Research programs working toward an HIV cure. Covers reservoir reduction, prevention policy, tumor-like tissue models, and vaccine development.
Researchers found that nursing faculty attitudes towards caring for people living with HIV/AIDS vary across countries, with Peru and Colombia showing more positive stigmas. The study highlights the need for stigma-reduction interventions to advance knowledge and attitudes of nursing staff in this area.
Researchers developed a new imaging method that maps HIV's sugary shield in unprecedented detail, shedding light on its structure and dynamic nature. The technique has the potential to improve vaccine design by targeting vulnerable sites on HIV and other glycan-shielded viruses.
Penn State researchers are creating a new method to monitor HIV treatment effectiveness at home. The device will enable patients to use a finger prick test and reduce hospital visits to check their viral loads, reducing mortality and morbidity rates.
A recent study found patients with HIV who contract COVID-19 are at higher risk of hospitalization and death due to low immunity. Older adults and those with chronic health issues are particularly vulnerable.
A five-year grant from the National Cancer Institute will support research on cancer prevention and treatment in people living with HIV. The grant will focus on high-risk populations and aim to complete the ANCHOR Study, which investigates anal cancer prevention.
A new study explores women's hesitancy to use long-acting injectable (LAI) PrEP and their interest in its benefits. Women reported preferring LAI PrEP due to perceived effectiveness, convenience, and confidentiality.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a new way to limit inflammation from adjuvants by adding a molecule that disrupts certain pathways in cells. This approach increases protective response against viruses and could lead to a new vaccine design for SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and other diseases.
The BEAT-HIV Collaboratory recommends prioritizing viral measurements to accurately measure persistent HIV reservoirs in cure-directed clinical studies. These guidelines aim to standardize measurement approaches and aid researchers in their quest to find a cure for HIV.
The HRSA Special Collection examines key challenges faced by populations served by the Health Resources and Administration, including maternal depression, newborn screening, and regional disparities in Black infant mortality. Research findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these issues.
A new study aims to assess the safety of a monthly dapivirine ring and daily oral PrEP in breastfeeding women, who are at high risk of HIV infection. The study, called B-PROTECTED, will enroll up to 200 mothers and their babies in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
Research reveals that HIV studies are often designed with an unrepresentative population, leading to a lack of effective solutions for diverse groups. The study's findings highlight the need for more inclusive research methods to address health inequalities and improve patient outcomes.
Physicist John Barton at UC Riverside has received a $1.86 million NIH grant to develop methods for understanding how pathogens like HIV evolve and escape the immune system. His research could lead to the design of new and better treatments to fight disease.
A new study found that HIV screening every three months compared to annually improves clinical outcomes and is cost-effective among high-risk YMSM in the US. The study also suggests that more frequent screening could lead to improved life expectancy and reduced HIV transmission among these men.
GW University will participate in a Phase 3 clinical trial of the mRNA-1273 vaccine to test its safety and efficacy in humans. The trial aims to enroll 500 participants, including those at high risk for severe illness due to age or comorbidities, to develop a vaccine that can effectively protect these populations.
A GW-led research team is investigating HIV-1 resistance to antibody treatments, aiming to develop effective combination therapies for treatment, prevention, and potential cure. The project, funded through April 2025, aims to identify effective combination antibody cocktails that limit the virus's ability to escape from antibody pressure.
A large study found increased risk of heart disease, chronic liver and kidney disease, and physical function impairment in people with HIV. The study aims to develop effective prevention strategies and guidelines for cardiovascular risk management in this population.
The report aims to clear an ethical pathway forward for research on HIV and co-infections in pregnant women. It provides 12 concrete recommendations to promote the study of pregnant women's own health needs, enhance post-approval safety evaluations, and contextualize risk findings.
The HPTN 083 clinical trial showed that a long-acting cabotegravir injection was superior to daily oral tenofovir/emtricitabine for HIV prevention among cisgender men and transgender women. The study found a 66% reduction in incident HIV infections in participants given cabotegravir compared to TDF/FTC.
A new adjuvant, 3M-052, has been shown to induce long-lasting immunity against HIV in a pre-clinical study involving 90 rhesus monkeys. The adjuvant successfully generated vaccine-specific, long-lived bone marrow plasma cells that maintained high numbers for over one year after vaccination.
A commentary article exposes COVID-19 conspiracy theories linked to Dr. Judy Mikovits' fraudulent research, highlighting the dangers of such misinformation. The journal AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses has spoken out against the spread of false information on social media platforms.
After allogeneic stem cell transplantation, a critical window of vulnerability exists for re-infection with HIV. New T-cell responses to HIV proteins from donor cells develop after this time, indicating a weak point that may explain incomplete removal of the virus.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a molecular explanation for how HIV hides in immune system cells, allowing it to remain dormant and re-emerge. By understanding this process, scientists may develop new ways to control HIV infection.
Researchers developed a new HIV vaccine that combines neutralizing antibodies with cellular immunity to provide more effective protection. The vaccine showed promising results in preventing infection and lasting for over a year after vaccination.
A qualitative study found that women living with HIV prefer long-acting injectable (LAI) antiretroviral therapy due to its convenience, privacy, and perceived effectiveness. However, they also raised concerns about access, mistrust, and medical burden.
Research highlights increased cardiovascular disease risk among people with HIV worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The study explores how geographic location and income level influence the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors, shedding light on potential differences between lower- and higher-income countries.
Researchers identified a key HIV mechanism for viral adaptation to immune milieus. Lower Rev-RRE activity has been linked to slower disease progression and immune evasion, highlighting the potential for therapeutic targets.
Researchers created a laboratory model of three types of brain cells to study HIV's impact on the central nervous system. The model revealed that HIV infection can take a toll on the brain, causing inflammation and damage. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can reduce inflammation by around 70%, but also triggers its own unique response.
Researchers at Emory University have achieved significant shrinkage of the viral reservoir in SIV-infected nonhuman primates using a combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors. However, this approach does not prevent or delay viral rebound when antiviral drugs are stopped. The findings have important implications for HIV cure research.
A new HIV prevention drug, emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (F/TAF), has been met with criticism for its high cost and limited benefits compared to generic alternatives. The study found that F/TAF is not cost-effective and may even cause more avoidable HIV transmissions than it prevents.
Researchers found that starting ART immediately after HIV infection significantly reduces viral reservoirs, making them 100 times smaller. This discovery provides new hope for eradicating the virus.
A promising new study by University of Melbourne researchers suggests that wearing hearing aids may delay cognitive decline in older adults. The study found significant improvements in executive function, working memory, and quality of life for participants aged 62-82 years with hearing loss.
People living with HIV in Ontario have a 34% higher incidence rate of COPD, diagnosed at 50 years old vs. 62 for HIV-negative individuals, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital researchers. The study also found that women with HIV have a 54% higher risk of COPD.
A study of over 1,000 youth found that only 12% achieved viral suppression, compared to 32-63% in adult studies. The study highlights the need for tailored HIV intervention services and frequent contact with trained peer counselors to ensure enrollment and retention in care.
A Phase 2b/3 study in South Africa found that an investigational prime-boost vaccine regimen did not prevent HIV, but participants were safe. Researchers are continuing to explore other approaches to a safe and effective HIV vaccine.
Researchers have found that combining two anti-HIV antibodies with ART can suppress the virus and boost T cell responses, offering new hope for HIV treatment. The study suggests a potential interaction between humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity, which could lead to improved control of the virus.
Patients living with HIV who attend religious services regularly experience higher emotional and physical well-being, while privately religious individuals face mental health challenges. Researchers suggest integrating spiritual beliefs into holistic treatment programs to improve health outcomes.
A new study suggests that state-purchased insurance plans are improving HIV outcomes for people living with the disease. The research found that increased enrollment in these programs is associated with better viral suppression rates, which can lead to a reduction in new HIV transmissions and healthcare costs.
Researchers discovered the structure of HIV intasomes while they were blocked by key drugs, revealing how these medications inhibit viral infection. The study provides valuable information to design and improve future treatments.
Researchers have successfully disrupted viral latency in monkeys and mice, a crucial step towards an HIV cure. The approach uses a combination of immune stimulation and depletion to reactivate the dormant virus, offering new avenues for treatment.
Scientists at UNC-Chapel Hill and Emory University successfully reversed HIV latency in animal models using compound AZD5582. The study, published in Nature, demonstrated the ability to activate latently infected CD4+ T cells without toxicity, paving the way for further research towards a cure.
A new study found HIV hides in every organ site, including the brain and liver, causing inflammation-related diseases. The study used serial blood samples from terminally ill participants with HIV to identify where HIV hides, shedding light on potential new therapies.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that MAIT cells respond with dynamic activity and reprogramming of gene expression during acute HIV infection. The study sheds light on the immune system's response to this phase of HIV infection.
Researchers found that hotspots are not sources of infection but rather sinks for the virus, with more infections originating from outside communities. Inland communities with lower HIV prevalence drove more new infections in hotspot areas.
The Otago Global Health Institute is investing in new research initiatives with the Fiji National University and the National University of East Timor. The collaborations aim to lay the foundation for long-term research collaborations and tackle health issues such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria, non-communicable diseases, and HIV.
A study co-led by Queen Mary University of London found that routine HIV screening in general practice increases testing rates and improves detection of earlier diagnosis. The analysis showed outcomes comparable to those achieved in a previous trial, with higher CD4 scores among newly diagnosed patients.
A multidisciplinary inpatient team improved viral suppression rates by 30% and increased engagement in care after discharge by 30% for hospitalized HIV patients. The intervention addressed social and medical barriers, reducing future infection rates.
A single dose of antibody-based treatment can prevent HIV transmission from mother to baby, according to new research. The study found that administering a combination of two antibodies 30 hours after viral exposure prevented SHIV infection in rhesus macaque newborns.
A recent study published in E-Clinical Medicine found that about 75% of infants with HIV attained viral suppression on ART, but only 52% sustained it. Early treatment within the first two weeks of life led to similar outcomes as starting within the first two days of life.
A study led by NIH-funded researchers analyzed data on pregnant women with HIV and found that nearly 20% received treatment regimens not aligned with federal guidelines for use during pregnancy. The study highlights the need for further research into prescribing practices for pregnant women living with HIV.
Elite controllers, a subset of HIV-positive individuals, have distinct transcriptional profiles and enhanced ribosomal function in their lymphoid tissue CD8+ T cells. This allows them to suppress HIV replication through cytokine production, presenting an alternative approach to traditional viral eradication strategies.
A newly proposed model suggests the HIV-1 viral shell has a spherical matrix shape that fuses to host cells, releasing the viral capsid inside. This structure may help scientists understand the infection process and develop new treatments, such as blocking the viral entry mechanism.
A new study found that nearly one-quarter of people living with HIV are willing to participate in clinical trials that carry significant risks, including near-certain death, in exchange for the potential of an HIV cure. The study highlights the need for additional ethical safeguards when enrolling individuals in such high-risk research.
The institution secured a record-breaking $178 million in federal fiscal year 2019, marking the largest annual total in its history. This funding supports major grants in Ebola and HIV studies, neuroscience, genetics, and improving health among minority groups.
A large NIH-supported study found increasing acceptance of the U=U message among gay, bisexual men, with 84% of participants with HIV correctly identifying it as accurate. However, most still overestimate the risk of HIV transmission from an undetectable partner.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed an immunogen that selectively bound to antibodies with necessary mutations, which led to the production of potent neutralizing antibodies. The study demonstrates the ability to engineer the immune system to create an environment where effective antibodies can be made.
A team of researchers found that HIV takes refuge in lymph nodes in the spleen and gut during antiretroviral treatment. These cells, which are part of the immune response, allow the virus to escape treatment by limiting drug flow or eliminating them faster.
Researchers Éric A. Cohen and Tram NQ Pham have discovered a method to suppress HIV infection in humanized mice by boosting the levels of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, which can help control the spread of the virus at its early stages.
Creating too many Th1 cells at mucosal sites compromises effective vaccine protection against HIV. Researchers have identified a key balance needed to stimulate the immune response without increasing susceptibility to the virus.
The experimental HIV vaccine developed by Scripps Research and IAVI successfully elicited broadly neutralizing antibodies to at least two vulnerable sites on HIV. The test results suggest that researchers are one step closer to developing an effective HIV vaccine, a major goal of medical science.
A recent NIH-funded study found that children born to mothers on HIV therapy containing the drug efavirenz were 2-2.5 times more likely to have microcephaly and experience developmental delays compared to those on other antiretroviral drugs.