Research programs working toward an HIV cure. Covers reservoir reduction, prevention policy, tumor-like tissue models, and vaccine development.
A new study in Malawi found that sex workers prioritize convenience when accessing HIV-prevention medication, with family planning clinics and non-governmental drop-in centers being preferred locations. The women also emphasized the importance of extra health services, male healthcare providers, and convenient dosing schedules.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute have developed a synthetic DNA-based platform to drive in vivo production of broadly neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies. These results show that the platform can produce potent antibodies with strong neutralization ability, comparable to recombinant antibodies. Additionally, combining multiple antibodie...
A new study found that stigma about HIV preventive medication (PrEP) use is significantly associated with lower intention to start PrEP among women. The study recommends expanding public messaging, addressing stereotype beliefs, and designing interventions that integrate stigma reduction at the individual and community levels.
A recent HVTN study found that antibody-mediated and cellular-mediated immune responses correlate with a decrease in HIV transmission. The study demonstrated that measuring both types of immune responses can predict the transmission of HIV, providing new insights into potential correlates of protection (CoP).
A unique study aims to analyze how daily microaggressions affect the health of black women living with HIV. The Project MMAGIC team will gather data from 150 women for one year to see how microaggressions and other related experiences impact their viral suppression over time.
Researchers found high rates of overall survival and kidney graft survival in recipients living with HIV who received kidney transplants from deceased donors with HIV. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that outcomes were comparable to those in a previous US study using kidneys from donors without HIV.
A study by HVTN 105 demonstrated that DNA (DNA-HIV-PT123) and protein (AIDSVAX B/E) combination vaccine regimens induced high magnitude and long-lasting binding antibody responses. The findings showed more rapid potentially protective immune responses when the vaccine regimens were co-administered.
The Wistar Institute has been awarded $12M to investigate the impact of opioid use disorder on immune recovery in HIV-infected people. The study aims to find the best pharmacologic strategy for managing opioid use disease in HIV-infected individuals starting antiretroviral therapy.
A new study published in Nature Communications presents a promising alternative for HIV treatment and prevention. The injectable implant combines multiple drugs and is ultra-long-acting, addressing challenges faced with current methods. It can be removed surgically within weeks or biodegrades into body-absorbed acids if not needed.
The study found significant cellular and antibody responses in South African participants, with higher CD4+ T cell response rates and stronger cross-clade antibody responses compared to Thai participants. The results suggest that the RV144/Thai vaccine regimen can induce a broader immune response across different HIV clades.
Researchers say hospital emergency departments can play a critical role in curbing the spread of HIV infections in hard-to-reach populations. By initiating treatment and case management, EDs may be able to reach key targets in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Institute have discovered that lung-specific chronic immune activation is responsible for the progression of disease in HIV patients. This dysfunction leads to a constant production of cytokines and chemokines, dysregulating the body's ability to fight off other infections.
A study by UCSF researchers found that HIV infection is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a leading cause of stroke. The risk is comparable to known factors like hypertension and diabetes, affecting up to 1 in 5 HIV-positive patients.
Researchers developed an animal model to test HIV infection and therapies in infants, allowing them to study viral rebound after antiretroviral therapy interruption. The simian-human immunodeficiency virus-infected infant rhesus macaque model mimics breast milk transmission and simulates human infants' immune responses.
The NIH has awarded $11 million to 23 institutions to develop locally relevant plans for diagnosing, treating, and preventing HIV in high-new HIV cases areas. Researchers will focus on implementing proven treatment and prevention tools, including daily antiretroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis.
The University of California, San Diego's Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) has been awarded $1.2 million in funding to support research and implementation of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative. The initiative aims to reduce new infections by 90% by 2030. CFAR will lead teams working on four pillars: diagnose, treat, prevent, and res...
A recent study analyzed 100,000 localized seismic events to search for patterns in the data. Researchers found that earthquakes of differing magnitudes share more similarities than previously thought, suggesting predictable characteristics may aid forecasting.
In a feasibility study, PrEP was successfully integrated into family planning clinics in Kenya, with 114 women out of 278 initiating PrEP experiencing no HIV infections. The study indicates that integration of screening for HIV risk and preventive treatment among young women in a family planning clinic setting is feasible.
Researchers have found a novel approach to limit excessive immune responses in chronic diseases like psoriasis, asthma, and HIV by targeting the IL-1 family. The study identifies IL-1R3 as a potential target for effective treatment, offering a new direction for research and therapy.
A new study identified a transcriptional signature in B cells that correlates with protection from SIV or HIV infection in five independent trials of HIV-1 vaccine candidates. The gene expression signature was found to be associated with the only human HIV vaccine trial that previously showed modest efficacy, RV144.
Researchers found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with altered immune function among people living with HIV, leading to higher levels of biomarkers linked to mortality. The study highlights the potential harms of heavy drinking on people with HIV and emphasizes the need for further research.
Scientists found that frequent and sustained semen exposure can change the characteristics of immune cells targeted by HIV-1, reducing susceptibility to future infections. While it does not block infection, repeated semen exposure may promote host resistance, raising new hypotheses for HIV vaccine studies and prevention strategies.
Researchers found that HIV integrase inhibitor dolutegravir is not a clinical inhibitor of folate transport pathways, reducing concerns about its impact on maternal and fetal health. The study's results suggest that these drugs may be safer for pregnant women than previously thought.
A nationwide HIV prevention study led by Dr. Christian Grov has been extended due to its success in achieving stringent transition milestones. The study aims to improve HIV prevention and care for gay and bisexual men using technology-mediated epidemiological cohort studies.
The University of Miami will track cardiovascular and pulmonary disease in men and women with HIV, exploring differences between sexes. The seven-year study aims to understand comorbid conditions and their impact on people with HIV infection.
A new study reveals that HIV transmission occurs mainly through direct cell-to-cell contact in 3D cell cultures, contradicting the traditional assumption of viral particle diffusion. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches for HIV treatment.
A new study examines the safety and effectiveness of multiple doses of injected rilpivirine, a long-acting antiretroviral agent. The results show that rilpivirine is associated with significant inhibition of HIV replication in rectal tissue, persisting for up to 4 months after treatment, but not in cervicovaginal tissue.
A new viral HIV vaccine has successfully protected rhesus macaques from high-dose SIVmac239 challenges, a notoriously difficult-to-defeat strain. The vaccine uses a gene-therapy inspired approach and durable protection is achieved with a single inoculation.
The HOPE study found that most women accepted the dapivirine ring and used it consistently throughout the year. The study showed a significant reduction in HIV incidence among participants, with an estimated 39% decrease in risk compared to those not offered the ring.
A vaginal ring that releases an antiviral drug has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV by 39% in a study of over 1,400 women in southern and eastern Africa. The study found that participants used the ring more consistently than in previous trials, with higher adherence rates.
A US study found that engaging disenfranchised men who have sex with men living with HIV in the US is possible, but achieving and maintaining viral suppression remains a challenge. Despite some progress, many participants still face personal, practical, and structural barriers to achieving success.
Mathematical modelling and cost-effectiveness analyses project substantial reductions in new HIV cases with sustained community-wide testing and prompt treatment. The HPTN 071 study found a sustained intervention to be cost-effective, reducing costs per disability-adjusted life-year.
Researchers found a 1% average decrease in bone mineral density in the spine and 0.5% decline in hip among Truvada PrEP users with daily adherence. This lower-than-expected risk suggests that young, healthy individuals on Truvada for PrEP have only a minimal risk of decreased bone density.
A new study found that half of participants with well-managed HIV retain HIV DNA in their cerebrospinal fluid, associated with cognitive deficits. Researchers also noted a link between HIV DNA and poorer performance on neurocognitive tests.
A study of 69 individuals on long-term antiretroviral therapy found nearly half had persistent HIV in cells of their cerebrospinal fluid, associated with neurocognitive difficulties. HIV can persist in the nervous system even when suppressed in blood medication, suggesting a significant obstacle to efforts to eradicate HIV.
A study published in Nature Immunology reveals that HIV drug therapy leaves 'holes' in the immune system, which may contribute to the lack of viral control. The researchers identified key differences in gene expression between HIV patients with and without effective immune responses.
The NIH is launching a Phase 3 HIV vaccine efficacy trial called Mosaico, which will assess the safety and effectiveness of an investigational vaccine regimen designed to prevent HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men and transgender people. The trial will enroll 3,800 participants in North America, South America, and Europe.
A global survey found widespread adoption of WHO's 'Treat All' HIV guideline across 200+ HIV clinics in 41 countries. Sites generally initiate treatment within 14 days of diagnosis, with rapid roll-out and no significant differences by region or facility characteristic.
A seven-year NIH grant will support refinement and manufacturing of novel vaccine candidates designed to induce broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of disarming numerous HIV strains. The goal is to develop a vaccine that can halt the epidemic, despite current challenges posed by the virus's ability to rapidly evolve.
A machine-learning algorithm predicts high-risk patients for HIV, flagging nearly half of those who later become infected. The tool uses 44 relevant variables from electronic health records and identifies 2.2% of patients as high or very high risk within 3 years.
Researchers developed two new algorithms that can identify patients at high risk of HIV and may benefit from preventive care. The models use data from patients' electronic health records to flag potential candidates for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication, which is over 90% effective in preventing HIV acquisition.
Researchers have created mice with a transplanted human immune system, enabling them to study the complex response of the human immune system to diseases such as cancer, HIV, and autoimmune disorders. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for these conditions.
A new study from Binghamton University found that nurse practitioners are more likely to conduct HIV screenings if their colleagues support routine screenings. The strongest predictor of HIV screening behavior was social normative expectations, followed by attitudinal beliefs towards routine HIV screening.
A randomised trial of over 7,800 African women found that a type of contraceptive injection (DMPA-IM), copper IUD, and levonorgestrel implant posed no substantially increased risk of HIV acquisition. The study suggests continued access to these highly effective contraceptives alongside high-quality HIV prevention services.
The new MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study will investigate chronic conditions affecting people living with HIV, such as cardiovascular and lung disease, diabetes, and cancer. Researchers will also examine the impact of age, race, ethnicity, and health disparities on HIV-related comorbidities.
Researchers aim to achieve sustained HIV remission without life-long antiretroviral therapy (ART), motivated by side effects and stigma. Persistent viral reservoirs pose a major obstacle to this goal.
Researchers found motorists give more room to cyclists wearing high-visibility vests, but visibility aids alone cannot ensure sustainable safety. Gordon Lovegrove proposes combining visual reinforcement with driver education in safety apparel to curb accidents.
The University of Miami has established a new center, CHARM, to study mental health disparities and curtail the local HIV/AIDS epidemic. The center aims to address behavioral factors that perpetuate the disease, particularly in poor and marginalized communities.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that community-based adherence clubs for HIV patients resulted in higher losses from care over two years compared to clinic-based care. Despite this, health outcomes were similar between the two groups.
A Yale-led study found that integrated stepped alcohol treatment reduced heavy drinking days and improved abstinence rates in patients with HIV. The treatment model, which involves 'stepping up' treatments based on patient needs, also led to better HIV outcomes, including higher medication adherence and undetectable viral loads.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that investing in health aid uniquely improves the US's standing abroad, increasing favorability ratings and soft power. The study analyzed data from over 260,000 respondents in 45 low-to-middle-income countries between 2002 and 2016.
Portland State University researchers are helping to develop a mobile app called Trans Women Connected aimed at reducing HIV among transgender women. The app will offer effective HIV and sexual health messaging tailored to the community's specific needs, including social support networks and trans-friendly healthcare resources.
A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that health care providers are divided on who should prescribe PrEP, with some arguing primary care physicians should take the lead. Meanwhile, pharmacy students showed a positive attitude towards PrEP, with 89% agreeing it can be a cost-effective tool to prevent HIV infection.
Researchers found that sharing equipment used to prepare drugs before injection can transmit HIV, but heating the equipment with a cigarette lighter for 10 seconds can destroy the virus. The 'Cook Your Wash' campaign has helped reduce rates of HIV transmission in London, Ontario.
Despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), five individuals experienced extreme immune decline, a rare phenomenon known as EXID, where CD4+ T cell levels declined by an average of 157 cells per microliter. Gene mutations and HIV strain variations may contribute to this paradoxical response.
The Microbicide Trials Network is conducting a study to assess the acceptability, tolerability, and adherence of three rectal delivery methods: placebo inserts, suppositories, and douches. The study aims to understand individual preferences for HIV prevention products.
Researchers visualize HIV's shape and vulnerabilities using single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) technology. The study provides a direct means of seeing the dynamic machine-like structure of the HIV envelope, which can be targeted by antibodies to eliminate infected cells.
The project aims to integrate diabetes and hypertension services with HIV-infection services to test their efficacy and applicability. Chronic conditions are expected to overtake infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa within the next decade.
A new study suggests that dolutegravir-based treatment could save thousands of lives in South Africa by reducing deaths among women and preventing HIV transmission to children. However, the use of dolutegravir may increase the risk of birth defects.
Research found that HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) adolescents and young adults are at higher risk of obesity and reactive airway disease compared to their non-exposed peers. Lower prenatal maternal CD4 count was associated with increased body mass index (BMI) in HEU adolescents.