance use disorders using a multi-disciplinary approach. The team will utilize gene-editing technology, CRISPR, and an MRI-guided focused ultrasound system to target hidden reservoirs of virus in the brain's immune cells.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly half of people living with HIV have coronary artery plaque, even those considered at low-to-moderate risk. The plaque was linked to increased arterial inflammation and immune system activation, independent of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A recent study by the AIDS Clinical Trials Group found that nearly half of participants had atherosclerotic plaque in their coronary arteries, despite being considered at low-to-moderate risk. The study also revealed an association between plaque presence and higher levels of inflammation independent of traditional risk scores.
Scientists have identified biomarkers that predict HIV remission after antiretroviral therapy (ART) interruption, which could help develop new therapeutic strategies for infection control. These biomarkers provide insights into the biological mechanisms controlling HIV replication and may aid in designing novel cure strategies.
A new study by Penn State College of Medicine reveals that people living with HIV/AIDS are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and die from suicide than the general population. The researchers found that despite medical advancements, the risk of suicide in this population is high.
A researcher at Albert Einstein College of Medicine has received an NIH director's award to use genetic epidemiology tools to prevent HIV infection among people who inject drugs. The study aims to identify key players in hepatitis C transmission networks, which can also help curb the spread of HIV.
Researchers argue that a broader application of neutralizing antibodies could be key to developing an effective HIV vaccine and treatment strategy. The study's findings suggest that higher serum titers of infused therapeutic antibody may provide broad protection against various HIV strains.
The ACTG announced that the Camostat treatment group in the ACTIV-2 Outpatient Monoclonal Antibodies and Other Therapies Trial will not move to phase 3. The phase 2 data failed to meet criteria for graduation, based on demonstrating early changes in viral shedding or improvement in symptoms.
A comprehensive health-screening program in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has identified a high burden of undiagnosed or poorly controlled non-communicable diseases. The study found that four out of five women over the age of 30 were living with chronic health conditions, highlighting the need for urgent interventions.
A team of researchers has designed an intravaginal ring (IVR) that delivers two medications known to decrease HIV transmission. The IVR, which contains a segmented section that releases hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), targets the first line of defence in reducing immune cell activation and buys time for a gene therapy treatment.
The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) is commemorating its 40th anniversary by convening a virtual annual meeting. The group has played a critical role in HIV research for nearly four decades, conducting landmark studies that have changed the treatment and care of people living with HIV around the world.
Researchers used a novel statistical model to estimate new HIV infections among adult MSM in England between 2009 and 2018. The results suggest that testing and treatment strategies have been effective in reducing new infections, with a significant decrease in the number of new infections from 2,770 in 2013 to 854 in 2018.
The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) has launched A5386, a phase 1 HIV cure study assessing the safety and efficacy of N-803 in conjunction with broadly neutralizing antibodies. The study aims to evaluate the immune system's ability to control HIV reservoirs and virus rebound.
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine provides strong protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including those from South Africa and Brazil. However, monoclonal antibody therapy may be less effective against these variants.
The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) has added BMS-986414 and BMS-986413, two monoclonal antibodies, to the ACTIV-2 outpatient treatment study for COVID-19. The combination therapy aims to improve efficacy, cover multiple variants, and reduce resistance. Participants will receive subcutaneous injections of the antibodies or placebo.
A lab-made monoclonal antibody, leronlimab, has been shown to completely prevent nonhuman primates from being infected with the monkey form of HIV. The results inform a future human clinical trial evaluating leronlimab as a potential pre-exposure prophylaxis therapy.
A new study by Flinders University researchers found that people living with HIV/AIDS face significant discrimination in their families, communities, and even among healthcare providers. This stigma can lead to concealment of the condition, self-isolation, and poor access to healthcare services.
A new study at UTHealth aims to reduce HIV incidence among trans women by combining HIV prevention services with gender-affirming care. The combination intervention, supported by peer health navigation, has shown promise in improving mental health outcomes and addressing the unique barriers faced by this population.
Researchers at CRCHUM and Yale University develop a cocktail that limits viral replication and decreases the HIV reservoir by destroying infected cells. The study successfully delays virus rebound, offering promising new therapeutic avenues against HIV.
A new study found that combining interleukin-21 and interferon alpha with antiviral therapy boosts natural killer cell activity to combat HIV. This innovative approach could lead to additional treatment options to control HIV/AIDS, reducing reliance on current treatments.
Researchers developed a unique pre-clinical model of long-term HIV infection using subset of human CD4 cells, excluding those prone to attacking mouse tissue. The model showed that memory CD4 cells can be infected and killed by HIV or protected by anti-HIV drugs, paving the way for T-cell based therapies
Research published in Scientific Reports reveals that individuals with HIV are at a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and fatal outcomes from COVID-19. The study found a 24% increased risk of infection and a 78% higher risk of death among people living with HIV compared to those without the virus.
Researchers developed a mobile gaming application to improve HIV care for young men living with the virus, achieving viral suppression and near-perfect ART adherence through gamification elements and social networking features. The app was shown to provide a significant head start in controlling the HIV virus.
Gladstone researchers have identified specific subsets of CD4+ T cells that are most susceptible to HIV infection. The team used a technology called CyTOF/PP-SLIDE to classify these cells and found that remodeling caused infected blood cells to alter their surface, potentially helping the virus infect more cells.
Researchers found people of color were more likely to know someone who died from COVID-19 and had greater difficulty accessing testing. Racial-ethnic minorities reported positive changes in substance use behavior during the pandemic.
The brain's auditory system actively tracks the velocity of a sound, just like the visual system. This study reveals that people can improve their ability to track moving sounds over time.
Researchers developed a new test to measure inactive HIV viruses in patients' genes, providing more accurate information on drug effectiveness. This test could help track the size of the HIV reservoir and predict how long it takes to eliminate the virus from the body.
A Phase 2 clinical trial is launched to evaluate ImmunityBio's Anktiva (IL-15 agonist) in Thai participants with acute HIV infection. The goal is to target the establishment of the HIV reservoir at a very early stage.
A recent review of over 10,000 medical records from four African countries has shed light on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, as well as the frequency of various complications. The study's findings will help determine the safety of PrEP and dapivirine ring for HIV prevention in pregnant women.
Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University have finally understood how their cytomegalovirus-based vaccine works in monkeys, generating a unique type of immune response to fight off SIV. The breakthrough sheds light on the design of future CMV-based vaccines and offers new hope against HIV.
Researchers propose genomic sieve analysis to examine COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infections, revealing viral mutations that evade the immune response. The technique predicts potential mechanisms of vaccine protection and future vaccine resistance.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine will engage breast cancer teams across the US in a learning collaborative to adopt and implement conversation aids for early-stage breast cancer treatment options. The goal is to improve patient involvement in decision-making and increase awareness of PCORI-funded research findings.
A pilot study published in EBioMedicine found that metformin can improve immune function and reduce viral reservoir size in people living with HIV. The drug, commonly used to treat type-2 diabetes, was well-tolerated by patients and showed beneficial biological effects on colon biopsies.
The AMP trials tested a broadly neutralizing antibody called VRC01, which was effective at preventing the acquisition of HIV strains in sensitive populations. However, results showed that more than one single bnAb is needed to prevent HIV acquisition, highlighting the need for combination monoclonal antibody cocktails.
A Phase 1 trial evaluating Army-developed ALF adjuvants in HIV-1 vaccine regimens aims to improve immune responses. The study will compare different adjuvants and inform a promising vaccine strategy for stronger, more durable immune responses.
A 90-day dapivirine ring has passed its first test in a Phase I study, showing promising results for long-acting HIV prevention in cisgender women. The ring achieved higher dapivirine concentrations in blood plasma and vaginal fluid compared to the monthly dapivirine ring, suggesting potential for sustained protection.
The DESIRE study found that efficacy was the strongest determinant of participants' stated modality choice, followed by delivery method and side effects. Participants preferred a douche used 30 minutes before sex with 95% efficacy, offering three to five days of protection.
A recent MHRP study demonstrated that an experimental combination of a TLR7 agonist and broadly neutralizing antibodies delayed viral rebound after ART interruption by 2-fold. This approach may represent a potential strategy to target the HIV reservoir in infected individuals.
A new study examines the effects of COVID-19 on low-income Black and Latino individuals with HIV, revealing successful indigenous coping strategies and gaps in healthcare access. Despite initial disruptions to care, overall engagement in HIV treatment remained relatively stable, highlighting the need for improved telehealth services an...
Researchers at Regenstrief Institute have developed SymTrak-8, a short questionnaire to track symptoms in older adults and assist healthcare providers in assessing treatment effectiveness. The tool provides a more complete picture of overall wellbeing and symptom burden, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions.
A new study finds that self-testing increased HIV testing rates by over 93% amongst trans participants, but highlights the need for inclusive and welcoming sexual health services. The study's findings suggest that most existing services do not meet the unique needs of this community.
A new study in South Africa found that male clients of female sex workers contribute significantly to HIV transmission, with a rate of 6.9% over a decade. Increasing treatment among these individuals could reduce transmission by up to five times, making them a key focus for HIV prevention and treatment efforts.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a potential way to eradicate latent HIV infection by triggering a natural alarm system in human immune cells. The strategy targets the activity of a specific HIV protein, rather than its appearance, and has shown promise with certain drugs that force the protein to become active.
A phase 1 clinical trial testing a novel vaccine approach to prevent HIV has produced promising results, stimulating the production of rare immune cells needed to generate broadly neutralizing antibodies. The targeted response was detected in 97 percent of participants who received the vaccine.
Researchers report positive results from three Phase I studies on rectal microbicides, including a gel containing dapivirine that was well-tolerated but required higher doses to provide protection. The studies suggest that dosing changes and longer-acting formulations may be necessary for effective HIV prevention through anal sex.
A recent study found that Medicaid expansion led to a significant increase in the identification of undiagnosed HIV infections and the use of HIV prevention services. The research reveals a 13.9% rise in new HIV diagnoses, mostly concentrated among injection drug users in low-income and rural counties.
MIT researchers have created a new computational model that can predict which sections of viral surface proteins are more likely to mutate in a way that enables viral escape. The model identifies potential targets for vaccines against influenza and HIV, offering hope for developing effective treatments.
Researchers will develop a low-tech virtual village platform to connect people living with HIV, providing resources and social support. The study aims to reduce depression, anxiety, and isolation among seniors aging with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A recent study investigated attitudes towards long-acting injectable (LAI) HIV therapies among women with a history of injection, including medical purposes and substance use. The research found that LAIs may improve adherence by reducing treatment fatigue and reminders associated with daily pill-taking.
Researchers at Texas Biomed will study the effects of cannabinoids on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), with a focus on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). The goal is to develop better therapeutic options for HIV patients suffering from HAND.
A study is exploring whether interventions effective for HIV testing and treatment can be adapted to promote compliance with COVID-19 mitigation strategies. The goal is to develop a program increasing COVID-19 testing and treatment rates among marginalized, hard-to-reach populations.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has established four HIV clinical trials networks to advance research on prevention, vaccines, therapeutics, and maternal/adolescent/pediatric treatments. The networks aim to increase efficiency and effectiveness in NIH's HIV clinical trial operations.
The UC San Diego-led Collaborative Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) will investigate therapeutic strategies for a cure and functional cure of HIV. The CTU will also evaluate viral persistence and latent reservoirs, as well as new antiretroviral drugs and treatments for co-infections.
A new study by UCL researchers used quantum sensing abilities of nanodiamonds to improve the sensitivity of paper-based diagnostic tests, enabling earlier detection of diseases such as HIV. The tests can detect lower viral loads and may be adapted for COVID-19 and other diseases.
Researchers at KU Leuven developed a technique that uses brainwaves to determine within one second whom you're listening to. The system separates sound signals and links them to brainwaves, allowing for faster identification of the desired speaker.
The grant aims to establish a research center to investigate HIV- and human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers in Africa. The center will build on existing efforts that have improved research, clinical, and laboratory capacity in Rwanda.
Researchers have discovered a key enzyme SphK2 that suppresses the immune system's response to viral infections. The study found that inhibiting this enzyme can clear persistent viral infections and treat some types of cancer by promoting activation of the immune system.
Integrating HIV self-testing into Canada's health system could lead to better HIV detection and management, especially for underdiagnosed populations. The authors propose four factors for successful introduction, including rapid approval of WHO-approved tests and cost-effectiveness studies.
A new Yale School of Public Health study found that 31% of days featured positive experiences and 11% had negative experiences related to racial and sexual identity. The findings suggest that spaces catering to the Black LGBQ+ community can improve well-being.